On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (2/9), the song ‘Vietnam the Beautiful’ has resonated with many. It has been chosen for numerous celebratory programs as a bright, vibrant, and hopeful melody. During the ‘Glory to the Vietnam People's Public Security’ program on 7/6, police officers performed a folk dance to the song, with the audience enthusiastically singing and clapping along. Since 2024, the national airline has also adopted ‘Vietnam the Beautiful’ as its representative song, playing it during landings.

The song, part of V.Music's 2010 album ‘Vietnam: A New Day’, embodies young people's feelings about their country. ‘Vietnam the Beautiful’, the title track, portrays a cheerful young woman who loves life, her people, and her country, confidently stepping onto a new path towards global integration.

Composer Nguyen Hong Thuan drew inspiration from fundamental Vietnamese values: "I envisioned smiles on the streets, white Ao Dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) at the end of a school day, and the gentle, hospitable, and life-loving people. All these elements blend into a new Vietnam as seen by international friends," he said.

The song features a radiant young woman "cycling through the crowded streets" with her "white Ao Dai fluttering," a symbol of student life. She represents a generation that embraces life with "a thousand aspirations," symbolizing ambition, the desire to reach new horizons, and a yearning to contribute to their homeland. In the modern era, Vietnamese women retain their traditional values while embracing dynamism and resilience.

The lyrics, "And tomorrow, when you fly to distant horizons/ Always remember the skin color and language of Vietnam," serve as a reminder to cherish, take pride in, and preserve Vietnamese cultural identity wherever life may lead. The image of a "constant smile" evokes the friendliness and hospitality of the Vietnamese people.

Thuan said he completed the song in two days and spent a week coaching V.Music on its performance. Years ago, he explained, entertainment projects focused on love themes to appeal to young audiences. Projects on "challenging" topics like patriotism were rare. He and his management company conceived the idea and were determined to bring it to life. "This project, and ‘Vietnam the Beautiful’ in particular, represent the most beautiful notes in my musical journey," Nguyen Hong Thuan said.

Since V.Music's original release, numerous individuals and groups have covered the song, creating various dance and performance versions, often performed in schools. In the comments section of the music video, many viewers reminisce about their school days. User Hanh Mai commented: "During high school, our school's broadcasting team played this song every day during recess. It always moves me.".

Nguyen Hong Thuan expressed his joy at the song's widespread impact. With many music projects on patriotic themes emerging today, and revolutionary songs being revitalized, he believes Vietnamese pop music should "pioneer in fostering patriotism among the younger generation".

Composer Nguyen Hong Thuan. Photo: Provided by the subject

Born in 1981 in Ho Chi Minh City, Nguyen Hong Thuan has been composing music since 2005. He has won the Most Favorite Composer award at Lan Song Xanh, the Golden Apricot Award in 2008, and VTV's Bai Hat Viet award. He is known for songs that resonate with women, such as ‘Magical Love’, ‘Finding the Lost Dream’, ‘A Simple Wish’, ‘Love Like Wind and Flower’, and ‘Because You Are My Prince’.

Chau Anh