Original Lyrics

我们这里是新加坡
我阿爹系海山街住过
1941年轰炸机经过
一枚炸弹在街头降落

我们这里是新加坡
我阿妈系竹脚生我
虽然那时候霸王车很多
她却依然骑单车去工作

我们这里是新加坡
我的童年在女皇镇过
一房半厅的组屋背后
小小的林子里
曾经是孩子们的窝

我们这里是新加坡
我的小学从前在小坡
平时不读书考试之前
跑到四马路的庙前
说声哦阿弥陀佛

我们这里是新加坡
我们都曾一无所有过
现在拥有的不算什么
但是比别人珍惜得多

我们这里是新加坡
我表兄金山回来啰
小小麻雀担竹枝
都系担番屋企好得多

麻雀仔担竹枝
担上街头望阿姨
阿姨梳只玲珑髻
插朵红花伴髻围

English Translation of Lyrics*

We live here in Singapore
My father used to live along Hoi Shan Street (Upper Cross Street) (sung in Cantonese)
In 1941 a Japanese bomber flew by here
And a bomb was dropped on this street

We live here in Singapore
My mom gave birth to me at Tekka (sung in Cantonese)
There were many unlicensed taxis back then
And she still rode her bike to work

We live here in Singapore
My childhood was spent at Queenstown
And behind the tiny HDB apartment block
There’s a little forest
Where I used to play with my childhood friends

We live here in Singapore
And my primary school used to be at Middle Road
When I didn’t study hard enough,
I would run to the temple at Waterloo street
And pray at the Buddha’s feet

We live here in Singapore
And we used to have nothing
Though we are much better off now
But we treasure all that we have today

We live here in Singapore
And my cousin is returning from San Francisco (sung in Hokkien)
Like a little sparrow carrying a twig (sung in Cantonese)
Always returning to where home is (sung in Cantonese)

Little sparrow carrying a twig (sung in Cantonese)
Looking at the pretty lady at the head of the street (sung in Cantonese)
Pretty lady has a beautiful knot in her hair (sung in Cantonese)
And it is lined with flowers on both sides (sung in Cantonese)

*Translation adapted from here

Original Lyrics

年少时候   谁没有梦
无意之中   你将心愿透漏
就在你生日的时候   我将小小口琴送
最难忘记   你的笑容

友情的细水慢慢流   流进了你我的心中
曾在球场边为你欢呼   你跌伤我背负
夜里流星飞渡   想象着他日的路途
晚风听着我们壮志无数

年少时候   谁没有愁
满腔愤慨   唯有你能听得懂
每当我失意的时候   你将那首歌吹奏
琴声悠悠   解我轻忧

岁月的细水慢慢流   流到了别离的时候
轻拍你的肩   听我说朋友不要太惆怅
霓虹纵然再嚣张   我们的步履有方向
成败不论切莫将昔日遗忘

多年以后   又再相逢
我们都有了疲倦的笑容
问一声我的朋友   何时再为我吹奏
是否依旧   是否依旧

人生的际遇千百种   但有知心长相重
人愿长久   水愿长流   年少时候

English Translation of Lyrics#

When we were young , we had our aspirations
You once unknowingly divulged your aspirations to me
So, on your birthday, I presented you with a little harmonica
And how can I forget that smile on your face?

As the stream of friendships trickle over time
It flows into our hearts continuously
As I cheered for you at the stadium
When you fell, I carried you on my back
As we watch the stars and thought of our future life
The night breezes heard our countless aspirations

When we were young, we had our worries
Only you could understand my joys and sadness
Whenever I feel disappointed
You would play that tune on the harmonica
That echoes through time, reliving my sadness

As time trickles slowly like tiny streams,
We reach the time to part our ways
I patted your shoulder
Saying “Friend, let’s not be sad”
For the rainbow will continue to be there
And we have our directions in life
No matter success or failure, let’s not forget our time together

After many years, we met once again
We all had that same smile of weariness
So, let me ask you my friend
When will you play that tune again?
Will it sound the same as before?
Will it sound the same as before?

There are thousands of ups and downs in life
Only the best confidantes meet forever
For their friendship is forever, like water flowing from its source
When we were young

#Translation adapted from here