"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
Released1977
GenrePop
Length4:23
LabelPrambors
Songwriter(s)James F. Sundah
Chrisye singles chronology
"Merpati Putih"
(1977)
"Lilin-Lilin Kecil"
(1977)
"Sabda Alam"
(1978)
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

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James 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

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According 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

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"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

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"Lilin-Lilin Kecil"
Song by Chrisye
from the EP Cintamu Telah Berlalu
ReleasedFebruary 1992
Length5:03
LabelMusica
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

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Personnels 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

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  1. ^ "Guess What?: James F. Sundah". The Jakarta Post. 20 May 2001.
  2. ^ 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)
  3. ^ a b Endah, Alberthiene. Chrisye: Sebuah Memoar Musikal. Gramedia. 2007. Pp. 119. (Indonesian)
  4. ^ Yudono, Jodhi (ed.)"Jockie Soeryo: Musik di Balik 'Diana' Archived 2011-07-25 at the Wayback Machine" Kompas. 7 July 2010. (Indonesian)
  5. ^ a b Prayers, candles to remember Bali bomb victims Archived 2011-08-12 at the Wayback Machine. ABS CBN News 10 October 2008.
  6. ^ "Chrisye, Mini Album 4 Lagu" [Chrisye releases extended play with four tracks]. Neraca. 2 March 1992. p. 5.
  7. ^ Cintamu Telah Berlalu (Media notes). Chrisye. Musica. 1992.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)