SINGAPORE — This year's National Day theme song called Not Alone has won widespread acclaim among social media users since it was unveiled on Thursday (May 23).

The official video for the song, written and sung by Singaporean singer-songwriter Benjamin Kheng, had been played more than 60,000 times, with more than 300 comments, as of Friday evening. 

The song's lyrics are in line with this year’s theme: Together, As One United People. 

The video's caption goes: “Not Alone celebrates our legacy, our home and our people, reminding us of the bigger tapestry and family we are part of.”

The official music video features images of the past and present lifestyles of Singaporeans interspersed with shots of Kheng performing the song.

It begins with references to Singapore in its kampung days, showcasing traditional getai performances and village living. 

It then transitions to modern Singapore with shots of Changi Airport including its Jewel retail complex, among other images.

It also features scenes of the young and a family moving into their new home.

The video ends off with a rooftop party featuring people of different races interacting with each other. 

This year’s production had more than 200 participants across 10 unique set pieces.  

INSPIRATIONS FOR THE SONG

The lyrics of Not Alone make reference to past National Day songs, the National Day Parade (NDP) executive committee told news channel CNA.

It aims to “evoke nostalgia and rekindle Singaporeans’ connection to patriotic sentiments”.

The cheery beat in the second half of the song “aims to foster a sense of belonging among Singaporeans, transcending barriers and instilling a familial bond”, the committee added.

Kheng, who is with the Singapore band The Sam Willows, said that he wanted to “connect Singaporeans back to the meaning and the feeling of these beautiful lyrics that we hear every single year”.

The music video has two visual styles, the committee said.

The minimalistic and introspective elements emphasise the past 59 years of Singapore’s development, while the second style showcases vignettes of both past and present Singapore, it added.

POSITIVE REVIEWS

The song has so far received an overwhelmingly positive response on social media. 

A YouTube user wrote: “Did anyone notice the small references of over 50+ songs from NDP? It's very touching.”

Another said: “Very relatable song. NDP Songs are quite good lately! Keep it up.”

An Instagram user said: “(Maybe) new favourite NDP song, it sounds sooo good.”

Another YouTube comment read: "Touching, inspiring and upbeat at the same time. Well done!"

The song even seemed to win over the sceptical. 'Wait, this is actually good," one comment on YouTube went.

WHAT TO EXPECT FOR NDP 2024

NDP 2024 will be held at the historical Padang and the public may look forward to a lineup of activities. 

In commemoration of 40 years of Total Defence, a “warfighting” demonstration will be held between the Padang and Marina Bay. 

This segment will demonstrate how the community and Government react to external threats and social instability. 

During the parade, the audience will see marching contingents march onto the spectator stand for the first time. 

Observers will be treated to an immersive 360-degree experience with enhanced multimedia and fireworks effects. 

Past traditions including the Red Lions parachutists, the state flag flypast and presidential gun salute will continue to be part of parade. 

The event can also be viewed from the national live broadcast and selected online channels. 

Celebrations will be extended to the Promontory@Marina Bay and five other areas in housing estates on Aug 10.

Across the five areas in the housing estates, the festivities will include live performances, fireworks, carnival activities and a static display of vehicles from the Singapore Armed Forces, Singapore Civil Defence Force and Singapore Police Force.