Here are the translated lyrics to that catchy NLD campaign song

In most cases, mixing music and politics is a recipe for something very lame.

Not so when it comes to the National League for Democracy, whose catchy campaign song makes you want to get up and dance all the way to the ballot box.

The track is the work of several artists – the singers Saw Phoe Khwar and She and the rappers Yan Yan Chan, Anegga and G-Tone – who came together to produce a fast-paced and rousing anthem.

The song has been out only a few months, so if you’ve been at a campaign rally, no doubt you’ve heard it. The most common refrain, which is how the jam kicks off, is: “NLD. We must win. People’s party. We must win. NLD.”

We’re embedding a version here followed by a somewhat rough translation which includes the name of the singer/rapper preceding their lyrics.

So turn the music up and think about democracy.

[Group singing]

NLD. We must win. People’s party. We must win. NLD.

NLD. We must win. People’s party. We must win. NLD.

[Singer Saw Phoe Khwar]

New days of history have changed.
A poem that was recorded in our heart.
Write it out for our the future.
The dictatorship will have to end totally.
Go, go, go, go!

[Group singing]

We will march ‘till we arrive to a new democratic country.
We will try and work together with the people.
We need the force of the people.

The proud peacock has come. NLD.

[Rapper Yan Yan Chan]

YC. Yeah. Hey dude! Tell me what you going to do. We are NLD and what about your sister? Wash away all of your old ideologies. Mom and father-in-law, all are NLD.

[Rapper Anegga]

A vote from me will be change for the country, and for the leader who will implement health and education. Hold our hands and support for the people’s leader, for our leader who will implement peace.

[Rapper G-Tone]

To get freedom from fear, to escape from poverty, to escape from the unknown, let’s vote for NLD. Not to be like that country which our General talked about, as the future of youth is important, let’s vote for NLD.

[Group singing]

A vote between all of our hearts. Choose NLD and think to vote for NLD. It’s the time now and let’s votes for the change.

NLD. We must win. People’s party. We must win. NLD.

[Singer She]

Don’t make wrong choice. Our leader who is taking care of….
The leader of the people and the leader who is known by the world. There is only one.

[Group singing]

A vote between all of our hearts. Choose NLD and think to vote for NLD. It’s the time now and let’s votes for the change.

NLD.

We will march till we arrive to new Democracy country.
We will try and work together with people.
We need the force of people.

The proud peacock has come.
NLD

We must Win. People’s party. We must win. NLD.

[End]

Photo of woman at Suu Kyi rally / Aung Naing Soe / Coconuts Yangon