NDP 2020 theme song 'Everything I Am' performed by Nathan Hartono
SINGAPORE — It’s that time of the year for some feel-good patriotism again. This year’s National Day Parade (NDP) theme song has just been released today (14 July) and it’s performed by Nathan Hartono and entitled “Everything I Am”.
The music and lyrics for the slow-paced, moody track were written by Joshua Wan, and production was helmed by local doyen Sydney Tan.
The music video was directed by He Shuming.
The NDP organisers describe the song as such:
While 2020 has been a challenging year for Singapore, we have seen many Singaporeans rallying around and helping one another through difficult times. The NDP 2020 theme song, “Everything I Am”, includes themes of family, togetherness, kindness, and gratitude. The music video features scenes inspired by stories of everyday Singaporeans, and reminds us to be appreciative of each other and the communities that support us.
The chorus refrain of the song – “Because of who you are, I can be everything I am” – harks back to Singapore’s dream to bring out the best in its people.
The music video reflects what Singaporeans have been through during the COVID-19 pandemic, with shots of people using video conferencing to connect with family and co-workers. The hawkers from OK Chicken Rice, who organised a drive to deliver thousands of meals to healthcare workers as a show of appreciation, were featured preparing food while wearing face masks and face shields.
Celebrations surrounding NDP this year will be tailored to COVID-19 restrictions. There will be a traditional military parade at the Padang, but with a much-reduced participant count with about 200 personnel from the Singapore Armed Forces. There will be no large scale mobilisation of contingents from grassroots organisations.
Some of the usual NDP highlights will be brought physically into the heartlands in an effort to bring the activities closer to people. These include the mobile column, the state flag fly-past and the Red Lions parachutist display. There will be fireworks shows at more than 10 sites across Singapore.
Instead of mass performances, the celebrations will end with a smaller-scale evening show to be broadcast from the Star Performing Arts Centre with no spectators.
