The best Singapore National Day songs of all time

"This song came out when sentiments were at an all-time high and we've just gone through the worst of Covid-19 as a nation. It's not your typical singalong parade anthem – Linying's lyrics are poetic and relevant without being the least bit corny. And the line "where the garden always grows toward the light" is possibly one of the most beautiful National Day song lyrics to have ever been penned. The music video had really cute illustrations too. In spite of the filming constraints due to the pandemic, I thought the animated video was a delight to watch."  

– Adira Chow, Food & Drink Writer

“Cover songs are either a hit or miss, and this modern take on the 1987 classic by Charlie Lim fares better than the original. Don’t get me wrong – it’s still quite forgettable compared to previous NDP songs but the diversity in both song and video makes up for it. Plus, extra brownie points for the cats. Oh, and rapping the Singapore pledge? What a time to be alive."

– Cam Khalid, Branded Content Editor

“Not gonna lie, I had chills the first time I listened to 2019’s NDP song, Our Singapore. The nostalgia of Stefanie Sun’s We Will Get There performed by legends like Rahimah Rahim and Jacintha Abisheganaden combined with the vocals of new-kids-on-the-block – and actual children – never fail to pull at the heartstrings. Seeing everyone come together to pull this off reminds me that we are indeed one people, one nation and one Singapore.”

– Nicole-Marie Ng, Regional Content Director

“Out of all the NDP songs, I like the tune of this one the most. And it came out around the time I attended the parade in Primary 5, so it's also my most memorable NDP song. I'd consider it quite an upbeat song for that generation — the previous years' were more mellow and emotional and this just had more hype. Plus, I like Rui En."

– Liqin Lau, Creative Manager

"It's my favourite song just because of Taufik Batisah. I remember learning the dance in primary school and performing it. In fact, I was such a big fan of Taufik that I went to his very first meet and greet and signing event at IMM for his debut album. I also listened to his CD everyday on my Walkman. So safe to say, this particular NDP song stuck with me for a long time." 

– Farah Adilah, Campaign Manager

"This particular song holds great significance to me. I can still vividly recall listening to it during my early childhood. And now everytime it plays, it instantly takes me back to those carefree days where life was simpler. Not to mention, this song is also a good reminder of the trying times and to appreciate how far we've come as people, and as a nation."

– Mingli Seet, Former Art & Culture Writer

"Finally, a Ben Kheng NDP song. It's about time one of Singapore's best singer-songwriters got roped into a National Day project, and his first one sure didn't disappoint. The first thing I thought of when I heard Not Alone was how similar it sounded to This is Me from The Greatest Showman – it's got that same rousing spirit you'd expect from a powerful pop ballad. I also appreciate how the title and lyrics are a subtle and thoughtful nod to mental health. It's a song about solidarity at the end of the day."

– Adira Chow, Food & Drink Writer

“Dick Lee’s surprisingly relatable song has probably hit home (pun absolutely intended) at some point in our lives, especially for those who are away from Singapore for an extended period of time. Whether we’re homesick for the efficient transport system, fuss-free kopitiam culture, mouthwatering local cuisine, or the weather, this song reminds us that sometimes we do take our sunny island for granted.”

– Dewi Nurjuwita, Former Art & Culture Editor

“Every year, like a routine, we get a new shopping mall, a Jack Neo movie and a National Day theme song – that we never asked for. None of them has drawn any strong reactions from me except maybe 2001's NDP theme song Where I Belong. Yes, I agree there can be nothing as great, wholesome and mainstream as Home but this is a close second. Besides, as a history enthusiast, I appreciate the vintage footage of the Singapore skyline in the music video."

– Delfina Utomo, Former Editor

“This song is truly a ~magical~ bop. It’s also our official millennium song that brought together an epic trio of Fann Wong (homegirl can sing!), Tanya Chua and Elsa Lin. And since we probably won’t live to hear the next millennium NDP song, this one’s all we’ve got.”

– Fabian Loo, Former Food & Drink Writer