MyStory :: National Symbols :: The National Anthem

• Origin
• Meaning
• Guideline
• Downloads
• FAQs

The Origin

With a stirring melody and lyrics that echo the enduring hope and spirit of Singaporeans for progress, the National Anthem, "Majulah Singapura" (meaning "Onward Singapore"), is a musical expression of Singapore's identity as a nation.

'Majulah Singapura' was composed in 1958 by the late Encik Zubir Said. Then Mayor of the City Council of Singapore, Mr Ong Eng Guan, approached Encik Zubir Said to write an official song for the City Council to commemorate the newly renovated Victoria Theatre. It was first played by the Singapore Chamber Ensemble. It was performed again on 3 December 1959 as Singapore's National Anthem.

Recounting his thoughts on writing the Anthem, Encik Zubir Said said:

In 1959, when Dr Toh Chin Chye was searching for an anthem for Singapore, he expressed interest in Encik Zubir Said’s composition, but requested the composer to make some changes.

Dr Toh also wanted the Anthem to be in Malay, as this is the indigenous language of the region.

"A Malay version of the National Anthem would appeal to all races," he stated.

In response to Dr Toh's feedback, Encik Zubir Said made adjustments to shorten the lyrics of the original City Council song and tweaked its melody to create the National Anthem that we sing today.

A New Recording of Our National Anthem

On 19 January 2001, the current official recording of "Majulah Singapura" was launched. It was re-arranged by composer and Cultural Medallion winner, Mr Phoon Yew Tien, in the musical key of F. This arrangement was "grander and more inspiring" in order to make the anthem "more accessible to all Singaporeans".

Lyrics and Meaning

The National Anthem was originally written in Malay. The lyrics are provided as follows. You can also find its musical score and lyric translations in Singapore's three other official languages (English, Chinese and Tamil) below.

Click here for the Anthem in Tamil (pdf version).

The National Anthem Guidelines

Guidelines for the singing and playing of the National Anthem have been relaxed to encourage the singing of the Anthem at all events of national significance.

How it may be used

1. Public and private organisations can sing or play the National Anthem, on any appropriate occasion. Singaporeans are encouraged to sing the Anthem on occasions of national celebration or national significance.
2. Either the instrumental or vocal versions may be played. Besides the versions produced by the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA), other rearranged versions may also be used, provided that the tune and lyrics of the Anthem are complete and performed with dignity.
3. Dignity and decorum should be observed whenever it is played or sung. Everyone must stand at attention as a mark of respect.

How it cannot be used or treated

1. It must not be incorporated into any other composition or medley.
2. It must only be sung following the original lyrics, not any translation of those lyrics.

The Credits

* Music and Lyrics - Zubir Said
* Re-arrangement - Phoon Yew Tien
* Project Advisor - Bernard Tan
* Executive Producer - Ken Lim
* Orchestra Conductor - Lim Yau
* Orchestra - Singapore Symphony Orchestra
* Choir Conductor - Jennifer Tham
* Choir - Singapore Youth Choir
* Soloist - Jacintha Abisheganaden
* Engineer - Ross Cockle
* Technical Engineer - Kevin Nai
* Equipment - Team 108
* Production - Hype Records
* Coordinator - Jeremy Foo

National Anthem Music Downloads:

Download the National Anthem Music Score Sheets

Solo Voice and Piano version | Size: 1.2MB
Choir version | Size: 2.5MB
Full Orchestra Version | Size: 5.8MB
Full Orchestra (Abridged Version) | Size: 3.1MB
Full Orchestra with Choir version | Size: 6.1MB
Piano Solo version | Size: 1.2MB

Download the National Anthem (MP3 Version)

Full Orchestra (Abridged Version)| MP3 | Size: 583KB
Solo Voice and Piano Version| MP3 | Size: 1MB
Full Orchestra Version| MP3 | Size: 1MB
Piano Solo Version| MP3 | Size: 1MB
Choir Version| MP3 | Size: 1MB

Frequently Asked Questions

Singing or playing the Anthem

1. When should the Anthem be sung?

   Public and private organisations can sing or play the Anthem on any appropriate occasion. Singaporeans are encouraged to sing the Anthem on occasions of national celebration or national significance.

2. Must participants face the Flag while singing the Anthem? What happens if it is raining and the ceremony takes place in an auditorium?

   There are no guidelines stating that participants must face the Flag while singing the Anthem. However, it is encouraged to do so as this adds to the significance of the moment. If it is raining, and the ceremony takes place indoors, you might wish to purchase a portable Flag displayed on a wooden stand for display indoors for the ceremony. Alternatively, many agencies also produce a simple PowerPoint slide with an image of the Flag which they play on the screen during the ceremony.

3. I noticed that there are English, Chinese and Tamil translations for the Anthem. Does that mean that I can sing the Anthem in these other languages?

   No. The Anthem must be sung following the original Malay lyrics, and not any translations of those lyrics.

4. I noticed that there is an abridged version of the Anthem? Can I play that instead of the full version?

   Yes, if there are constraints that do not allow you to play the full version. However, we would encourage all organisations to play the full version of the Anthem when possible.

5. What is the protocol to observe when the full or the abridged version of the Anthem is played?

   Whether the full or the abridged version of the Anthem is played, all participants should stand at attention as a mark of respect. However, please do note that only the full version of the Anthem may be sung to. There should not be any singing to the abridged version of the Anthem. Simply standing to attention when the abridged version is play would be sufficient.

Buying the CD

1. I remember watching a video of the Anthem (like an MTV) on television. Where can I get hold of a copy of this video?

   A copy of this video is found in a copy of "Majulah Singapura: The National Anthem of Singapore" AVCD which was produced in 2000. Copies of this AVCD can be purchased at all major bookstores or through the distributors, MarketAsia Distributors. MarketAsia can be contacted at DID: 6744 8483 or via their website. However, the National Heritage Board is currently in the process of updating this video which will be ready by August 2010.

2. I would like to buy a CD containing the audio tracks of the Anthem. Where can I get it?

   The audio tracks are currently available online for download. Copies of such a CD are also included in the National Symbols Kit (which also contains a write-up on the National Symbols, a Flag and other items). The kit is retailing at all major bookstores or through the distributors, MarketAsia Distributors. MarketAsia can be contacted at DID: 6744 8483 or via their website.

National Anthem scores

1. I would like to obtain a copy of the score for the Anthem. Where can I find it?

   The scores are currently available on this page for download. There are six different versions of the score, so please feel free to select the one that is most appropriate for your use.