Our Songs

Our Songs

1) School Song – From High Olympus

Click Here for Music Score to this song

“The school song is the very first song a new pupil learns when she steps into RGS. It was officially introduced in 1954, after Principal Miss Hinchliffe (principal from 1951 - 1956) commissioned Miss Goodland, the music teacher, to introduce a school song. Miss Goodland selected the song ‘From High Olympus’ from a songbook called ‘Unison’ (a collection of songs sung during the British colonial days). The people responsible for the lyrics and tune were Miss Florence Hoare and Miss H.L. Schnoor.” - From RGS History Book – Daughters of a Better Age 1844-2006

From High Olympus flows to us the glory, 
On us the sacred fire descends. 
Rise, sisters, rise, the world is all before ye. 
Fear not to grasp what fortune sends.

Chorus. 
Sisters in learning and sisters at heart, 
Life lies before us, here’s luck to the start.

A little while the sun shines high above us, 
And youth’s elixir fills our veins, 
The magic fire that moves the gods to love us, 
The fire by which the will attains.

Chorus. 
Sisters in learning and sisters at heart, 
Life lies before us, here’s luck to the start.

So heart to heart, we’ll scale the heights of learning, 
No mean desires our days shall shame, 
Whole-hearted, true, with pride and ardour burning 
On, sisters, on to life and fame.

Chorus. 
Sisters in learning and sisters at heart, 
Life lies before us, here’s luck to the start.

Recording of RGS School Song

2) Dedication

Click Here for Music Score to this song

(a song composed in the early 1980’s by a talented group of girls who called themselves the Jasplys: comprising WL Chan, Lisa Tan, YS Tan, Susie See, Pauline Sng, ML Lui and Shirley Yee.)

“But when they talked about the song “Dedication”, WHAM, the melody hit me – WITH THE LYRICS - and rang clearly in my head! For one reason or other, these words stuck with me through the years, impervious to my otherwise failing memory.” – An Alumnus

“A song that now lingers in my head…” – An Alumnus

We have shared our morning days, 
And gone through all rainy nights, 
Even in the darkest of nights, 
Stars still light up our way.

Tomorrow is a beautiful dream, 
A dream that will be fulfilled, 
Cross the bridge of rainbow, 
In search of the gold.

For here we stand (for here we stand) 
Our dearest friend (our dearest friend) 
Sincerely from our hearts we wish, 
May streams of sunlight shine 
like rays of hope, 
Hand in hand, we work and strive 
For the best things in life.

3) Filiae Melioris Aevi (composed by Caroline Sung, a choir pianist in the 1980s)

Click Here for Music Score to this song

“Mrs Chee Keng Soon (principal 1980-1988) fondly remembers this to be the favourite of the long-serving teacher in-charge of the choir, Mrs. Rathie Singam.” – RGS History Book – Daughters of a Better Age 1844-2006

Now as we remember 
Strains of our school song 
Call to mind our motto 
Filiae Melioris Aevi

Filiae Melioris Aevi 
Daughters of a better age 
United by a common goal 
Filiae Melioris Aevi

4) Gaudeamus igitur [Lyrics by C.W. Kindeleben]

“is a popular song in educational institutions, mostly at university graduations. I believe that it was sung in RGS before the School Song was written. My most vivid memory of the song is when it was sung in the film “Student Prince” set at the University of Heidelberg.” - Mrs Carmee Lim (Principal 1988-1999)

5) If we hold on together [Music and words by James Harner and Will Jenning]

“In 1993 RGS became independent. This is my special song! Reason: the staff & I share a vision! We believe passionately that RGS would lead the way to transform education to prepare our girls for the changing world. We want our girls not only to do well in examinations but also to thrive in the 21st century. However, the re-culturing process was difficult, so the song was to inspire the RGS family to hold on to our dream together. Hence, we articulate our vision and sing the song at every function.” - Mrs Carmee Lim (Principal 1988-1999)

Don’t lose your way 
With each passing day 
You’ve come so far 
Don’t throw it away 
Live believing 
Dreams are for weaving 
Wonders are waiting to start 
Live your story 
Faith, hope & glory 
Hold to the truth in your heart

If we hold on together 
I know our dreams will never die 
Dreams see us through to forever 
Where clouds roll by 
For you and I

Souls in the wind 
Must learn how to bend 
Seek out a star 
Hold on to the end 
Valley, mountain 
There is a fountain 
Washes our tears all away 
Words are swaying 
Someone is praying 
Please let us come home to stay

If we hold on together 
I know our dreams will never die 
Dreams see us through to forever 
Where clouds roll by 
For you and I

When we are out there in the dark 
We’ll dream about the sun 
In the dark we’ll feel the light 
Warm our hearts, everyone

If we hold on together 
I know our dreams will never die 
Dreams see us through to forever 
As high as souls can fly 
The clouds roll by 
For you and I