August is fast approaching, and you know what that means. Red-and-white flags hung from HDB corridors, fireworks galore, and of course, National Day Songs. Even the most sotong Singaporean would have heard of classics like Reach Out For The Skies, which resurge on the radio this time of year.
Besides this year’s tune Not Alone some are just classics that have stood the test of time. From singing along during the Primary 5 NDP preview to watching them performed live during the National Day Parade, you gotta admit that we’re suckers for these local jams. We rounded up the best National Day songs – see what made our #1 below.
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There are multiple National Day “traditions” we’ve grown used to, besides hanging up the national flag and eagerly awaiting the release of the new National Day song. If you plan to make a day out of celebrating our country’s birthday, bookmark these NDP fireworks spots where you can catch ‘em for free.
Activities are happening at 5 heartland sites too, including carnival games, live performances, and displays of the impressive SAF, SPF, and SCDF vehicles. More details can be found on the National Day Parade website.
Video credit: sget88 via Youtube
Sung by: Faridah Ali, Jacintha Abisheganaden, Stephen Francis, and Clement Chow
The Singapore story: This iconic tune from the 1990s has a straightforward message about coming together as a country, regardless of background. Simply put, we are One People, One Nation, One Singapore.
If the title isn’t enough to unify Singaporeans, then its lyrics surely will. The line “every creed and every race, has its role and has its place” really emphasises the important role everyone has to play in making Singapore the country it is today.
Even the music video features families from various races and religions interacting and standing as one. In terms of lyrics, it’s definitely an addictive wordplay to sing to.
Video credit: NDPeeps via Youtube
Sung by: Sing A Nation choir
The Singapore story: You might remember One Singapore as the “Wooh ho-oh, ohh ohhhh” song – at least, that’s how I remembered it. The song even had a simple hand-wave choreography that was easy to perform as well.
Although the tune was catchy, the video wasn’t as inspiring. It had bright, quirky colours, and crowds dancing together at a skatepark, which was a little random but worked to evoke the cheeriness of celebrating another National Day. The main sentiment here talks about reaching greater heights if we work together as One Singapore, despite being a just Little Red Dot.
Video credit: motorbehaviour via Youtube
Sung by: Clement Chow
The Singapore story: We couldn’t leave out the class Count On Me, which is literally the 2nd NDP song to be produced. While most NDP songs after this would often relay the message of how far Singapore has come, this one talks about what we can do as a people – build a better Singapore.
Clement Chow may be the official singer for this 1986 gem, but the music video features a couple of prominent figures like Dick Lee, Zoe Tay, and even previous members of parliament. In a way, the motley crew shows that everyone’s efforts in nation building shouldn’t be discounted.
Video credit: NDPeeps via Youtube
Sung by: Linying, Sezairi Sezali, Shye, Shabir
The Singapore story: It’s hard to capture the nuance of these challenging times, but singer-songwriter Linying and music producer Evan Low composed a hopeful and uplifting anthem for the NDP song in 2021.
The Road Ahead, performed by Linying, Sezairi Sezali, Shye, and Shabir not only comes with encouraging lyrics like teamwork for a better tomorrow – “Come whatever on the road ahead / We did it before, and we’ll do it again” – but also an animated visuals overlayed on iconic locations in the music video.
With inspiring lyrics and visuals making a remarkably poignant theme of home, we won’t be surprised if this song becomes a mainstay whenever 9th August rolls around.
Video credit: GamerSG via Youtube
Sung by: Lim Su Chong
The Singapore story: The 1980s was Singapore’s introduction to NDP songs, which produced slower, soulful songs like Stand Up For Singapore, Count On Me Singapore, and We Are Singapore. That changed in 1989, when Five Stars Arising was released. Upbeat? Check. Catchy lyrics? Check. Message that describes our love for Singapore. Also check.
The lyrics “There’s a new moon / 5 stars arising” represents the Singapore flag and how there’s a new and uprising nation coming right up. I mean, it’s hard not to feel patriotic after jamming to this catchy classic.
Video credit: NDPeeps via Youtube
Sung by: Sylvia Ratonel
The Singapore story: In A Heartbeat will always have me singing my lungs out because the vocals in this song are chef’s kiss. But vocals aside, the video is a touching one that centres around a mother and son watching Singapore’s progression from young independent nation to cosmopolitan over the years.
Fun fact: the song never once mentions “Singapore” in its lyrics. Yet, it still remains a patriotic favourite thanks to its heartwarming lyrics and melody.
Video credit: NDPeeps via Youtube
Sung by: Corrinne May
The Singapore story: There’s just something about Corinne May’s voice that tugs at your heartstrings effortlessly – remember her classic Save Me? Ugh, a fan-favourite for the 90s kids.
She does the same on the 2010 theme song, Song For Singapore. The video features scenes of Singapore’s kampung days in sepia tones that slowly progress into hyperlapse shots of modern day Orchard Road – a reflection of how we grew together as one nation.
Video credit: TheMarches09 via Youtube
Lyrics and music by: Hugh Harrison
The Singapore story: If Singapore was a Broadway production, Stand Up For Singapore would be our opening number, while composer and lyricist Hugh Harrison totally fits the role as John Williams. It is the first National Day-themed song, serving 2 NDPs in 1984 and 1985.
The upbeat and rousing song never fails to get us up on our feet. But to be honest, it’s really the chanty, commanding chorus that makes it one of the funnest songs to sing to.
Video credit: NDPeeps via Youtube
Sung by: Rui En and Taufik Batisah
The Singapore story: What’s better than having one teenage icon on an NDP song? How ‘bout 2.
