In the run-up to next month’s virtual celebration of Singapore’s independence, there’s a new National Day Parade song to sway to by singer Nathan Hartono.
The music video for Everything I Am, released online today, features scenes of racially diverse Singaporean families alongside healthcare workers to lift the spirits of the nation amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The theme of the music video seems in line with this year’s Together, A Stronger Singapore theme for the celebration.
Singer Nathan Hartono, who found fame as a reality television contestant, lends his voice and guitar skills to the nation this year with the downbeat, melodic tune.
A more sensitive than boisterous anthem, it fuses typical themes of strength and filial gratitude (“Because of you, I am who I am”) with a pandemic-era strain of vulnerability (Show me how I should be strong; teach me that I can be weak”).
“The music video features scenes inspired by stories of everyday Singaporeans, and reminds us to be appreciative of each other and the communities that support us,” parade organizers NDPeeps wrote online.
Due to the pandemic, Singaporeans live-streamed performances will replace the usual live parades.
It’s a tradition for Singapore to release a new celebratory song for everyone to sing along to on National Day, which takes place Aug. 9.
The nearly four-minute song was written by composer Joshua Wan, who has worked with artistes such as Dick Lee and Kit Chan.
This will be the first independence day celebration taking place virtually, with back-to-back events streamed live throughout the day. National Day goodie bags, filled with flags and torch filters, will be distributed to all households.
Here are the lyrics to the song:
I want you to understand
Because of you, I am who I am
Because of who you are
I can be everything I am
Show me how I should be strong
Teach me that I can be weak
Because of who you are
I can find anything I seek
And in each other, there will be
The colors of your tapestry
Colors you’ve never seen
Here’s to my home, to my homeland
To every shining crystal in the sand
Because of who you are
I can be everything I am
Here’s to you, to my homeland
I hold this precious jewel in my hand
Because of who you are
I can be everything I am
Teacher teach me to be kind
Quick to embrace
And slow to close my mind
If we reach that star
We’ll have the universe in time
And In each other, there will be
The fabric of our destiny
It’s more than you and me
Here’s to my home, to my homeland
A sea of shining crystals in the sand
Because of who you are
I can be everything I am
Here’s to you, Singapore (homeland)
Here’s to my people I could want nothing more
Here’s to you, Singapore (homeland)
We hold this precious jewel in our hands
Because of who you are
Because of who you are
I can be everything I am
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