I’m about three days early, but let’s not care about such minor details, shall we?
Singapore, through all the hardships, is finally 50 years old. Unfortunately, the man who had pushed Singapore to where she is on international stage has passed away earlier this year. If only Mr Lee Kuan Yew would still be here, I’m sure he would be proud of what he had achieved as he watches the SG50 parade this coming Sunday. Alas…
I’m not a patriotic person. At least I don’t think I am. I have lots of complaints about Singapore, constantly pointing out the flaws of the system, etc, when my overseas friends raved about the positive impressions they have on Singapore through various media.
I do, however, appreciate Singapore for where she is, what she is. Although I’m upset that we do not have four seasons here, I’m glad that we also do not suffer from natural disasters. We are relatively safe, geographically speaking, that is. We have strict laws, but thanks to that we do not need to worry about random shooting in schools or malls. We stressed on racial harmony, and even though there are tensions between different races, there’s no racial riots yet.
There were quite a few times in the past where I thought I would leave Singapore for good, and move to Finland with Reko. Although I was excited about the idea at that time, there’s always another part of me wondering if I’d miss Singapore. Then, I heard Kit Chan’s “Home”, and I realised the lyrics really hit home (pun not intended).
Here’s the lyrics (with the bold parts that resonates the most in me), followed by the MV thereafter:
Whenever I am feeling low, I look around me and I know.
There’s a place that will stay within me, wherever I may choose to go.
I will always recall the city, know every street and shore.
Sail down the river that brings us life, winding through my Singapore…
CHORUS:
This is home truly, where I know I must be.
Where my dreams wait for me, where the river always flows.
This is home surely, as my senses tell me.
This is where I won’t be alone.
For this is where I know it’s home.
Whenever there are troubles to go through, we’ll find a way to start anew.
There is comfort in the knowledge and home about its people too.
So we’ll build our dreams together, just like we’ve done before.
Just like the river that brings us life, there will always be Singapore..
(Repeat chorus)
For this is where, I know I’m home…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjU1zKYZsHk
Whatever worries I may have for Singapore’s future, let’s cast it aside for now, and relish in the fact that Singapore has reached 50 years old, and hope there’s many more years to come for us to celebrate. Happy 50th birthday, Singapore. =)
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