Songs of the Homeland

Vietnamese revolutionary music is a persistent stream that nourishes the national soul. Throughout 80 years of independence, songs about the homeland and the country have not only reflected history but also become an endless source of inspiration, fostering faith and instilling in the Vietnamese people a desire to live, love peace, and cherish the values ​​of independence and freedom.

Immediately before and after the August Revolution, music resonated as an affirmation of a heroic nation rising up to take control of its destiny after 80 years of colonial rule. Van Cao's "Marching Song" became the national anthem, an immortal symbol of the heroic homeland. At the same time, works such as "August 19th" (Xuan Oanh), "Destroy Fascism" (Nguyen Dinh Thi), "Onward" (Luu Huu Phuoc), and "Ba Dinh in the Sun" (Bui Cong Ky) depicted the heroic spirit of the early days of nation-building and independence. These melodies were not only for singing, but also a rallying cry for millions of hearts to march in unison with the nation.

Flag-raising ceremony at April 2nd Square, Nha Trang ward. Photo: Tuan Anh

During the nine years of protracted resistance, music became a spiritual weapon. Van Cao wrote "The Song of the Lo River" to engrave the glorious victories of our army and people into music. Do Nhuan with "Guerrillas of the Thao River," "Liberating Dien Bien ," Nguyen Dinh Thi with "People of Hanoi ," Ho Bac with "My Village," "On the Other Side of the Duong River" (poem by Hoang Cam)... created epics of pride and honor for the country.

During the years of the war against America, revolutionary music reached its glorious peak. That heroic atmosphere resonated in "Praise the Fatherland" (Hoang Van), "The Road We Take" (Huy Du - Xuan Sach), "Love Song" (Hoang Viet), "Uncle Ho's Love Illuminates Our Lives" (Luu Huu Phuoc - Diep Minh Tuyen), " Truong Son East - Truong Son West" (Hoang Hiep - Pham Tien Duat)... An entire generation of composers such as Hoang Viet, Pham Tuyen, Luu Huu Phuoc, Hoang Van, Do Nhuan, Huy Du, Vu Trong Hoi, Hoang Ha, Tran Chung, Pham Minh Tuan, Xuan Hong, Hoang Hiep… left behind a treasure trove of thousands of works that still resonate today.

In the spring of 1975, the country achieved peace and reunification. This joy was expressed by Văn Cao in "The First Spring," by Nguyễn Đức Toàn in "Never Before Has It Been So Beautiful," and by Nguyễn Văn Thương and Tố Hữu in a magnificent and smooth epic , "Our Homeland Has Never Been So Beautiful." These were not only songs celebrating victory, but also affirmations that a new era for the nation had begun, and music would continue to be a companion in the building and protection of the homeland.
Revolutionary music continues to be brimming with love and emotion. Tran Tien with "Melody of the Fatherland," Van Thanh Nho with "The Country's Lullaby ," Le Giang with "The Country's Love," and Pham Minh Tuan with "The Country" have proven that love for the homeland always has enduring vitality. Many composers incorporate folk music and traditional instruments to make melodies praising the country more relatable and easily resonate with people. In recent years, Nguyen Van Chung – a young artist familiar with love songs – has surprised audiences with his compositions about the homeland. These fresh songs touch the hearts of young people, creating a connection between the past and the present.

Songs praising the homeland are a shared memory of the nation. Each song is a "musical photograph" preserving historical moments: from the Dien Bien Phu victory "renowned throughout the world" to the great victory of Spring 1975, from the new rural development program to the aspiration to reach out to the world. Today, these songs still resonate on stage, in festivals, and in schools, like a thread connecting generations.

Composer Tran Tien once said, "Music about the homeland is the blood and breath of the Vietnamese people." Indeed, for the past eight decades, revolutionary music has proven its enduring vitality. It serves as both a memory and a reminder for each of us to be proud, to live worthy of the sacrifices of our ancestors, and to continue writing "patriotic songs" for today and tomorrow.

DUONG MY ANH

Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/van-hoa/202508/nhung-bai-cadat-nuoc-93f5768/