Glad You Came - The Wanted

This song got me a favourite boyband of all time. I love how meaningful the lyrics are. I even use the chorus in my thank you card for people that I appreciate.


Here is the lyrics:

The sun goes down
The stars come out
And all that counts
Is here and now
My universe will never be the same
I'm glad you came

You cast a spell on me, spell on me
You hit me like the sky fell on me, fell on me
And I decided you look well on me, well on me
So let's go somewhere no one else can see, you and me

Turn the lights out now
Now I'll take you by the hand
Hand you another drink
Drink it if you can
Can you spend a little time,
Time is slipping away,
Away from us so stay,
Stay with me I can make,
Make you glad you came

The sun goes down
The stars come out
And all that counts
Is here and now
My universe will never be the same
I'm glad you came
I'm glad you came

You cast a spell on me, spell on me
You hit me like the sky fell on me, fell on me
And I decided you look well on me, well on me
So let's go somewhere no one else can see, you and me

Turn the lights out now
Now I'll take you by the hand
Hand you another drink
Drink it if you can
Can you spend a little time,
Time is slipping away,
Away from us so stay,
Stay with me I can make,
Make you glad you came

The sun goes down
The stars come out
And all that counts
Is here and now
My universe will never be the same
I'm glad you came
I'm glad you came

I'm glad you came
So glad you came
I'm glad you came
I'm glad you came

The sun goes down
The stars come out
And all that counts
Is here and now
My universe will never be the same
I'm glad you came
I'm glad you came


As I am sad that The Wanted has disbanded, I am glad they have made some awesome music that kept me going as I face my challenges in life. I really wish that they will have a comeback so that I can listen to more awesome songs. This song can also describe my feelings for the presence of this awesome boyband. =)

NDP 2013 Theme Song - One Singapore

The theme song for the year was written personally by the creative director Ms Selena Tan and I thought that the lyrics were meaningful and the music was lively. The idea to select the singers for this song was even more cool as this was done through a few sessions of audition for the public. It was basically for Singaporeans from all walks of life, coming together to sing the song for the nation's birthday; One Singapore.


Lyrics:

Prelude

I will be here

Right by your side, here

I will hold near

All that we love so dear

Not looking elsewhere

My life is here to share

Just want to show I care

Verse 1

I know we just got started

And I’m excited

It may not seem all perfect

But you know what?

Our story’s just beginnin’

I’m gonna give it my all

Oh yea

Pre-Chorus

Together we can reach for

the stars

(with hope in our hearts)

Together we are stronger

as one

(let’s walk hand in hand)

Together we’ll make

dreams come true

(won’t ever give up)

Together sharing the love

with all that we do

Chorus

Let our hearts sing

Wooh ho-oh^oh! Wooh ho-

oh. oh,oh!

Wooh ho-oh^oh! Wooh-ho-

oh-oh.oh,

Together

Together as one

We’re so much more

One Singapore [repeat]

Verse 2

It seems like so long ago

When we got started

We wanted everything right

But you know what

Our story keeps on going

We’ll give it our all

Pre Chorus

Rap

Yo! I may look like I’m just

a tiny thing

Here I am, I can bravely

sing

For sure I’m gonna give

you my everything

Like how I play when that

recess bell rings

I’m gonna give it my all

Cos this is my home

I love

I love

I love

I love my Singapore

Chorus

Bridge

Let’s join up the dots

Light up this spot

That we call home

Many memories and stories

to be shared

Like the colours of the

rainbow we will shine ever

so bright

Together we shine

Together we shine

Chorus

Coldplay - Viva La Vida

Viva La Vida is a Spanish term that basically means "Live the Life". It is commonly known as the song written by Coldplay but the term has it's meaning too. With many cover played by many, I really love the classical pop version played by a famous violinist. It's just amazing. A cover sang by a singer named Darin is not bad too. 

Here is the music video of the song by Coldplay and below are the lyrics.

I used to rule the world
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the morning I sleep alone
Sweep the streets I used to own

I used to roll the dice
Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes
Listen as the crowd would sing
"Now the old king is dead! Long live the king!"

One minute I held the key
Next the walls were closed on me
And I discovered that my castles stand
Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand

I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field

For some reason I can't explain
Once you're gone there was never
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world

It was the wicked and wild wind
Blew down the doors to let me in
Shattered windows and the sound of drums
People couldn't believe what I'd become

Revolutionaries wait
For my head on a silver plate
Just a puppet on a lonely string
Oh who would ever want to be king?

