SINGAPORE - The 1984 Total Defence Day song, There's A Part For Everyone, has been refreshed and updated by local musicians on behalf of Nexus (Mindef).

Singer-songwriter, Gareth Fernandez rewrote parts of the lyrics while local band QuickPick gave it a rock makeover.

"We wanted to bring back a familiar national song with updated lyrics and an upbeat arrangement so as to make it more appealing to all generations. We hope that the song can inspire and rally Singaporeans together as we face whatever challenges that lie ahead," said Colonel Tan Boon Kiat, director of Nexus.

The song, which was first released more than 30 years ago, has been updated just in time for Total Defence Day on Feb 15. The lyrics have been changed to not only reflect the shift in musical tastes but also the changing meaning of defence in Singapore.

Mr Jarrod Yeo, the 36-year-old drummer of QuickPick, said: "Considering the threats that face Singapore, it is a good time to remind people that everyone has a part to play and the best way to do it is through a song that will rouse the people. It is a way of strengthening our psychological defence."

Mr Fernandez, the song's new lyricist, agreed and said: "I wanted to modernise the song to appeal to a younger audience and to create an emotional appeal of personal responsibility and to foster personal ownership in defence."

While the lyrics and melody of the first verse is identical to the original, the rest is generally different.

QuickPick said that the rhythm is more contemporary and that they were given the creative freedom to experiment with the song, which led to the addition of guitar solos.

The chorus of the updated song has also been changed while the verses now have a clear structure. Mr Fernandez said he approached the songwriting process wanting to make it more relatable and catchy.

"The update stays true to the roots of the song but brings it into the 21st century," he added.

The updated song was first previewed through a video shared by Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen on Feb 5 on his Facebook page, which featured him singing the updated song with QuickPick and the Singapore Armed Forces Music and Drama Company.