"Ho Chi Minh Song"

The song, whose Vietnamese name is “Ho Chi Minh Song”, was composed by British musician Ewan MacColl in 1954.

At that time, musician Ewan MacColl heard the news of France's defeat at Dien Bien Phu and said to his friends: "Why did this particularly meaningful victory happen in Vietnam and not in any other colonial land? Recently, I read a valuable book, including many articles by a number of professors of Oriental, French, Italian history... praising a great figure of the 20th century. That is Uncle Ho Chi Minh , the leader who just led the Vietnamese people to the outstanding victory of Dien Bien Phu".

Musician Ewan MacColl.

The inspiration came to the author after such events. From the life of the great leader, the musician wrote a song with the material of English folk melody. Since its first performance, the song has received the love of listeners in many territories. Especially socialist countries, countries opposing the war. The song was "imported" to Vietnam in 1967, after Meritorious Artist Quang Hung had a performance tour with the author of the song.

Soon after, musician Phu An translated the lyrics from English into Vietnamese, still keeping the spirit of the song intact. Also in 1967, “Ho Chi Minh Song” was performed at the Hanoi Opera House for the first time with the voice of Meritorious Artist Quang Hung, on May 19. The lyrics, full of love and pride, touched the hearts of the Vietnamese people: “The East Sea is far away on the horizon/ The people there are miserable and poor!/ From pain, people travel all over the five continents, believing in the bright sun of truth that shines on the innocent people/ Ho, Ho, Ho Chi Minh/ Ho, Ho, Ho Chi Minh”.

Our great President is also portrayed as a messenger of peace: “The forest is ablaze with the fire of revolution spreading/ From the Viet Bac forest to Thap Muoi/ Ho Chi Minh, spring is filled with faith/ He was born from the truth for freedom and peace/ He devoted his life for world peace/ Ho, Ho, Ho Chi Minh/ Ho, Ho, Ho Chi Minh”.

More than 70 years since its release, the song has been performed by many singers, receiving public acceptance in Vietnam as well as many countries around the world. In addition to Vietnamese lyrics, the song has also been translated into many languages ​​such as French, Spanish, Swedish... The song is a testament to the image of President Ho Chi Minh - a profound image, loved and respected by friends around the world.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/bai-ca-ho-chi-minh-703491.html