KUALA LUMPUR, AUG 30- Come Saturday, Malaysians will be celebrating the nation’s 56th Merdeka anniversary, the day of independence.
As the day gets closer, the celebratory mood can be felt all around, with the country drenched in patriotic fervour.
National flags fluttering atop innumerable buildings, illuminated thoroughfares decked up in regalia, and air force jets roaring over the city skies, all indicating the ongoing preparations for the celebration.
The theme song for this year’s celebration ‘Tanah Tumpahnya Darahku’ being played over the airwaves and on television has not only intensified the celebratory mood but also has won many a hearts.
A clear testimony to its popularity can be seen in the number of searches for this patriotic song over the Internet.
The song with a marching beat has captivated many. People are curious to know more about the singer and the lyricist behind this beautiful piece that evokes patriotic feelings and exhorts everyone to take a true pride in being a Malaysian.
A blog visitor at mieadham86.blogspot.com, who goes by the name of Ummi, Noted, “The lyrics are very meaningful; it reinforces the love for our beloved country.”
Another visitor who goes by the acronym S.K.A felt the lyrics were most apt and in keeping with this year’s Merdeka theme – ‘My Sovereign Malaysia: My Native Land’.
A MEANINGFUL MESSAGE
A YouTube visitor who goes by the name of ‘Marsleeza’ opined that the theme song carried a beautiful message. Yet another visitor by the name of ‘Mendpt’ said, “This is among the best patriotic songs I have heard. The song has won my heart and I listen to it here!”
Another YouTube surfer, ‘Roseenne87’ made a guess that the song was sung by Roy (Mohammed Rauzan Alwi) while ‘Dexx8664’ said the song narrated the story of the Lahad Datu, Sabah intrusion.
In fact, the song was actually sung by Ahmad Zakaria and its lyrics was penned by Communication and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek. It was produced by Joe Farizal and Aye.
Nonetheless, the patriotic song also has its fair share of critics.
Surfers like Musa Muhammad took the critics to task and said, “This is a good song…Listen closely to its lyrics. The song has a deeper interpretation. (You) have to learn to appreciate.”
A TRIBUTE TO THE HEROES
Aye in his comment made as ‘ayepop87’ said, “Thanks to the one who uploaded this song. I’m Aye, one of the composers of the song. This song is a tribute to our fallen heroes who fought the enemies in Lahad Datu. May their soul rest in peace. Malaysians salute their national heroes!”
Meanwhile, Mohd Rashidi Isa, 31, the Akademi Fantasia Tujuh (AF7) reality show singer noted that the song imbued anyone listening to it with a very unique experience, a patriotic feeling.
“The song narrates the intrusion in Lahad Datu and the country’s remarkable journey over the last 56 years.
“Its lyrics are full of hidden meanings and I really like it very much and have been listening to it over and over again,” this surfer who goes by the name of Sidi AF7 told Bernama.
-BERNAMA
