In the new song by composer Lê Tự Minh, the image of Việt Nam’s seas and islands, along with the resilience of naval soldiers, is portrayed with deep respect and gratitude.

HÀ NỘI — Set adrift by memories of his journey to the Trường Sa (Spratly) archipelago and quiet, heartfelt conversations with naval soldiers, composer Lê Tự Minh has found inspiration in melodies that speak of love for the homeland and the steadfast spirit of those guarding the nation’s front line.

His new song Tổ Quốc Ơi, Ta Mãi Yêu Người (My Homeland, I Love You Forever) carries a deep emotional current, shaped by a gentle and intimate melody. Through images such as sunrise over the sea, ripening rice fields, the national flag fluttering in the wind and the sweat of everyday labourers, it evokes a love for the homeland rooted in life’s simplest moments.

In this composition, the image of Việt Nam’s seas and islands alongside the resilience of naval soldiers is portrayed with deep respect and gratitude.

“Those small islands in the open sea and the steadfast soldiers who stand firm against the storms are the very embodiment of the Vietnamese spirit,” Minh said.

Composer Lê Tự Minh (right) and Senior Lieutenant General Nguyễn Trường Thắng, Deputy Minister of National Defence pose by the sovereignty stele of the Sing Tồn Đông Island in the Trường Sa (Spratly) archipelago.

The composer recalled being deeply moved by a humble remark from a naval soldier about his wife harvesting rice back home.

“This season my wife must be out in the fields. There aren’t many people at home, she must be struggling…”

From that emotion came the lyric: “Hạnh phúc đơn sơ ta mãi bên Người” (Simple happiness, forever by your side), a poignant line where love between two people, love for one’s homeland and love for the nation converge.

Released to coincide with the 71st anniversary of the Việt Nam People’s Navy (7/5/1955 – 7/5/2026), the song serves as a tribute to servicemen who devote their days and nights to safeguarding the nation’s maritime sovereignty.

Đá Đông Island in the Trường Sa (Spratly) archipelago. — Photos courtesy of the composer

Minh is currently nurturing a larger musical project, a collection of works dedicated to the homeland, the nation and the people of Việt Nam. The 66-year-old composer sees it as a long-term artistic journey to which he hopes to devote his full passion to continue spreading his love for the country through music.

Having spent many years studying in Russia and having served as both a soldier and a teacher before turning to composition, Minh brings to his music a depth of lived experience and a distinctly philosophical sensibility.

He has translated more than 40 Russian songs into Vietnamese and has spent many years steadfastly pursuing works that honour mothers, the homeland and the nation. — VNS