The immortal epics will forever resound.

Revolutionary songs composed during the anti-American war period were not merely art forms, but also powerful spiritual weapons, arousing patriotism, indomitable will, and faith in the ultimate victory.

To this day, these songs retain their historical and artistic value, and continue to resonate throughout Vietnam.

A call to action from the heart.

In 1966, amidst the South Vietnamese Liberation Army's plan to advance towards Saigon and await the opportune moment, composer Luu Huu Phuoc wrote the song "Marching Towards Saigon." The song has a heroic, stirring melody, and notably, a line that serves as a rallying cry, a command from the nation, the army, and the heart of each soldier: "Marching towards Saigon, we will sweep away the enemy...", all evoking the swift footsteps of the Liberation Army. "Marching Towards Saigon" also carries the fervent belief that Saigon would be liberated and the country unified.

Images from the play "The Starlight of the Bronze Citadel" by the Military Arts Troupe of Military Region 7.

Notably, exactly five years before the release of "Marching Towards Saigon," the song "Liberating the South" was already very popular and widespread among the military and civilians nationwide, and was chosen as the official song of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam (1961-1976). "Liberating the South" was written in 1961 by Huynh Minh Sieng, the collective pseudonym of three composers: Luu Huu Phuoc, Mai Van Bo, and Huynh Van Tieng. The line "Liberating the South, we are determined to march forward" became a fighting slogan, resounding throughout the Truong Son mountain range, where soldiers marched. The song flowed in the veins of the entire nation, encouraging the will of generations of young people to "cut through the Truong Son mountain range to save the country."

Another famous song from the anti-American war period is "The Girl Sharpening Bamboo Stakes" by composer Hoang Hiep. However, very few people know that the lyricist was the Ede poet Mo Lo Y Choi. In 1965, composer Hoang Hiep happened to read a poem by poet Mo Lo Y Choi in the Literature and Arts newspaper, and subsequently, the song "The Girl Sharpening Bamboo Stakes" was born. The image of the girl from the Central Highlands mountains in the song represents the silent yet glorious contribution of Vietnamese women in the resistance war. At the same time, it expresses the unity and determination of the entire nation for a peaceful and independent future.

From the trenches to the day of reunification

A prominent feature of revolutionary songs from the 1954-1975 period is their optimistic spirit and belief in victory. This steadfastness and optimism are clearly depicted in the songs written during this time. For example, "The Song of Truong Son" (music: Tran Chung, lyrics: Gia Dung) evokes a beautiful image: amidst the fierce battlefield, the treacherous mountains and forests, and the sound of bombs and bullets, the song still resonates beautifully and is full of optimism: "Oh Truong Son, on the road we travel, not a single human footprint is visible / A golden deer tilts its ears in bewilderment / Stopping on the mountain pass to listen to the stream singing / Picking a wild flower to put on our hat as we go..."

Songs from the resistance war against the US truly touched the hearts of listeners with their poetic beauty amidst war. Love for the homeland, camaraderie, and romantic love intertwined in the melodies, creating a deeply humane picture amidst the smoke and fire... can be found in many songs. "Love Song" by composer Hoang Viet, composed in 1957. "Truong Son East - Truong Son West" - a poem by Pham Tien Duat, set to music by composer Hoang Hiep in 1971. At the end of 1974, poet Nguyen Dinh Thi wrote the poem "Red Leaves," which was later set to music by composer Hoang Hiep and recorded on the Voice of Vietnam radio station , quickly spreading to audiences nationwide... These are just three of the many valuable and beloved songs created during this period.

In the joyous celebration of April 30, 1975, three songs composed by musicians just days before this historic event were broadcast on the Voice of Vietnam radio station. The song "As if Uncle Ho were present on the day of the great victory" was composed by musician Pham Tuyen on April 28, 1975, and recorded on the afternoon of April 30 to be broadcast in time for the special 5 PM news bulletin of the Voice of Vietnam radio station that day, officially announcing the complete liberation of South Vietnam. The song "The Nation's Complete Joy" was composed by musician Hoang Ha on the night of April 26 and was first broadcast by the Voice of Vietnam radio station on the morning of May 1, 1975, performed by People's Artist Trung Kien. Another famous song is "The Song from the City Named After the Great Leader," which composer Cao Viet Bach had been contemplating for quite some time and completed in March 1975. On April 30, 1975, the song was broadcast on Vietnam Radio as a way to mark the nation's historic victory.

Remarkably, not only did composer Cao Viet Bach foresee the day of complete victory more than a month in advance, but he also "named" the city after President Ho Chi Minh more than a year before Saigon - Gia Dinh was officially renamed Ho Chi Minh City (at the first session of the 6th National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, on July 2, 1976). The song mentions Ho Chi Minh City twice: “Ho Chi Minh City shines brightly with a bright future / In every heart, in every dream / In every life, we always have Uncle Ho / His heartfelt words guide us / His name shines forever, Ho Chi Minh City”...

The timely and historically significant appearance of these three songs multiplied joy and happiness, and simultaneously, it was a joyful cry from millions of united hearts.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/vang-mai-nhung-ban-hung-ca-bat-diet-700720.html