Step by step, we’re trying to grasp this year’s National Day song (and still not getting it)
Every year, whether we want it or not, we’re treated to a new National Day song. And we’ll be honest – we have heard some fairly good catchy tunes over the years. Then there’s this year’s offering, “Because It’s Singapore!”.
For a song with an exclamation mark in its title, “Because It’s Singapore!” is nothing like the enthusiasm it promises. Instead, it feels like a lament – “Dang it, I’ve gotta write a new song for this year’s National Day… because it’s Singapore!”
Regardless, we had a good listen to it and held a serious discussion about it – here are our thoughts:
Nafeesa Saini, Senior Writer
“Not sure if I’ve just grown more cynical over the years, or was brainwashed with propaganda when I was younger, but the National Day songs I grew up (e.g “One People, One Nation”, “Where I Belong”, “We are Singapore”) were more… authentic. Yes it was cheesy; yes it was drilled in our heads every morning assembly; but they were catchy ‘AF’ and I’m pretty most of us loved them. National Day Songs of recent years try too hard to be edgy/contemporary/overly constructed and this is just… cringy.”
Kevin Ho, Music Snob (and Editor)
“I actually feel more united with my fellow Singaporeans thanks to our shared abhorrence towards this travesty. Cliche, cheesy in a bad way, shoddily produced, and – pet peeve – its chorus doesn’t rhyme. Rojak has more character than this”.
Hubab Hood, Video Producer
“Visuals – Yes, Music – No.”
Selina, concerned onlooker (and Editor of HoneyKids Asia)
Confession: I have a soft spot for that other song, “We Are Singapore”, which my Filipino-Australian son, who was born in London, loves to belt out at the top of his lungs. Please Singapore, own the cheese factor of your national tradition and run with it. See Eurovision for reference.
Dinesh Ajith, Writer
“It’s a no from me.”
Cam Khalid, definitely not a fan of this (and Writer)
“This song did not make me lose weight, rejuvenate my life force and make my skin glow like a Drake track, but it DID make me fall for the click-bait title. 1.5 stars – and that’s just being nice”
Hazirah Rahim, Videographer
“Nope. And what was that sound at 1:36?”
Niki Bruce, another concerned onlooker (and Editorial Director)
As a non-Singaporean but someone who’s lived here for years – JJ no! (Did he write this or just sing it?) – I think it feels like an SQ advert created by undergrads. Also, shouldn’t it be “brave the air-conditioning”, not brave the cold?
Darissa, Junior Photographer
LMAO I’ve been trying to bid for NDP tickets for the past two years. After hearing this song, I think I’ll give up.
Tracy Tristram, Concerned onlooker + 1 (and Lifestyle Writer)
I am not sure I quite have the words. But it has reminded me that I need to add several varieties of cheese to my weekly shopping list. I love you Singapore: This? Not so much.
Okay we lied, we all hate it. What did you think of the song?