WATCH: Video essay that attempts to explain why NDP theme songs can be really bad

This year may be the exception to the rule thanks to local singer-songwriter Charlie Lim, but hating on National Day Parade theme songs is a yearly affair for most Singaporeans.

And who could blame them? Cringeworthy songs like these do deserve some flak.

Perhaps it’s the mawkish sense of patriotism. Perhaps it’s banal, formulaic songwriting. Perhaps it’s the forgettable tune. Local video essay channel Sad Coffee, however, explained a potential reason why some of us might hate them so much: because what’s being sung doesn’t match with our reality. It’s good to note that the video essay was published months before this year’s NDP song premiered — we’d like to think that Charlie Lim paid heed and crafted a version that’s actually likable.



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