Why Kit Chan’s 'Home' Still Hits: Local Musician Explains Brilliant Techniques Behind The Iconic 1998 NDP Song

We get goosebumps every time Kit Chan’s 'Home' plays during National Day celebrations, but what makes the song so emotionally powerful?

In a recent episode of local podcast The Situation Report Kakee, singer-songwriter Dominic Chin explained why it has remained one of Singapore’s most iconic tunes nearly three decades later, by breaking down the science behind the 1998 National Day Parade song. 

"The whole: 'This is...', it's almost like you're leading people in.. Home!" he said enthusiastically. 

“And then it ends with ‘I know it’s home’, which lands on the ‘Do’ note of the scale," added Dominic.

According to the musician, when you end a song on a high Do or a low Do, it often creates that satisfying ‘ahh’ feeling, a musical resolution which helps evoke a sense of comfort and familiarity.

"I feel like that's why this song is so beautifully and brilliantly written," he said.

In fact, it's a technique Dominic tries to incorporate in his music-writing as well.

"When I write songs, I try to end songs also with a 'Do', a longing note," he beamed.