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In the early years following independence, Singapore lacked its own signature national songs. Instead, the country relied heavily on melodies borrowed or adapted from other regions, or created through national competitions aimed at fostering a sense of shared identity. For example, "Singapore Town," performed in 1967 by young students, was a local favorite that captured the imagination of many. Interestingly, this song was not originally composed in Singapore but was based on "Colombo Town," a tune about Sri Lanka's capital. The lyrics of the original, dating back to 1965, had to be modified to resonate with Singaporeans, highlighting the country’s practical approach to crafting national identity through music.