Singaporeans have plenty of reasons to be proud: a beautiful island home to live in, a thriving multicultural community, a brilliant education system, good healthcare, booming economy – right now Singapore is a country that has it all. Many Singaporean's have felt the need to set their feelings of national pride to music over the years. In fact, given how small the nation is, it's pretty amazing how many patriotic songs have been written about it.
Here we look at some of the most famous odes to Singapore, including their most stirring, country-praising lyrics.
Song for Singapore – Corrine May
Singer, guitarist and songwriter Corrine May is one of Singapore's best loved musicians. In 2010, she showed that this loved was reciprocal, with the beautiful Song for Singapore.
I want to sing Sing a song for Singapore With every generation there's more to be grateful for So come and sing Sing a song for Singapore You're my brother, you're my sister I'm thankful for my Singapore My Singapore Singapore
There's No Place I'd Rather Be – Jimmy Ye
A Singaporean Chinese singer whose 1993 album Give Me Your Love was a huge success. One of the highlights is There's No Place I'd Rather Be, a tribute to his home country.
There's no place I'd rather be You'll always be a part of me And even though I've roamed the world It's still my home I long to see
What Do You See? – Electrico
Since first hitting the indie scene back in the mid-1990s, Electrico have been one of Singapore's leading rock bands. What Do You See? is their most patriotic song.
See the moon and the stars
Look how far we have come
Look around at our faces
They shine brightly in the sun
With our hopes and dreams
Imagine what tomorrow it may bring
What do you see? What do you see?
Semoga Bahagia – Zubir Said
Written in Malay by famed Indonesian composer Said, the title of this tune translates as ‘May You Find Happiness.'
Sama-sama maju ke hadapan (Together we progress) Pandai cari pelajaran (Clever at seeking knowledge) Jaga diri dalam kesihatan (Take care of your health) Serta sopan-santun dengan kawan-kawan (And be courteous to your friends)
Onward Singapore – Zubir Said
Where else to end the list then with the national anthem itself? Officially in Malay, the English lyrics are below:
Come fellow Singaporeans
Let us progress towards happiness together
May our noble aspiration bring
Singapore success
Come, let us unite In a new spirit
Let our voices soar as one
Onward Singapore
Onward Singapore
Come let us unite
In a new spirit
Let our voices soar as one
Onward Singapore
Onward Singapore