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"We Live in Singapura" (also known as "I Live in Singapura" or "Sang-Nila-Utama") is a viral Singaporean comedy song that chronicles the history of Singapore through rapid-fire satirical lyrics set to the tune of Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start the Fire."<ref name=":2">"[https://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/e/edmund_tan/sang_nila_utama_lyrics.html Edmund Tan - Sang-Nila-Utama lyrics]" ''Lyricsmode.'' n.d. Accessed 21 January 2026.</ref><ref name=":0">"[https://karinacognomen.wordpress.com/2015/08/11/history-of-singapore-in-one-song-we-live-in-singapura-i-live-in-singapura-with-lyric/ History of Singapore in One Song: We Live in Singapura / I Live in Singapura with Lyric]" ''The Best is Yet to Come,'' 11 August, 2015. Accessed 21 January 2026.</ref>

Written by Edmund Tan and performed by local entertainer Hossan Leong,<ref name=":0" /> the song was recorded in 2006 at Singapore's Parliament House for the Mr. Brown Show and became an instant viral sensation, helping an entire generation of Singaporeans learn their nation's history in an entertaining and memorable way.<ref name=":3">Karina Karina. "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDo0TYoMI5Q WE LIVE IN SINGAPURA/I LIVE IN SINGAPURA SONG]" Youtube, 11 August, 2015. Accessed 23 January 2026.</ref>

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==Origins and creation==

===The Mr. Brown Show===
The song was produced by Mr. Brown (Lee Kin Mun), a Singaporean blogger and podcaster known for his satirical social commentary.<ref>"[https://www.linkedin.com/in/kin-mun-lee-66811590/?originalSubdomain=sg Kin Mun Lee]" ''LinkedIn.'' n.d. Accessed 21 January 2026.</ref> During the 2006 General Election period, Mr. Brown created the "persistently non-political podcast" to navigate Singapore's strict Election Advertising Regulations, which required registration and permits for political podcasts.<ref name=":1">"[https://archive.org/details/tmbs-060501-the_persistently_non-political_podcast_no6 the mrbrown show 1 May 2006: the persistently non-political podcast no. 6]" Internet Archive, 1 May, 2006. Accessed 23 January 2026.</ref>

The podcast became famous for skirting these regulations, with each episode prominently stating:<ref name=":1" /><blockquote>''"This audio podcast does not contain 'persistent political content' because that is prohibited during the election period under Singapore's Election Advertising Regulations. Remember, prison got no broadband!"''</blockquote>

===Recording at Parliament House===
The video was recorded at the Parliament House of Singapore during a special event held by the Mr. Brown show.<ref name=":3" /> The choice of venue added an ironic layer to the satirical song, as it was performed in the very seat of Singapore's government while poking fun at the nation's political history and social quirks.<ref name=":3" />

<youtube>DDo0TYoMI5Q</youtube>

===Writer and performer===
Edmund Tan wrote the lyrics to "We Live in Singapura," crafting a comprehensive survey of Singapore's history from Sang Nila Utama's legendary founding to contemporary 2000s issues.[1] The song was performed by Hossan Leong, a beloved local comedian, actor, and drag artist known for his versatile performances and sharp wit.<ref name=":4">"[https://www.linkedin.com/in/hossanleong/?originalSubdomain=sg Hossan Leong]" ''LinkedIn''. n.d. Accessed 26 January 2026.</ref>

Hossan Leong (born 10 July 1969) had established himself as one of Singapore's premier entertainers, making him the perfect choice to deliver the rapid-fire satirical lyrics with the energy and charisma needed to make the song memorable.<ref name=":4" />

==Historical content and references==

===Founding legend (Sang Nila Utama)===
The song opens with Singapore's founding legend:<ref name=":2" /><blockquote>''Sang Nila, Utama''

''Saw a lion, alamak''

''Name the village Singapura, then run very far''</blockquote>This verse references Sang Nila Utama (better known as Parameswara), a Majapahit prince who according to the Sejarah Melayu (Malay Annals) saw what he believed to be a lion and named the settlement "Singapura" (Lion City).<ref name=":5">Nor-Afidah Abd Rahman. “[https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=7dc04ff9-f9fb-44ba-867e-8b714f87b324 Sang Nila Utama]” ''National Library Singapore.'' n.d. Accessed 21 January 2026.</ref> The line "then run very far" alludes to how Parameswara fled after killing Temasek's leader and subsequently founded Melaka.<ref name=":5" />

===Colonial period===
The British colonial era is summarized:<ref name=":2" /><blockquote>''Years later, ang moh came''

''Stamford Raffles was his name''

