Lilin-Lilin Kecil
"Lilin-Lilin Kecil" ([ˈlilinlilin ˈkɛt͡ʃil], English: "Little Candles") is an Indonesian pop song written by James F. Sundah for the Prambors 1977 Teenage Song-Writing Competition (Indonesian: Lomba Cipta Lagu Remaja) and performed by Chrisye. To date it has been covered over fifty times. Rolling Stone Indonesia listed it as the thirteenth best Indonesian song of all time.
| "Lilin-Lilin Kecil" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Cover art of the remastered version | ||||
| Single by Chrisye | ||||
| from the album LCLR Prambors I | ||||
| Released | 1977 | |||
| Genre | Pop | |||
| Length | 4:23 | |||
| Label | Prambors Cassette | |||
| Songwriter(s) | James F. Sundah | |||
| Chrisye singles chronology | ||||
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| Audio sample | ||||
Chrisye - "Lilin-Lilin Kecil" (1977 version)
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Writing
James F. Sundah wrote "Lilin-Lilin Kecil" for the Prambors Teenage Song-Writing Competition of 1977. The initial song was written in D and F.[1]
Chrisye was chosen to be the singer for his smooth vocals.[2] The song was arranged by Jockie Soerjoprajogo.[3]
Themes
According to Sundah, "Lilin-Lilin Kecil" is about his friends who had difficulties in life when older generations had successful careers.[1] It has also been described as a memorial song.[4]
Reception
"Lilin-Lilin Kecil" placed fifth in the competition and was the most popular of the finalists on the Lomba Cipta Lagu Remaja album.[1]
"Lilin-Lilin Kecil" launched Chrisye's career and has been called his signature song.[1] He considered its success to be due to its immersing melody and romantic lyrics with his smooth vocals.[2]
"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.[1]
Rolling Stone Indonesia listed "Lilin-Lilin Kecil" as the thirteenth best Indonesian song of all time.[1]
"Lilin-Lilin Kecil" has been used as a memorial song, such as at the sixth anniversary of the 2002 Bali bombing.[4]
References
- Sakrie, Denny. "150 Lagu Indonesia Terbaik Sepanjang Masa: 13. Lilin-Lilin Kecil." Rolling Stone Indonesia. December 2009. P. 47. (Indonesian)
- 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)
- Prayers, candles to remember Bali bomb victims Archived 2011-08-12 at the Wayback Machine. ABS CBN News 10 October 2008.