Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen lends his voice to refreshed Total Defence song

Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen singing in a music video posted on Facebook on Friday (Feb 5). PHOTO: SCREENGRAB FROM FACEBOOK

SINGAPORE - The Total Defence song, which was first sung in 1984, now has new lyrics, a new arrangement and a new lead singer - Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen.

"There's a part for everyone, in this land where we belong," Dr Ng sang in a music video he posted on Facebook on Friday (Feb 5) morning.

After his solo performance in the first verse, the Singapore Armed Forces Music and Drama Company, and local band QuickPick joined in.

Dr Ng wrote: "The Total Defence song first sung in 1984 is a familiar old tune. So this year, the song gets refreshed with some new lyrics and a more upbeat arrangement. The chorus calls for every Singaporean to put your heart, your mind, your will for our defence. But staff asked if I would add my voice too! (Kena sabo)"

A full music video performed by QuickPick will be unveiled next week, Dr Ng revealed.

Titled "There's a part for everyone", the song commissioned by the Ministry of Defence was one of Singapore's first national songs.

In the original 1984 version, the chorus goes "put your heart, your mind, your skills to our defence", the updated song has replaced "skills" with "will".

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