Overview
Chinese Name: 让我们荡起双桨
English Name: Let Us Sway Twin Oars
Composer: Qiao Yu乔羽 Liu Chi刘炽
Let Us Sway Twin Oars is a song composed by Mr. Qiao Yu, Mr. Liu Chi and sung by Liu Huifang. The song is the theme song of the 1955 children’s film Flowers of the Motherland.
If we talk about a children’s song sung most in childhood, we will probably give the same answer from 80s to 00s: ” Let Us Sway Twin Oars “.
Composition Story of Let Us Sway Twin Oars
In 955, director Yan Gong asked Liu Chi to compose music for the film Flowers of the Motherland, and he readily agreed. One day in July of the same year, directors Yan Gong and Su Li led all members of the film production team and a large group of 12-year-old children (the little actors in the film) to Beihai Park to experience life. Composer Liu Chi also came along and had a sudden inspiration on the way to play with the children, Liu Chi began his writing with his legs as the writing table. The solo part of ” Let Us Sway Twin Oars ” and the chorus part of children’s voice II were completed. It took more than ten minutes to modify and gradually improve the song. Liu Chi asked the director to call the children together and sing to everyone. After listening, the children clapped their hands and said, “it’s good to sing our mood on the ship just now.” the music really showed the children’s mood, interest, joy, and happiness.
About the Composer of Let Us Sway Twin Oars
Liu Chi
March 10, 1921- October 23, 1998
Born in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, he is a film composer and songwriter. Liu Chi is one of the most representative composers in contemporary China. He wrote thousands of songs in his life.
Famous Works
- My Motherland 我的祖国
- Let Us Sway Twin Oars 让我们荡起双桨
- Ode to Heroes 英雄赞歌
- Ode to Motherland 祖国颂
Qiao Yu
November 16, 1927 –
Born in Jining, Shandong Province, he is a lyricist and playwright. He is now the honorary president of the Opera Research Institute of Peking University.
Famous Works
- My Motherland 我的祖国
- Let Us Sway Twin Oars 让我们荡起双桨
- Opera Choiceness 刘三姐
- Hard to Forget Tonight 难忘今宵