Channel 8 princess Rui En and OG Singapore Idol Taufik Batisah joined forces for this uplifting 2005 number – Reach Out For The Skies, singing about chasing dreams and aiming for success. The MV’s filled with easy-to-follow dance moves that’s got literally everyone, from kids to ah mas, jiving along too.
Video credit: The Straits Times via Youtube
Sung by: 53A
The Singapore story: To be honest, I didn’t even know Tomorrow’s Here Today was an NDP song when I first heard it back in 2016 – having assumed it was from one of those alternative-pop bands like Sheppard or Walk The Moon.
That just goes to show how much crossover appeal this song had as a proper radio hit. The catchy tune and colourful visuals for the music video easily appealed to the younger ones, where they likely jumped along watching it in their living rooms. Another impressive takeaway – the entire video was filmed in one continuous take!
Video credit: NDPeeps via Youtube
Sung by: Electrico
The Singapore story: The National Day Parade is pretty much our Singaporean version of the Super Bowl minus the sport, which is why it deserves a stadium-ready rock band as a headliner too. And that 2009 accolade went exactly to Electrico with their song What Do You See?.
The rock influence and “The Killers” vibes from the song divided audiences though. While some loved the refreshing change in pace, others preferred the textbook style of NDP songs. It’s a hit in our books, and we can only hope that more alternative-leaning artists like Gentle Bones and Jasmine Sokko take on the honours in future years.
Video credit: NDPeeps via Youtube
Sung by: Jonathan Tan, Roslinda Baharudin, Anne Weerapass and Robert Fernando
The Singapore story: Oof…what. a. throwback. It’s impossible to not know We are Singapore. Despite having the most straightforward lyrics and melody, “this is my country / this is my flag / this is my future / this is my life”, you can’t deny your local pride when the song plays. It even weaved in the pledge for the song’s hook – we stan a multitasking kween!
Heads up – the video gives off nostalgic feels, so while you reminisce about much simpler times, it’s going to make you feel old too. The melody and vocals by the 4 OG National Day singers are so good that the song’s now a classic hit, and a must listen whenever the 9th of August rolls around.
Video credit: NDPeeps via Youtube
Sung by: Stefanie Sun
The Singapore story: 2002 was a momentous year – the first Spider-Man movie, Avril Lavigne’s debut album, and the 20GB iPod were all released in those 12 months. But it also marked a serious contender for best NDP song of all time.
Stefanie Sun’s We Will Get There is undoubtedly one of the catchiest earworms our country has ever produced, complete with strings arrangement, lyrics about solidarity, and aerial shots of the then-newly built Esplanade.
Sung by: Benjamin Kheng
You’ll notice past National Day song lyrics weaved into Not Alone, AKA 2024’s song, done in honour of Singapore’s past. Incorporating the theme Together, As One United People, the song highlights how we’ve overcome difficulties together – we’re talking SARS, the deep recession, and COVID-19.
This melancholic note makes Not Alone slightly different from our past National Day songs, but we appreciate the touch of reality. Add on the nostalgic factor from the lyrics of past classics like Reach Out For The Skies and Home, plus the edifying melody, and this is what brings this song to #2.
BTW, 2024’s National Day Parade will also debut 2 other songs – Hold Up The Sky and Horizon. The former holds a strong theme of our country’s solidarity, while the latter looks to our future. You’ll hear both in performances at the NDP.
Video credit: NDPeeps via Youtube
Sung by: Tanya Chua
The Singapore story: Ahh, rewind to the era of guitar-driven songs and soaring choruses – Where I Belong is a tune by none other than one of SG’s favourite songbirds Tanya Chua.
The music video perfectly captured the indescribable feeling of hopping into a taxi at Changi Airport right after a trip overseas, with scenes of the everyday Singaporean life – joggers and cyclists passing by – complementing the lyrics of finally coming home.
Video credit: NDPeeps via Youtube
Sung by: Kit Chan
The Singapore story: Admit it, you probably scrolled all the way down to make sure this topped the list. And for good reason, we wouldn’t dare put any other song at #1 too.
Home encapsulates what it’s like to call Singapore well, home, and by the time you sing the final “this is where I won’t be aloOooOne”, you’d be forgiven for choking up and having a tear in your eye.
Video credit: TheSmartLocal via Youtube
Music by: TheSmartLocal team
The Singapore story: Fine, this might not be an official NDP song, but the aim and message of our original is just the same.
Get Better was crafted with the intention of recognising the resilience of frontline workers like healthcare providers, and to also offer some heart and hope in what has been a challenging year for us. Interwoven with a romantic storyline, it’s a love song dedicated to Singapore and Singaporeans as a sign to not give up during difficult times.
Video credit: NDPeeps via Youtube
Music by: Fann Wong, Tanya Chua, and Elsa Lin
The Singapore story: Ok, you caught us. Moments of Magic isn’t technically an official National Day song as well but we had to include it in. The pop song was introduced at the end of 1999 to welcome the dawn of Y2K.
Still, it has the makings of an NDP song when you consider its lyrics that talks about the hope tomorrow brings. Plus, the music video even includes shots of old Singapore. Now tell us that doesn’t sound like a proper NDP song?
National day songs are reminders of our local culture, heritage and progress from a small fishing village to the modern-day titan of a country we are today. As we continue to persevere through the ups & downs, it’s in music that keeps us going and hopeful. So, happy birthday, Singapore!
For more NDP reads, check out:
Cover image adapted from: NDPeeps via Youtube
Originally published on 7th August 2020 by Bryan Christopher Yeong. Last updated by Joycelyn Yeow on 15th July 2024.
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