The Significance of Meaning

Back in primary school, we learned the pledge and national anthem which we mumbled and sang every subsequent school day.  I did not know what I was pledging until my command of English improved. And many of us undoubtedly sang the national anthem without knowing its meaning because it is in Malay.

Perhaps if we had understood those Malay words, we could have felt differently about morning and evening assemblies. Having an idea of what the anthem is about has  elevated the experience to a higher and deeper level for me.

Majulah Singapura [Onward Singapore]

Mari kita rakyat Singapura [Let us come, citizens of Singapore]

Sama-sama menuju bahagia [Together towards happiness]

Cita-cita kita yang mulia [Our noble ambition]

Berjaya Singapura [ Singapore's success]

Chorus:

Marilah kita bersatu [Please let us come united]

Dengan semangat yang baru [With a spirit that is new]

Semua kita beseru [Let us all proclaim]

Majulah Singapura [Onward Singapore]

Majulah Singapura [Onward Singapore]

This is an almost literal translation, but it does the trick for me. At least I will not be caught embarrassed for not knowing what I am singing about.