MyStory :: National Symbols :: 2008 The National Anthem

The national anthem, together with the national flag and the state crest, reflect Singapore's identity as a nation. The anthem echoes the enduring hope and spirit of Singaporeans to make progress. It rallies us together to succeed.

Its Origin

The national anthem was written in the wake of nationalism during 1956-57. Its composer, the late Encik Zubir Said, had written it on the basis of two words, "Majulah Singapura" which means "Onward Singapore". It was launched on 3 Dec 1959 together with the national flag and the state crest, at the installation of the new head of state, the Yang di-Pertuan Negara. Upon Singapore's independence in 1965, "Majulah Singapura" was adopted as the republic's national anthem.

Its Meaning and Lyrics

The national anthem was originally written in Malay. The lyrics are provided as follows. You can also find its musical score and lyric translations into the three other official languages below.

MAJULAH SINGAPURA
Mari kita rakyat Singapura
Sama-sama menuju bahagia
Cita-cita kita yang mulia
Berjaya Singapura

Marilah kita bersatu
Dengan semangat yang baru
Semua kita berseru
Majulah Singapura
Majulah Singapura

ONWARD SINGAPORE (English Translation)
Come, fellow Singaporeans
Let us progress towards happiness together
May our noble aspiration bring
Singapore success

Come, let us unite
In a new spirit
Let our voices soar as one
Onward Singapore
Onward Singapore

A New Recording of Our National Anthem

A new recording of the national anthem, Majulah Singapura, with a grander and more inspiring arrangement, was launched on 19 January 2001.

The new anthem recording was the culmination of more than a year's work by the Ministry of Information and the Arts. The main objective was to make Majulah Singapura, one of Singapore's beloved national symbols, more accessible to all Singaporeans.

Several leading local composers were invited to re-arrange the national anthem in May 2000 in the key of "F". Cultural medallion winner, Phoon Yew Tien's version was chosen by an evaluation panel, headed by Bernard Tan. The orchestration is in a slower tempo and uses more instruments to create a majestic rendition of the anthem.

Singapore's very own flagship orchestra, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, with Lim Yau at the helm, did the new recording at Victoria Concert Hall on 20 November 2000. The new arrangement has been recorded in seven versions including orchestral, choir/solo and piano.

The National Anthem Guidelines

Guidelines for the singing and playing of the national anthem have also 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 MITA, 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 up 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

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

Piano Solo version | MP3 | Size: 0.98MB
Soloist and Choir with Orchestral Accompaniment | MP3 | Size: 1.12MB
Instrumental, Orchestral| MP3 | 1.16MB