Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Song
The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Song (Chinese: 蔣公紀念歌) was written to commemorate the Generalissimo and late President Chiang Kai-shek of the Republic of China. There are two songs: the second song was written by Hwang Yau-tai or Huang Youdi, Huang Yu-ti (黃友棣) in 1975, who later also wrote Chiang Ching-kuo Memorial Song in 1988.
The song was formerly popular for school choir competitions as students were required to memorise it. Since the 1990s, under the presidency of Lee Teng-hui, it has fallen into disuse, though most of the population still knows it. The song was also played daily in the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall every morning until 2017. Occasionally, it can be heard during political campaigns as well. It was also seen as one of the characteristics of Chiang's personality cult.
Official version
This was the officially adopted version of Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Song written by Li Chung-he and Zhang Ling.
Chinese lyrics | Hanyu Pinyin | English Translation |
---|---|---|
總統 蔣公, 您是人類的救星, 您是世界的偉人 |
Zǒngtǒng Jiǎnggōng, Nínshìrénlèidejiùxīng, Nínshìshìjièdewěirén |
President General Chiang, you are the saviour of mankind, you are the greatest person in the whole world. General Chiang, General Chiang, your everlasting spirit will forever guide us. |
Initial version
The initial version was written by 秦孝儀 (Chin Hsiao-I) and 黃友棣 (Hwang Yau-tai) shortly after Chiang's death. However this version was officially replaced by the officially adopted version written by Li Chung-he (李中和) and Zhang Ling (張齡).
Compared to the officially adopted version, this version was written in vernacular language and was longer in context.
Chinese lyrics | Hanyu Pinyin | English translation |
---|---|---|
翳惟總統, 武嶺 蔣公,巍巍蕩蕩,民無能名!巍巍蕩蕩, 民無能名! |
Yì wéi zǒngtǒng, wǔ lǐng jiǎng gōng, wéiwéi dàngdàng, mín wúnéng míng! Wéiwéi dàngdàng, mín wúnéng míng! |
Our President, Chiang Kai-shek, from Wuling; his great achievement, people cannot describe it by words! His great achievement, people cannot describe it by words! |