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"My Motherland" (simplified Chinese: 我的祖国; traditional Chinese: 我的祖國; pinyin: Wǒde Zǔguó) is a song written for the Chinese movie Battle on Shangganling Mountain (1956). Lyrics were written by Qiao Yu (乔羽). Music was composed by Liu Chi (刘炽). Both of them are well known for a number of songs since the 1950s. It remains a popular and famous patriotic song in mainland China, and the signature song for the famous operatic soprano Guo Lanying.
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Lyrics and music
"My Motherland" was initially called "A Big River" (《一條大河》) by the author, in order to represent the hundreds of rivers that flow in China. The title was changed when it was published with the movie. The song is divided into 3 stanzas. Within each stanza, the soloist sings first before the chorus sings its refrain.
Although the song was written for a movie about Korean War in the 1950s, there is no explicit mention of the war at all. It describes a soldier (or anyone who is away from home) thinking about his home and his family.
The music for solo part has folk song style similar to those in northern China.
Controversy about Lang Lang playing "My Motherland" at state dinner
On January 19, 2011, Lang Lang played "My Motherland" as President Barack Obama welcomed Hu Jintao at a White House state dinner (many famous Chinese celebrities, including Jackie Chan and Yo-Yo Ma attended, as well as some others.) Lang Lang received widespread criticism from the American media for performing a song at the state dinner which referred to American soldiers as "wolves" to be met with "hunting guns."
On Lang Lang's blog, he put pictures that performed at the White House and wrote that "I played 'My Motherland' in mind of the Chinese people, one of the most beautiful songs. I was able, in front of many foreign guests, including the heads of state from around the world to play this song that praises China's music, and to tell them of our powerful China, our Chinese unity; because of this, I am deeply honored and proud. And in addition, I am proud to share that day in the White House."