Where I Belong is an
EP released in 2001 by
Singapore
Singapore (), officially the Republic of Singapore, is a sovereign island country and city-state in maritime Southeast Asia. It lies about one degree of latitude () north of the equator, off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, borde ...
an singer and songwriter,
Tanya Chua
Tanya Chua (; born 28 January 1975) is a Singaporean singer-songwriter. She launched her singing career by releasing her debut studio album ''Bored'' in 1997. Her albums, ''Amphibian'' (2005), '' Goodbye & Hello'' (2007), ''Sing It Out of Love'' (2 ...
. It was officially commissioned as the
theme song
Theme music is a musical composition that is often written specifically for radio programming, television shows, video games, or films and is usually played during the title sequence, opening credits, closing credits, and in some instances at so ...
to the 2001
National Day celebrations in
Singapore
Singapore (), officially the Republic of Singapore, is a sovereign island country and city-state in maritime Southeast Asia. It lies about one degree of latitude () north of the equator, off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, borde ...
.
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
Lee Kuan Yew (16 September 1923 – 23 March 2015), born Harry Lee Kuan Yew, often referred to by his initials LKY, was a Singaporean lawyer and statesman who served as Prime Minister of Singapore between 1959 and 1990, and Secretary-General o ...
and ESM
Goh Chok Tong
Goh Chok Tong (; born 20 May 1941) is a Singaporean former politician who served as Prime Minister of Singapore between 1990 and 2004, and Secretary-General of the People's Action Party between 1992 and 2004. He was the Parliament of Singapore, ...
. A rendition performed by the
Singapore Symphony Orchestra
The Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) is a symphony orchestra based in Singapore. Its principal concert venue is the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. The orchestra also gives concerts at the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, and performs about ...
and
Singapore Symphony Youth Choir was released in August 2021 to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the song's release.
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.
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
Cover art is a type of artwork presented as an illustration or photograph on the outside of a published product such as a book (often on a dust jacket), magazine, newspaper ( tabloid), comic book, video game (box art), music album (album art), ...
.
Track listing
Music video
The video was officially sponsored by
government bodies
A government or state agency, sometimes an appointed commission, is a permanent or semi-permanent organization in the machinery of government that is responsible for the oversight and administration of specific functions, such as an Administratio ...
which include the
National Arts Council,
and the ''Sing Singapore'' project. It was directed by Roslan Ismail, who is affiliated with ''Gravity Films''.
See also
*
Tanya Chua
Tanya Chua (; born 28 January 1975) is a Singaporean singer-songwriter. She launched her singing career by releasing her debut studio album ''Bored'' in 1997. Her albums, ''Amphibian'' (2005), '' Goodbye & Hello'' (2007), ''Sing It Out of Love'' (2 ...
*
National Day Parade
The National Day Parade (NDP) is an annual parade held in Singapore to commemorate its independence. Held annually on 9 August, it is the main public celebration of National Day, consists of a parade incorporating contingents of the Singapo ...
*
Music of Singapore
Singapore has a diverse music culture that ranges from rock and pop to folk and classical. Its various communities have their own distinct musical traditions: the Chinese form the largest ethnic group in Singapore, with Malays, Indians as well a ...
References
{{Reflist
External links
Official NDP websiteOfficial Music Video
Tanya Chua albums
2001 EPs