Importance, ideology and impact : investigating Singapore’s national day theme song “Home”

Abstract

“Home” has been the preeminent National Day Parade (NDP) Theme Song in Singapore in popularity and memorability. Sparking a trend for a new Theme Song every annual celebration, it has become a familiar favourite because it tugs at the heartstrings of the common folk. By using semi-structured interviews with the composer and music producers elemental in the selection and making of this song, this case study looks into why ‘Home’ is still popular after more than a decade of original Theme Songs. The success of “Home” suggests the emotional essence behind this identity formation. This suggests that nationalistic songs in Singapore have played a significant role and that they are used by the ruling government to create an “identity” in an “imagined community”. This study also explores the reasons why Singaporeans have accepted and embraced this identity; a necessary homogeneity to integrate the heterogeneity of races and culture.