I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field

For some reason I can't explain
I know Saint Peter won't call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
Woahahahah oh, woahahah oh
Woahahahah oh, woahahah oh,
Woahahahah

I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field

For some reason I can't explain
I know Saint Peter won't call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world

ooooooh ooh oooooh oh ooooooh oh oooooh ooh.

Here is the version sang by Darin. It's just the audio only. I am not able to find any music video on that. 

As the song and music originates from Coldplay, here is my favourite version by David Garrett, a famous violinist that holds the world record for the fastest "Flight of the Bumblebee" played. 

Both the music and video are wonderful isn't it? Totally love the creativity and how colourful it is! Honestly, I am more attracted to the beats and feel rather than the lyrics of this song. 

There are many other awesome pieces presented by this musician but I still hope to see more of the amazing music pieces and videos by this amazing musician in future.

David Garrett is officially listed as one of my favourite musicians! ;) 

Source of lyrics: http://www.metrolyrics.com/viva-la-vida-lyrics-coldplay.html
Source of videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIjVuRTm-dc, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oief9vjw8T0 and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ_BoOlAXyk

春节序曲

This is my favourite Chinese New Year instrumental piece of music. There were more search results of the song played by Symphony Orchestra than Chinese Orchestra. Embedded is what I think is the video of better quality. I prefer Chinese Orchestra to play this piece than the Symphony Orchestra. It's not that Symphony Orchestra didn't play as well. It's just that I prefer to have it the Chinese Orchestra way. It is most probably due to the fact that I was once trained in Chinese Orchestra. I really miss listening live to Singapore Chinese Orchestra.

Here is the piece played by a Symphony Orchestra. It's really not that bad.

The lively music really hypes up the Chinese New Year atmosphere. The part where it goes slow is really gentle and nice. Love it.

NDP 2011 Theme Song - In A Heartbeat

This is the theme song for this year's NDP. It was sang by Sylvia Ratonel and performed live by Sharon Au and another Mediacorp artiste on National Day Parade.

The performance was presented in the form of a musical. I like the song as it is not focusing on the singer as what it has usually been for the past few years. I have always believed that NDP theme songs should be songs that can be sung by all the people. That is what Singapore spirit is when we can sing the song in one voice.

Lyrics:

I have a dream of starting a life
I have a hope, a flame alight
This is the moment, freedom is calling
This is my start, a new beginning

I have a heart, it beats for you
A step at a time, our spirits renew
Living together under the sun
Our hearts will beat as one

CHORUS

In a heartbeat, I’ll be there for you
In a heartbeat, no one else will do
In a heartbeat, we will always be
Together, united; you and me

In a heartbeat, time has passed us by
In a heartbeat, we will reach the sky
In a heartbeat, this will always be
Our people, our country
This is our family.

We found a home on this land
This is the place where we can
We have a part, a role to play
It’s time for us to stay

In a heartbeat, time has passed us by
In a heartbeat, we will reach the sky
In a heartbeat, this will always be
Our people, our country
This is our family.

BRIDGE

Nothing will stand in our way
We can be strong today
The flame is alive
This is our life

CHORUS

In a heartbeat, I’ll be there for you
In a heartbeat, no one else will do
In a heartbeat, we will always be
Together, united; you and me

In a heartbeat, time has passed us by
In a heartbeat, we will reach the sky
In a heartbeat, this will always be
Our people, our country
This is our family.


Source of video: http://ndp.org.sg
Source of lyrics: http://singaporebaby.com/singapore-national-day-2011-song-lyrics/

NDP 2010 Theme Song - Song for Singapore

Enjoy this song written and sang by Corrinne May. The lyrics is kind of meaningful. There is still however, a big room for improvement for the video.

I kind of feel that there can be a switch of theme songs between NDP 2009 and NDP 2010 as that would really be a better match the the respective themes.

Anyway, enjoy the songs and show your love for Singapore!


source of video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGY5ff831B8

NDP 2009 Theme Song - What Do You See?

I like the idea of this new song, singing the good things about Singapore without even mentioning the word "Singapore". The music is good too. The vocalist sure have a good voice. I am just not very sure of what the video is trying to present.

The lyrics contains some sort of motivation that I like it a lot. My favourite line is "Cos the sky’s the only limit when you’re not afraid to dream". Nice.

Here are the lyrics, enjoy!


Verse 1: There’s a jewel on the ocean,
a gem upon the sea
Where the future is an open book
A land of destiny
We could set our sights into the wind and sail the seven seas
or climb the highest mountain top as long as we believe
What do you see? What do you see?

