The “National Father Memorial Song” was composed in memory of Sun Yat-sen, the National Father of the Republic of China. The lyrics were written by Dai Chuanxian, President of the Examination Yuan of the Nationalist Government, and the music by Li Jinhui. It was originally named “The Premier Memorial Song” but was renamed “The National Father Memorial Song” after the Constitution was implemented in $1947$ (ROC $36$). The entire song is divided into three stanzas: the first recounts the National Father’s revolutionary achievements, the second describes his philosophy, and the final stanza calls for the continuation of the revolution.
🎵 Lyrics of The National Father Memorial Song
Stanza One: Initial Revolution and the Republic
Our National Father, first championed the revolution, the revolutionary blood bloomed like flowers. Overthrew autocracy, established the Republic, giving birth to a democratic China. The Republic was newly formed, state affairs were chaotic, the National Father planned in detail, thoroughly reforming China (Another version: “thoroughly reconstructing China”).
Stanza Two: Philosophical Legacy and Sacrifice
The Three Principles of the People, the Five-Power Constitution, the truth is meticulously sought. A lifetime of toil, half a life spent on the run, fighting and sacrificing for the nation. The National Father’s spirit, will eternally endure, like the Blue Sky and White Sun, remaining for a thousand autumns and ten thousand generations.
Stanza Three: Final Instruction and Encouragement
The divine land is boiling (Another version: “The people’s livelihood is withered”), the nation’s progress is arduous, misfortune has not yet ceased. Do not dissolve the unity, do not let the spirit fade, all of you must mutually encourage one another. The National Father’s dying instruction, must not be forgotten: The revolution is not yet successful; all comrades must strive on.