McCann Singapore revives long-lost lyric in new NDP anthem

McCann Singapore has tapped into the nation’s collective spirit with a fresh National Day song, Dream big, Singapore, to mark Singapore’s 60th birthday.

The new track reunites McCann with Hugh Harrison, the agency’s former creative director and writer of iconic NDP songs including Count on me Singapore, Stand up for Singapore and We are Singapore. Notably, Dream big, Singapore resurrects a long-lost lyric from Harrison’s original draft of Count on me Singapore.

The original refrain “We have a dream, we have a dream” was swapped out in 1986 for a more pragmatic “We can achieve”, reflecting the economic challenges of that era. Today, the revived lyric reclaims that hopeful vision and places a shared dream at the heart of the anthem.

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McCann said the song, with lyrics such as “We’ve come so far, yet there’s still more,” encourages Singaporeans to keep dreaming while staying grounded in hard work. It balances pragmatism with optimism, capturing the nation’s evolving mindset.

The message resonates with findings from McCann Worldgroup’s "Truth about ascending Asia" study, which reports that 84% of Singaporeans believe life will improve for people like them in the next decade.

Dream big, Singapore is part of McCann’s 50th anniversary celebrations in Singapore, highlighting both the agency’s deep ties to the country’s growth story and its continued creative influence on national narratives.

The song is now streaming on YouTube, supported by a digital campaign and dedicated microsite marking McCann’s five decades in Singapore.

“Great creativity often lies in telling the truth well. Dream big, Singapore takes a lyric that was once set aside and reclaims it for a different time, one where hope, imagination, and unity feel more vital than ever. McCann has long been part of the way this nation tells its story and this song is a continuation of that legacy, one that looks forward while honouring the creative spirit that brought us here,” said Valerie Madon, chief creative officer, McCann Worldgroup Singapore.

In tandem, Brandon Cheung, CEO, McCann Worldgroup Southeast Asia said, “At McCann, we help our clients build enduring brands that win and keep winning. As we reflect on Singapore’s 60th anniversary and our 50th year of operation in the country, we celebrate Singapore’s success both as a thriving nation and a globally admired brand."

He added, “The reimagined song, ‘Dream Big, Singapore’ perfectly encapsulates the timeless and timely optimism of Singapore and McCann’s humble role in shaping the national brand over the years.”

McCann isn’t alone in using music to mark SG60. Earlier this year, the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) and DDB Group Singapore launched a campaign supporting Community Chest’s SGSHARE donation program. Rebranded from SHARE for SG60, SGSHARE recognises Singapore’s progress in building a strong social infrastructure.

The program aids adults with disabilities, children with special needs, at-risk youth, individuals facing mental health issues, and vulnerable families and seniors. It encourages regular donations through a subscription model, helping social service agencies meet rising demands.

The campaign features a film set to A million dreams from The Greatest Showman, performed by the Voices of Singapore Children’s Choir and Starlight Voices.

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