''Posed for statues very nice, we kena colonize''</blockquote>"Ang moh" is Singlish slang for Caucasians, particularly the British. The reference to "posed for statues" alludes to the famous Raffles statue at the Singapore River. "Kena" is Singlish meaning "was done to" or "were subjected to."<ref name=":6">“[https://www.britannica.com/place/Singapore/History History of Singapore]” ''Britannica.'' n.d. Accessed 21 January 2026.</ref>

===World War II===
The Japanese invasion is described with characteristic Singaporean irreverence:<ref name=":2" /><blockquote>''Singapura very strong''

''Big guns all, pointing wrong''

''Japanese, came on bikes, invade us from our backside''</blockquote>This verse references the British military's overconfidence in Singapore's sea defenses, while the Japanese famously invaded via bicycle through the Malayan mainland, attacking from the north, Singapore's vulnerable "back door."<ref name=":6" />

===Post-war independence===
The path to independence is covered:<ref name=":2" /><blockquote>''War is over, ang moh back''

''Singaporeans no respect''

''Commies come, make a fuss, Singapore independence!''</blockquote>This references how British prestige was shattered after WWII, the communist agitation of the 1950s, and Singapore's eventual self-government in 1959.<ref name=":6" />

===Political figures===
The song name-checks Singapore's early political leaders:<ref name=":2" /><blockquote>''David Marshall, Lim Yew Hock''

''National Anthem starts to rock''

''Yusof Ishak the big man, guess who's PM?''</blockquote>David Marshall and Lim Yew Hock were Singapore's Chief Ministers from 1955 to 1959. Zubir Said wrote the national anthem "Majulah Singapura." Yusof Ishak became Yang di-Pertuan Negara (head of state) while Lee Kuan Yew became the first Prime Minister in 1959.<ref>“[https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=3520aab7-25a2-452d-bdd3-2e75b1989866 Past and present leaders of Singapore]” ''nlb.'' n.d. Accessed 21 January 2026.</ref>

===Separation from Malaysia===
The merger and separation from Malaysia is emotionally captured:<ref name=":2" /><blockquote>''Malaysia say, come join me''

''Two of us be same country''

''Then not happy, Then make PM cry''</blockquote>This references Singapore's brief merger with Malaysia (1963-1965) and the separation in 1965, during which Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew famously cried on television.<ref name=":6" />

===Nation building===
Lee Kuan Yew's development policies are summarized:<ref name=":2" /><blockquote>''PM Lee lead country''

''Build Jurong and HDB''

''Made the country clean and green, opposition cannot win''</blockquote>This verse covers the establishment of Jurong Industrial Estate, the Housing Development Board (HDB) public housing program, the Clean and Green campaign of the 1970s, and the PAP's electoral dominance (no opposition MPs from 1966 to 1981).<ref name=":6" />

===Opposition politics===
Opposition figures are mentioned with characteristic Singaporean bluntness:<ref name=":2" /><blockquote>''JB Jeya no more funds,''

''Chee Soon Juan won't eat his buns''

''Lim How Doong, what a goon, 'Don't talk cock' in parliament''</blockquote>J.B. Jeyaretnam was the first opposition MP elected in 1981, later bankrupted by lawsuits.<ref>Chew, Valerie. “[https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=26021a48-d4ee-4d15-9d5d-51b1ea033bc5 Joshua Benjamin Jeyaretnam]” ''National Library Singapore.'' n.d. Accessed 21 January 2026.</ref> Chee Soon Juan leads the Singapore Democratic Party and frequently criticizes the government.<ref>“[https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/20091118008.htm SINGAPORE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE TO THE WHITE PAPER BY AMSTERDAM & PEROFF]” [https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/20091118008.htm Singapore Government Media Release]" ''Singapore Government Media Release,'' 11 November, 2009. Accessed 21 January 2026.</ref> Lim How Doong was labeled "a goon" for forcing Chiam See Tong out of the SDP; the phrase "Don't talk cock" comes from Lim's warning to Chiam in Parliament.<ref>“[https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2023/07/12/how-does-the-speakers-f-bomb-compare-with-the-mps-dont-talk-cock/ How does the Speaker’s F-bomb compare with the MP’s ‘don’t talk cock’?]” ''The Online Citizen,'' 12 July, 2023. Accessed 21 January 2026.</ref>

===Other lyrical references===
The song covers various 2000s controversies and cultural phenomena:

*Michael Fay incident: The American teenager caned for vandalism in 1994<ref>“[https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=61e0277e-fbeb-4ebc-88ea-8a9c58e13e05 Michael Fay]” ''National Library Singapore''. n.d. Accessed 21 January 2026.</ref>
*COE (Certificate of Entitlement): Singapore's car ownership bidding system<ref>“[https://onemotoring.lta.gov.sg/content/onemotoring/home/buying/upfront-vehicle-costs/certificate-of-entitlement--coe-.html Certificate of Entitlement (COE)]” ''OneMotoring.'' n.d. Accessed 21 January 2026.</ref>
*ERP (Electronic Road Pricing): Road toll system<ref>“[https://onemotoring.lta.gov.sg/content/onemotoring/home/driving/ERP/ERP.html Electronic Road Pricing (ERP)]” ''OneMotoring.'' n.d. Accessed 21 January 2026.</ref>
*NEWater: Recycled water that foreigners "laugh at us" about<ref>“[https://www.facebook.com/SingaporeMatters/videos/new-water/3105684376117931/ Singapore Matters]” ''Facebook,'' 29 February, 2020. Accessed 21 January 2026.</ref>
*Foreign talent policy: "Why our locals have to pay? Foreign talent are okay"<ref>“[https://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/gia/article/singapore-s-lesson-managing-immigration-to-create-a-win-win-situation?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=AO&utm_term=lkyspp&utm_content=immigration-lesson-sg Singapore Immigration Policy: Economic and Social Impact]” ''Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy,'' 23 June, 2017. Accessed 21 January 2026.</ref>
*Baby bonus and maid levy: Government policies<ref>“[https://www.madeforfamilies.gov.sg/support-measures/raising-your-child/financial-support/baby-bonus-scheme#:~:text=Baby%20Bonus%20Scheme-,Baby%20Bonus%20Scheme,their%20child%20enters%20primary%20school. Baby Bonus Scheme]” ''Made For Families.'' n.d. Accessed 21 January 2026.</ref><ref>“[https://www.madeforfamilies.gov.sg/support-measures/raising-your-child/financial-support/baby-bonus-scheme#:~:text=Baby%20Bonus%20Scheme-,Baby%20Bonus%20Scheme,their%20child%20enters%20primary%20school. Levy concession for a migrant domestic worker (MDW)]” ''Ministry of Manpower.'' n.d. Accessed 21 January 2026.</ref>
*Ho Yeow Sun: Described as "sexy pastor," referencing the City Harvest Church leader<ref>Soh, Elizabeth. “[https://sg.news.yahoo.com/who-is-ho-yeow-sun--20120626.html Who is Ho Yeow Sun?]” ''Yahoo News,'' 26 June, 2012. Accessed 21 January 2026.</ref>
*Singlish ban: "Stop speaking Singlish lah"<ref>Harbeck, James. “[https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20160919-the-language-the-government-tried-to-suppress The language the government tried to suppress]” ''BBC'', 19 September, 2016. Accessed 21 January 2026.</ref>
*Bar-top dancing: Liberalization of entertainment regulations<ref>“[https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Act/PEA1958 Public Entertainments Act 1958]” ''Singapore Statutes Online'', 15 January, 1959. Accessed 23 January 2026.</ref>
*LGBT rights: "Gay is okay says PM"<ref>Aqil Haziq Mahmud. “[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/section-377a-repeal-law-sex-gay-men-marriage-constitution-pm-lee-ndr2022-2891381#:~:text=SINGAPORE:%20Singapore%20will%20repeal%20Section,younger%20Singaporeans%2C%E2%80%9D%20he%20said. NDR 2022: Singapore to repeal Section 377A, amend Constitution to protect definition of marriage]” ''Channel News Asia'', 21 August, 2022. Accessed 23 January 2026.</ref>
*Political succession: "SM Lee becomes MM, PM Lee the same name, here we go all over again" (referencing Lee Kuan Yew becoming Minister Mentor and his son Lee Hsien Loong becoming PM)<ref>George, Cherian. “[https://www.newmandala.org/singapores-mystifying-political-succession/ Singapore’s mystifying political succession]” ''New Mandala'', 7 February, 2018. Accessed 23 January 2026.</ref>

==Remakes==

===2015 Remake: The SG50 Version===
In 2015, coinciding with Singapore's 50th anniversary of independence (SG50), a remake of "We Live in Singapura" was produced.<ref name=":7">Fattah, Farzana. "[https://thesmartlocal.com/read/singaporean-songs/ 9 Popular Singaporean Songs That We Recall Without Even Having To Hear Them]" ''TheSmartLocal'', 7 August, 2019. Accessed 21 January 2026.</ref> This updated version was written by Benjamin "Mr Miyagi" Lee and included more recent events and cultural references.