Chorus: See the moon and the stars, look how far we have come
Look around at our faces, they shine brightly in the sun
With our hopes and dreams, imagine what tomorrow it may bring
What do you see? What do you see?

Verse 2: Now the time has come to reach out,
To open up to see
That we stand together in this land
Cos we are family
As thoughts of reaching to the sky are carried on a dream
With hearts and minds united, our dreams we will achieve
What do you see? What do you see?

Chorus 2: See the moon and the stars, look how far we have come
Look around at our faces, they shine brightly in the sun
With our hopes and dreams, imagine what tomorrow it may bring
What do you see…

Bridge: What do you see when life makes you take on a mountain
You’ll see that nothing’s gonna stand in your way
Together we can share
The strength of a million
and the courage of a million more

Chorus End: See the moon and the stars, look how far we have come
Look around at our faces, they shine brightly in the sun
With our hopes and dreams, imagine what tomorrow it may bring
Cos the sky’s the only limit when you’re not afraid to dream
What do you see? What do you see..


Source of video and lyrics: www.ndp.org.sg

Croatian Rhapsody

I like this lively tune. It some sort of give me a feeling to dance when I hear this tune. It's kind of destressing for me.

Enjoy~

琵琶独奏 - 十面埋伏

刘德海是著名的琵琶大师. 玩琵琶大概已有60多年了吧. 曾经在新加坡大会堂看过他现场的演出. 他的技术确实非常高. 从这个视屏,虽然有一些噪音和干扰,大家能看得出他对琵琶的热诚和投入. 我相信大家对他所演奏的曲目,十面埋伏,并非陌生. 敬请欣赏!


视屏来源: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAEakqIc1NM

赛马 - 二胡独奏

This musician is one of the few famous erhu players. Her gestures and how she brings herself out sure is good.

In this video, she plays this music piece a little differently from the original piece. Maybe she played this song standing that's why. All the notes are distinct and the "legatos" are very nice. A wave can almost be felt. There isn't any distinct break in the music even when she changes the direction of the bow too. Enjoy~


Source of video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ApA6J5DC1s

Butterfly Lovers Concerto （梁祝-小提琴协奏曲）

The story of the butterfly lovers is well-known by many. It is just like the Chinese version of Romeo and Juliet. I never knew that this concerto is played by a symphony orchestra until I saw these videos. I have always thought that this piece is played by a Chinese Orchestra with a violinist leading.

This piece of music is very nice. It may be a little boring to those who don't really understand this piece of music. Anyway, I think that there is room for improvement for the musicians in terms of their expressions. For the third video, there are some double note played by the leading violinist. It's a little different from what I have been listening to. I still prefer this part to be played with single note.

As I can't find any other videoes that have this 26-minute piece, take note that some of the ending of the video are repeated at the starting of the next video.

The story of the butterfly lovers is the love story between Liang ShanBo （梁山伯）and Zhu YingTai （祝英台）. Thus this concerto is know as LiangZhu （梁祝）in Chinese. Enjoy the music!

Kolibre

This music played by Maksim Mrvica is quite explosive. This music seems to have some cheerful yet mysterious emotions. From his face expression, I can see that he is very bonded with the music that he is producing. I like this piece a lot. Enjoy~




source of video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNzr_lkLYVc

The Flight of the Bumblebee

The first time that I heard Maksim play this song on TV is really an eye-opener for me. I was fancinated by the speed of how he play this song. The accompaniment by the orchestra is so nice! Very fitting I must say.

The first video is the song played with accompaniment.



The second video is the original piece without any accompaniment.



Fancinating right? I like his gestures as he has showed that he is full of confidence and bond with the music that he is producing. His concert really rocks. I hope that I can play as well as him one day.


source of videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Dr7uro-moU&feature=related and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6A-JYbu1Os&feature=related

NDP Theme Song 2006 - My Island Home

I really like this song. It's quite cheerful and it sings about the beauty of Singapore. This song also shows Singaporeans' love for Singapore. Enjoy~

Lyrics:

This is my home
She's everything to me
Grace and beauty
In all that you see

My island home
Wherever I may be
I never will forget her
Nor will she forget me

Chorus
And I will sing
A song of home
A land of peace
Where dreams are born everyday
My home
Wherever I may be
I believe
You will always be a part of me

My island home
Home of my family
This is my future
Where I want to be
(This is my future
This is my home)

Repeat Chorus x 2

My home
Wherever I may be
I believe
You will always be a part of me
A part of me


source of video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hx10V0syxXw&feature=related
source of lyrics: http://www.ndp.org.sg/downloads/audio/lyrics.php?song=my_island_home

NDP 1998 Theme Song - Home

Even though it has been ten years since this song was first sang at the national day parade, many still remember the original music of this song and are very familiar with it. It's a song that many Singaporean that feel close to heart. Many would sing along with the song whenever the music is played. Apart from that, the lyrics are rather meaningful too. Enjoy!

