Majulah Singapura
Majulah Singapura is the national anthem of Singapore. Composed by Zubir Said, the song was selected in 1959 as the island's anthem. Upon full independence from Malaysia in 1965, Majulah Singapura was formally adopted as the national anthem. Originally written in Malay, the title means Onward Singapore. In 2001, the key was officially lowered from G major to F major to allow a "grander expression".
History
The composing of Majulah Singapura occurred during a push for independence from the United Kingdom. Started in 1956, Encik Zubir Said took a year to finish composing the music and lyrics for the song. The completed composition was performed for the first time on 6 September, 1958, when the Victoria Theatre was being reopened. The original intent of the song, according to Zubir Said, was to be for the City Council. Upon the dissolution of the Council, the popular song was chosen by Deputy Prime Minister Toh Chin Chye to become the national anthem. The Legislative Assembly agreed and chose Majulah Singapura to become the national anthem on November 11, 1959. On December 3rd of the same year, Majulah Singapura was formally introduced to the public as the national anthem.[1] At the same time, the national flag and the state crest was introduced. The timing of the adoption was centered around the inauguration of the Yang di-Pertuan Negara, the Singapore head of state. The song was officially adopted as the national anthem in 1965, when Singapore achieved full independence after separating from Malaysia.[2] Originally written in the G major key, the anthem was officially relaunched using the F major key on 19 January 2001. The key was lowered so the anthem can be given a "grander expression" when being performed. The option for singing the anthem in the F major key was presented to local schools in 1983, along with other materials denoting how the anthem was being performed incorrectly.[1]
Lyrics
| Malay | English translation[3] |
|---|---|
|
Mari kita rakyat Singapura Marilah kita bersatu Marilah kita bersatu |
Come, fellow Singaporeans Come, let us unite Come, let us unite |
Guidelines
When performing the anthem, it can be either sung with music or played with the music only. The only requirement is that both versions must match current regulations and played with dignity.[4] The government encourages citizens to sing during national celebrations and by private organizations during their functions. When the anthem is played, all present must rise and remain standing until the anthem finishes playing. Persons in military or paramilitary uniforms are to don their head dress and salute on the first note, and hold their salute till the last note of the anthem. The national anthem should not be included in any other composition or medley, and translations of the song cannot be sung.[4]
Recordings
-
National Anthem of the Republic of Singapore (2000)
-
Instrumental Recording (US Navy Band)
References
- ^ a b Bonny Tan (2002). "The Singapore National Anthem". National Library Board Singapore. Retrieved 2007-11-11.
- ^ National Heritage Board. "The National Anthem". National Heritage Board. Retrieved 2007-10-27.
- ^ Singapore Infomap Anthem lyrics - English
- ^ a b Singapore Government The National Anthem - Guidelines.
External links