The SG50 version featured amusing references to Pink Dot (Singapore's LGBT pride event) and Gardens by the Bay, bringing the song's historical narrative into the 2010s.<ref name=":7" />

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[[File:Hossan leong we live in singapura 2025.jpg|thumb|''Hossan Leong in the 2025 remake of We Live in Singapura. Photo from [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DM43NiDhkZm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Instagram video].'']]

===2025 Remake: SGAG Version===
In August 2025, SGAG (a popular Singaporean social media brand) teamed up with Hossan Leong to create "We Live in Singapura (2025)," marking the song's most ambitious remake yet.<ref name=":8">"[https://www.marketing-interactive.com/sgag-hossan-leong-revive-viral-anthem-we-live-in-singapura-with-hilarious-modern-twist 'SGAG, Hossan Leong revive viral anthem 'We live in Singapura' with hilarious modern twist]" ''Marketing Interactive'', 7 August, 2025. Accessed 21 January 2026.</ref> The music video was released to coincide with Singapore's 60th National Day celebrations (SG60).

SGAG writer D-Jin Toh spearheaded the project, stating: "You cannot separate the man from the song, especially when it's something so iconic."<ref name=":8" /> Benjamin "Mr Miyagi" Lee, who wrote the 2015 version, said: "It was such a thrill knowing that SGAG wanted to co-create a new iteration of what was unintentionally iconic piece of content."<ref name=":8" />

====Updated lyrical references====
The 2025 version opens with Gen Alpha kids declaring Hossan's original 2006 hit "so old," prompting Hossan himself to launch into a high-energy remix. The updated lyrics zip through two decades of events including:

*Joseph Schooling's 2016 Olympic gold medal win<ref>Chen, May. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/olympics-joseph-schoolings-coronation-complete-as-he-wins-singapores-first-gold Olympics: Joseph Schooling's coronation complete as he wins Singapore's first gold]” ''The Straits Times'', 13 August, 2016. Accessed 23 January 2026.</ref>
*Taylor Swift's concert craze in Singapore<ref>Ong, Shynn & Wee, Gladys. “[https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/taylor-swift-singapore-concert-tickets-sold-out-2207196 Taylor Swift's Singapore concert tickets sell out in 8 hours; fans hit by sale glitches call for better systems]” ''Todayonline,'' 8 July, 2023. Accessed 23 January 2026.</ref>
*Million-dollar HDB flats<ref>Neo, Josiah. [https://uchify.com/q3-2022-million-dollar-hdbs/ “Over 60 Million-Dollar HDBs Were Sold in July & August 2022, Including Hougang’s First >$1M Resale Flat]” ''Uchify'', 14 September, 2022. Accessed 23 January 2026.</ref>
*Skyrocketing COE (Certificate of Entitlement) prices<ref>“[https://sg.news.yahoo.com/coe-prices-cat-a-premiums-rise-by-more-than-7-to-109501-090439651.html COE prices: Cat A premiums rise by more than 7% to $109,501]” ''Yahoo News'', 21 January, 2026. Accessed 23 January 2026.</ref>
*COVID-19 pandemic<ref>“[https://www.who.int/europe/emergencies/situations/covid-19 Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic]” ''World Health Organization''. n.d. Accessed 21 January 2026.</ref>

Set to a refreshed beat and packed with "blink-and-you'll-miss-it references," the 2025 video featured significantly higher production values than the original 2006 version, reflecting both SGAG's resources and the evolution of online content creation.<ref name=":9">“[https://www.facebook.com/HossanLeongOfficial/videos/we-liv-we-live-in-singapura-2025/1093912886008893/ Hossan Leong]” ''Facebook'', 3 August, 2025. Accessed 21 January 2026.</ref>

"We Live in Singapura (2025)" was released on Instagram and TikTok, platforms that didn't exist when the original song debuted, demonstrating how the format adapted to new media landscapes.<ref name=":9" /><ref>“[https://www.tiktok.com/@hossanleong/video/7534534730054667538?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc @hossanleong]” ''TikTok'', 4 August, 2025. Accessed 21 January 2026.</ref><ref>“[https://www.instagram.com/reel/DM43NiDhkZm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== @sgag]” ''Instagram'', 3 August, 2025. Accessed 21 January 2026.</ref>

==Hossan Leong's reflections==
Reflecting on the 2025 remake, Hossan Leong stated:<ref name=":8" /><blockquote>''"It was timely to update the song, and I was very touched that so many people remember the original and grew up with it. It's a parody, it's satire, it's meant to laugh at ourselves, yet celebrate being Singaporean. So put the negativity aside, and the nasty comments, and have a laugh. We need to believe in humanity again. Be kind to each other."''</blockquote>

==References/Citations==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Singapore Culture]]