‘For a world of tomorrow’ – the first SEA Games memory in Vietnam

Umbrella series of songs Newly born to support the ongoing regional sports event, many fans still remember the soothing melody of the 22nd SEA Games song, with the words imprinted in the listener’s mind: “Holding hands, Let’s walk together, for the happiness of mankind…”.

For a world tomorrow was first broadcast during the closing ceremony of the 21st SEA Games in Malaysia in 2001, when Vietnam received the flag from the Southeast Asian Sports Federation to host the next Games. After the program was broadcast in Vietnam, many units contacted musician Quang Vinh – the song’s author – asking for music and lyrics. At that time, technology was not yet developed, musicians had to copy, print or hand-copy to disseminate.

‘For a world of tomorrow’ – the song of the first SEA Games in Vietnam

The author said to write the music quickly, one circuit from start to finish. With the lyrics, he pondered over the message: Vietnam loves peace, wishes to cooperate and develop together with countries in the region. “I can’t say that the song is really good, but I find the song to be popular: the lyrics are simple, easy to understand, and people can sing along easily,” the musician said.

The lyrics are like a short poem, consisting of eight lines, about the desire for cohesion of the ASEAN community.

“Holding hands, walking together, for the happiness of mankind
Eastern sun shines on SEA Games, Vietnam welcomes
Excited hearts, devoted to the belief of victory
Each eye gives us hope, the path to a common dream.

Let’s be together shoulder to shoulder, let’s go to the future
Along the path of glory, Vietnam and the SEA Games
Believe in tomorrow, we will sing the song together
This moment will forever echo, for a world of tomorrow.”

In the process of composing, the musician edits some details in the lyrics. Many recordings and performances of the song have children’s voices mixed in, promoting the spirit of children like the ending line: “For a world of tomorrow”.

My Linh sings ‘For a world of tomorrow’

In addition to the Vietnamese lyrics, the organizers will publish the English version written by Bui Nhat Quang. “Previously, we asked some linguists to put lyrics but not fully convey the music’s feelings. The translation may not be close to the original lyrics, but it needs to show the common spirit,” musician Quang Vinh said. .

“Hand in hand, we welcome you, all united here
Eastern sunshines over SEA Games Vietnam has waited so long
Youthful hearts we look for glorious victory
In your eyes, I see great hope
What dreams I share with you

Now’s our time to shine the future’s in our hands
Come and join us one and all Vietnam and SEA Games
Believe in the future. Let us sing our song
We’ll keep this moment in mind
For the World of tomorrow!”

The first person to perform the song was Linh Dung. Although she is not a famous name, her strange voice and generous singing style at that time were loved by many audiences. After that, for personal reasons, Linh Dung did not continue to participate in the project. Many other singers such as My Linh, Hong Nhung, My Tam… performed music. During the closing ceremony of the 22nd SEA Games, the duet between My Linh and Filipino singer Carlos Orosa was the highlight of the event.

Singer My Linh remembers 2002, one year before the 22nd SEA Games, For a world tomorrow Popular in many institutions and schools. According to her, the song is partly marked by its beautiful and smooth melody, which is suitable for many people’s interests. According to musician Quang Vinh, the song was born in the context of the first time the SEA Games were held in Vietnam, so the beautiful emotions are easy to multiply and stay in the hearts of the audience.

Ha Thu