WELCOME
Welcome visitors to your site with a short, engaging introduction. Double click to edit and add your own text.
We've provided the written lyric so you can follow and sing along to "Shining Star", should the spirit move you and you find there's no way to resist it... Don't worry, happens all the time. Bwahaha.
This breezy bossa nova features interplay among traditional musical instruments chosen to highlight the various cultures that make Singapore so vibrant. Listen for the erhu, the sitar, the accordion, the guitar, the bamboo flute...
...And then listen more closely still; do you hear melodic references to regional folk favorites like "Rasa Sayang" and "Jinkli Nona" in the refrain? Those traditional touches come together with the fresh tune in a lively mix--just as we ourselves come together here in the Garden City:
"... as one united people,
tidak kira apa bangsa, bahasa, atau ugama,
சமத்துவத்தையும், நீதியையும் அடிப்படையாகக் கொண்ட
ஜனநாயக சமுதாயத்தை உருவாக்குவதற்கு
并为实现国家之幸福、繁荣与进步，共同努力."
The "Why"
Such gains as we have made as a single people of myriad origins and cultures is no accident. It is the continually evolving product of deliberate focus, determination, soul-searching--and perhaps above all, love of country.
Of course the results of these practices can only be sustained by collective effort--through meaningful actions, great and small--each and every time we join together with others.
"Shining Star Amid The Straits" is a tribute to all who feel the nation and her dreams are worthy of--and bound to--the energies we direct toward cultivating true harmony among neighbors and communities.
Heartfelt Thanks
Last but not least in this admittedly leisurely write-up--we'd like to offer a giant "THANK YOU" to the awesome local artists who made this production possible!
THE SONG:
"Shining Star Amid The Straits"
Words and Music by Toni Thompson
Arrangement by Toni Thompson and Nor Mohamed
Olynn Saleh (Vocalist)
Alhafiz Jamat (Flute, Accordion)
Nor Mohamed (Guitar, Bass, Congas, Percussion)
Deborah Siok (Erhu)
Priya Bedekar (Sitar)
Special thanks to Mohammed Ali Abdullah and to Rachma Lim for their much-appreciated contributions to the final arrangement.
Recorded at Snoots Music Studio, Singapore
Mohammed Ali Abdullah, Producer and Recording Engineer
THE VIDEO:
"Shining Star Amid The Straits"
Illustration, Animation, and Video Editing by Ong Lai Art
Ong Wei Ting, Owner and Artist
PS:
While you're here on the site, why not check out Lyricist Toni in the video and pix in our GALLERY section? The admittedly "Blair Witch"-quality gonzo-style video was shot in near-total darkness at the People's Association "Echo Music Series: Everlasting Love Songs" event, a sold-out evening at My Tampines Hub's Festive Arts Theatre on 5 November 2022. The concert was also live-streamed for fans of classic Mando-Pop.
That night Toni dusted off her rusty Mandarin to perform an iconic love song with massive audience participation, and didn't get booed off the stage. So you know--there's that.
"SHINING STAR AMID THE STRAITS"
Celebrating Singapore's Racial Harmony Day
Shining Star Amid The Straits
Words and Music ©️ 2021 by Toni Thompson
VERSE 1
There’s a little blue gem in the Milky Way
Home to countless people sharing the land
They're frettin’ and they're sweatin’ as they toil away
To reach whatever heights they can
VERSE 2
A tapestry of faiths and traditions, too
Their speech, their ways, they thrive
Peace and plenty reign, forever new
Where love and trust are brought to life
PRE-CHORUS 1
When does chaos win out?
And the tempest arise?
The question of our time
In fear, in rancor, and in doubt
The downfall of a nation lies
CHORUS 1
Shining star amid the Straits,
A vision such as none before
Hope conceives, and we create
Beloved, dynamic, united!
Singapore
VERSE 3
Now, our elders made it through the very worst of days
Days of bitter loss and sorrow
Remember, friend, remember the way
We honor those of long ago
VERSE 4
Can you see a neighbor's face with your purest heart?
And greet him from that very spring?
Specters of the deepest wounds depart
When there's a greater spirit on the wing
PRE-CHORUS 2
When does chaos win out?
And the tempest arise?
The question of our time
In fear, in rancor, and in doubt
The downfall of a nation lies
CHORUS 2
Shining star amid the Straits
A vision such as none before
Hope conceives, and we create
Beloved, dynamic, united!
Singapore
VERSE 5
Lovers of a Garden made up of us all
Of every creed and origin born
Let's do it now, let's make a vow
Say no to snub and no to scorn
VERSE 6
Take no part in slights, whether small or great
In insult, or in cause for tears
Say no to children learning hate
Let's bring the word and bring it clear
CHORUS 3
Shining star amid the Straits
A vision such as none before
Hope conceives, and we create
Beloved, dynamic, united!
Singapore
CHORUS 4
Shining star amid the Straits
A vision such as none before
Hope conceives, and we create
Beloved, dynamic, united!
Singapore
EVENTS