Lyrics:

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 which 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 that 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

When there are troubles to go through
We'll find a way to start anew
There is comfort in the knowledge
That home's about its people too
So we'll build our dreams together
Just like we've done before
Just like the river which brings us life
There'll always be Singapore

(Repeat Chorus)

For this is where I know it's home
For this is where I know I'm home


source of video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTkVG6lWvwY
source of lyrics: http://www.ndp.org.sg/downloads/audio/lyrics.php?song=home

NDP 2008 Theme Song - Shine for Singapore

This song is rather meaningful and it holds the Singapore spirit, matching with the theme of this year's NDP - Celebrating the Singapore Spirit.

Lyrics:

Have you seen a star,
One that guides you no matter where you are?
However vast the sky may be
Or dark it seems
You can be sure, it's always there for you and me

Have you heard a song,
One that moved you, one that made you sing along?
Your dreams and hopes will all come true
If you believe that every vision begins with you.

* Shine for Singapore
This is your song
Deep inside your heart where it belongs
It'll always stay, strive for your goals.
You will achieve with visions so bold.

# Shine for Singapore
This is our song
Reach out for the sky, far and beyond
As one we'll stand, we're Singapore
It's here that we belong

Have you heard a song,
One that moved you, one that made you sing along?
Your dreams and hopes will all come true
If you believe that every vision begins with you.

Nowhere i'd rather be, this is home to me
This star shines strong and free

Repeat, *,#


source of video and lyrics: www.ndp.org.sg

High School Musical - Breaking Free

I find this song music to the ears and it's rather meaningful. I believe that it is a song that is familiar to many. Hope that you will enjoy it. =)

It is the believe of oneself that one is able to achieve. =)

Here are the lyrics:


Troy:
We’re soarin’, flyin’
There’s not a star in heaven
That we can’t reach

Gabriella:
If we’re trying
So we’re breaking free

Troy:
You know the world can see us
In a way that’s different than who we are

Gabriella:
Creating space between us
‘Til we’re separate hearts

Both:
But your faith it gives me strength
Strength to believe

Chorus #1
Troy:
We’re breakin’ free
Gabriella:
We’re soarin’
Troy:
Flyin’
Both:
There’s not a star in heaven
That we can’t reach
Troy:
If we’re trying
Both:
Yeah, we’re breaking free
Troy:
Oh, we’re breakin’ free
Gabriella:
Ohhhh
Troy:
Can you feel it building
Like a wave the ocean just can’t control
Gabriella:
Connected by a feeling
Ohhh, in our very souls
Both:
Rising ‘til it lifts us up
So every one can see

Chorus #2
Troy: We’re breakin’ free
Gabriella: We’re soarin’
Troy: Flyin’
Both:
There’s not a star in heaven
That we can’t reach
Troy:
If we’re trying
Yeah we’re breaking free
Gabriella:
Ohhhh runnin’
Troy:
Climbin’
To get to that place
Both:
To be all that we can be
Troy:
Now’s the time
Both:
So we’re breaking free
Troy:
We’re breaking free
Gabriella:
Ohhh , yeah

Troy:
More than hope
More than faith
Gabriella:
This is true
This is fate
And together

Both:
We see it comin’
Troy:
More than you
More than me

Gabriella:
Not a want, but a need
Both:
Both of us breakin’ free

Chorus #3
Gabriella: Soarin’
Troy: Flyin’
Both:
There’s not a star in heaven
That we can’t reach
If we’re trying
Troy: Yeah we’re breaking free
Gabriella:
Breaking free
Were runnin’
Troy:
Ohhhh, climbin’
Both:
To get to the place
To be all that we can be
Now’s the time
Troy: Now’s the time
Gabriella: So we’re breaking free
Troy: Ohhh, we’re breaking free
Gabriella: Ohhhh

Both:
You know the world can see us
In a way that’s different than who we are


source of lyrics: http://www.allmusicals.com/lyrics/highschoolmusical/breakingfree.htm