The song is easily recognized by many for its rock tune and smooth melody. In Singapore, the song became an immediate hit after its release, reaching number one status by mid-July 2001. It is the first and only EP to be released in NDP history.
Twelve years later at NDP 2013, this song was sung by the combined schools choir, acknowledging the arrival of former prime ministers, Mr Lee Kuan Yew and ESM Goh Chok Tong. A rendition performed by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and Singapore Symphony Youth Choir was released in August 2021 to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the song's release.[2][3]
Background
Originally part of the Sing Singapore project, the song was written and composed by Tanya. It was later recorded in Atomic Studios in early 2001 and mixed in the same studio by Mo Lee.[4]
In July 2001, the song was officially released at a press conference. A few days after its release, it reached Platinum status and later a number one hit in Singapore. On the actual parade day in 2001, it was performed by Tanya herself. The song is known to be the only National Day theme piece to use cover art.