"Lilin-Lilin Kecil" ([ˈlilinlilin ˈkɛt͡ʃil], English: "Little Candles") is an Indonesian pop song written by James F. Sundah for the Prambors' 1977 Youth Songwriting Competition (Indonesian: Lomba Cipta Lagu Remaja) and performed by Chrisye.
| "Lilin-Lilin Kecil" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Remastered cover | ||||
| Single by Chrisye | ||||
| from the album LCLR Prambors I | ||||
| Released | 1977 | |||
| Genre | Pop | |||
| Length | 4:23 | |||
| Label | Prambors | |||
| Songwriter(s) | James F. Sundah | |||
| Chrisye singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Audio sample | ||||
Chrisye - "Lilin-Lilin Kecil" (1977 version) | ||||
Considered as Chrisye's signature song, "Lilin-Lilin Kecil" has been covered by more than fifty artists. Rolling Stone Indonesia listed it as the thirteenth best Indonesian song of all time.
Writing
editJames F. Sundah, then only 16,[1] wrote "Lilin-Lilin Kecil" for the Prambors' Youth Songwriting Competition of 1977. The initial song was written in D and F.[2]
Chrisye was chosen to be the singer for his smooth vocals.[3] The song was arranged by Jockie Soerjoprajogo.[4]
Themes
editAccording to Sundah, "Lilin-Lilin Kecil" is about his friends who had difficulties in life when older generations had successful careers.[2] It has also been described as a memorial song.[5]
Reception
edit"Lilin-Lilin Kecil" placed fifth in the competition and was the most popular of the finalists on the Lomba Cipta Lagu Remaja album.[2]
"Lilin-Lilin Kecil" launched Chrisye's career and has been called his signature song.[2] He considered its success to be due to its immersing melody and romantic lyrics with his smooth vocals.[3]
"Lilin-Lilin Kecil" has been covered by over fifty singers and bands, including Blue Diamonds, Victor Wood, and Arie Kosmiran. Instrumental versions were released by Alex Faraknimella and Yockie Soerjoprajogo.[2]
Rolling Stone Indonesia listed "Lilin-Lilin Kecil" as the thirteenth best Indonesian song of all time.[2]
"Lilin-Lilin Kecil" has been used as a memorial song, such as at the sixth anniversary of the 2002 Bali bombing.[5]
1992 version
edit| "Lilin-Lilin Kecil" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Chrisye | |
| from the EP Cintamu Telah Berlalu | |
| Released | February 1992 |
| Length | 5:03 |
| Label | Musica |
| Songwriter(s) | James F. Sundah |
In 1992, Chrisye re-recorded the song for his first and only EP Cintamu Telah Berlalu. This version featured Bina Vokalia, who provided children's backing vocals,[6] and was produced by Younky Soewarno.
Personnel
editPersonnels adapted from album's liner notes.[7]
- Younky Soewarno – drums, keyboards, arrangement
- B.U.90 – backing vocals
- Bina Vokalia – children's choir
- Aria - children's voices
- Asti - children's voices
- Donny - children's voices
- Gina - children's voices
- Rily - children's voices
- Tina - children's voices
References
edit- ^ "Guess What?: James F. Sundah". The Jakarta Post. 20 May 2001.
- ^ a b c d e f Sakrie, Denny. "150 Lagu Indonesia Terbaik Sepanjang Masa: 13. Lilin-Lilin Kecil." Rolling Stone Indonesia. December 2009. P. 47. (Indonesian)
- ^ a b Endah, Alberthiene. Chrisye: Sebuah Memoar Musikal. Gramedia. 2007. Pp. 119. (Indonesian)
- ^ Yudono, Jodhi (ed.)"Jockie Soeryo: Musik di Balik 'Diana' Archived 2011-07-25 at the Wayback Machine" Kompas. 7 July 2010. (Indonesian)
- ^ a b Prayers, candles to remember Bali bomb victims Archived 2011-08-12 at the Wayback Machine. ABS CBN News 10 October 2008.
- ^ "Chrisye, Mini Album 4 Lagu" [Chrisye releases extended play with four tracks]. Neraca. 2 March 1992. p. 5.
- ^ Cintamu Telah Berlalu (Media notes). Chrisye. Musica. 1992.
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