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Thursday, August 11, 2005
An extract from the Straits Time forum on 11 Aug:( I agreed with what the writer commented) Watching the spectacular National Day Parade on Tuesday, I was struck by the evolution of National Day song over the past couple of decades.
The recent repertoire, including this year’s Reach For The Skies, is ostensibly more melodic, sophisticated and attuned to popular culture than the previous decades’ Count On Me Singapore and We Are Singapore. And yet, despite the former’s congruence with current tastes, the songs just don’t seem to catch on as readily with Singaporeans as the simpler, folksy songs of yesteryears. As I watched the spectators belt out Stand Up For Singapore and other campfire-like song, but sways silently to the newer sounds of Home and the aforementioned 2005 National Day song. I couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps the latter are just a tad too sophisticated for mass singing. These National Day songs are meant to rally Singaporeans in celebration of the special day and to generate a feeling of pride in our country. That invariably involves singing the song together as a nation. But mass singing requires simple melodies, “ Reachable” notes, and easy to-remember (that is, repetitive) lyrics – elements which the latest songs don’t quite possess. Though, I have enjoyed the fresh, inspirational and aspirational harmonies that showcase our country’s young talent, our National Day songs should be timeless, not just hip now. Perhaps we should look towards creating less demanding songs that can bridge the gap between the “nerdy” old-school chants and the newer inaccessibly-pitched tunes – songs that people of any vocal range can readily belt out with pride……..
10:37 PM
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