The Song of Returning to Tay Ninh and the Mission of Connection

If Long An province previously had "My Hometown River," and old Tay Ninh province had "The Tay Ninh Bus Trip," then the new Tay Ninh province has "Returning to Tay Ninh." Each song has its own mission, and the song "Returning to Tay Ninh" carries the mission of connection.

Oh, how I miss Long An and Tay Ninh back then.

Now, Tay Ninh knows how much gratitude it owes.

These are the lyrics from a new composition by author Diep Vam Co, "Returning to Tay Ninh," a song performed by People's Artist Ho Ngoc Trinh at a momentous event for Long An province, Tay Ninh province, and the newly established Tay Ninh province, as they joined forces in fulfilling the nation's historical mission on June 30, 2025, during the ceremony announcing resolutions and decrees from the Central and local governments on the merger of administrative units and the establishment of Tay Ninh province.

In the memories of many people from Long An, this beloved name has been associated with them since the moment they were born. Therefore, before this historic moment, countless hearts are filled with indescribable emotions. As a son of this "courageous and resilient" homeland, author Diep Vam Co shares these feelings, and he has inspired the song "Returning to Tay Ninh," but with a new perspective and a new beginning.

Author Diep Vam Co shared his feelings: “When I heard the news that Tay Ninh and Long An had merged into one province and taken the name Tay Ninh, I thought that the leaders had thought a great deal before making such an extremely important decision. And to inspire and instill confidence in a new Tay Ninh, I wrote the song 'Returning to Tay Ninh,' hoping to convey my feelings to everyone so that we can all have positive thoughts and look towards a new future together.”

Ahead of this momentous milestone in the history of the newly formed Tay Ninh Provincial Party Committee, amidst the mixed emotions of millions of people, filled with anticipation: "Just yesterday we were in Long An, tomorrow morning we wake up in Tay Ninh, our homeland," and the bewilderment of the unprepared merger, the song "Returning to Tay Ninh" was born just in time, fulfilling the mission of "connecting" the plains and mountains, making them each other's homeland. This mission is expressed through the lyrics: "For a thousand years the mountains remain high. The rivers still flow, flowing swiftly. Let us return, let us always be close to each other."

The distinctive feature of the song "Returning to Tay Ninh" is the author's skillful praise of the glorious history and famous landmarks and specialties of Long An - Tay Ninh, making listeners easily feel "we and you, though two, are one."

Author Diep Vam Co added: "When the two provinces of Long An and Tay Ninh merged, the Vam Co Dong River became a symbol, possessing both sacred and geographical significance, making it a complete entity. Now, we see that the Vam Co Dong River is truly the river of Tay Ninh homeland, and I think everyone will love Tay Ninh and the Vam Co Dong River even more. From those feelings, I wove these lyrics: 'Vam Co Tay beside Vam Co Dong; Who remembers, who waits; When we share the same river'."

If Long An once had "My Hometown River," and Tay Ninh in the past had "The Tay Ninh Bus Trip," then Tay Ninh today has "Returning to Tay Ninh." And the song "Returning to Tay Ninh" is considered the first song to accompany the new chapter in the province's history after the merger. We will never forget this historic moment, and deep within each of us lie feelings that are difficult to express in words.

Ms. Huong Lua (residing in Long An ward) shared: "I really like the lyrics of the song 'Returning to Tay Ninh'. Although the author composed this song in a short time, it still touches the hearts of everyone during this historic moment for our homeland and country."

Along with the rest of the country, Tay Ninh is stepping into an era of strength and prosperity. And with the spirit of an artist always keeping pace with the times and a deeply sensitive soul, author Diep Vam Co has created literary and artistic works that breathe life. This is a welcome sign for the province's literature and art. And "Returning to Tay Ninh" continues the mission of writing another "song of fond memories."

The author Diep Vam Co, whose real name is Bui Van Diep, was born in My Lac commune, Thu Thua district, Long An province (now My Thanh commune, Tay Ninh province). His childhood was closely associated with the Vam Co River, hence his pen name, Diep Vam Co. Born in 1958, he was formerly the Deputy Head of the Arts and Entertainment Department of Long An Radio and Television Station (formerly); he is currently a member of the Vietnam Association of Stage Artists.

Ngoc Han - Le Ngoc

Source: https://baotayninh.vn/bai-ca-ve-voi-tay-ninh-and-su-menh-ket-noi-147492.html