From timeless classics to contemporary anthems, the evolution of NDP songs reflects Singapore’s changing identity and shared memories.
SINGAPORE: Don Richmond, songwriter and music director of multiple National Day Parades (NDP), including 2022 and 2023, recently shared an amusing anecdote about his mother-in-law. During a wedding, she proudly told relatives that he had composed the 2022 NDP song Stronger Together. Their puzzled looks only dissolved after she sang the song’s catchy hook, proving how small melodic moments resonate across language barriers.
Yet, Stronger Together is no Home. For Singaporeans, Home remains the gold standard of NDP songs, encapsulating a deep emotional connection to the nation. Written by Dick Lee for the 1997 Sing Singapore festival, not even the NDP, its reflective lyrics and universal themes have set a bar that newer songs struggle to meet.
This raises a perennial question: Will any NDP song ever match the enduring legacy of Home?
The Evolution of NDP Songs
Before Home, NDP songs were instructional in nature, designed to foster loyalty and patriotism. Tracks like Stand Up for Singapore and Count on Me Singapore were energetic calls to action, urging citizens to contribute to the nation’s progress.
With Home, a turning point emerged. Its deeply personal narrative and individual perspective on belonging resonated profoundly, setting a precedent for future songs to focus on storytelling and connection rather than directives.
Balancing Expectations
For Richmond and other songwriters, creating an NDP song is a daunting task. Not only must it align with the year’s overarching NDP theme, but it also has to appeal to Singapore’s diverse population. Richmond believes targeting younger audiences is key, as their enthusiasm often spreads to older generations.
Conversely, Linying, who co-wrote The Road Ahead in 2021, approached her work with a different philosophy: “Write the song you want to hear.” She eschewed rose-tinted patriotism for authenticity, reflecting the struggles of pandemic-era Singapore while embracing a hopeful outlook.
Cultural Significance Beyond Music
Iconic NDP songs often reflect pivotal moments in Singapore’s history. Count on Me Singapore emerged during the 1985 recession to combat youth pessimism, while The Road Ahead captured the resilience and unity of a nation navigating a global crisis.
These songs also serve as cultural time capsules, resonating differently with each generation. Whether it’s the joy of performing Reach Out for the Skies in primary school or rediscovering The Road Ahead as a TikTok trend, NDP songs hold personal and collective significance.
Beyond ‘Home’: Redefining Success
Comparisons to Home are inevitable, but perhaps they miss the point. Each NDP song serves a unique purpose, capturing the spirit of its time. While Shine Your Light, the 2023 theme song, may not rival Home, it could become a cherished memory for today’s youth.
In the end, the success of an NDP song isn’t about surpassing a classic—it’s about complementing the narrative of a nation. Home will always be the benchmark, but every new anthem adds to the tapestry of Singapore’s story, uniting its people through shared melodies.
