These star-studded motivational songs will help get you through the coronavirus outbreak

The Covid-19 outbreak has taken the world by surprise, and not only have medical personnel stepped forward selflessly to tackle the crisis, but regular citizens have also banded together to help one another weather the storm.

Over the past months, we've seen numerous acts of kindness such as neighbours providing masks and disinfectants for one another, locals making their own hand sanitisers for the community to use, and even free meals to support our healthcare workers.

Celebrities are no exception.

Beyond donations and humanitarian aid, stars across Asia have also written and produced songs to help cheer everyone on.

ALSO READ: Rui En, fan club, celeb friends gift over 2,000 care packages to local frontline medical staff, cleaners, drivers

- A PLACE WITH LOVE

Features: Charles Tu, Jay Shih, Dennis Sun

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__tCmQ5vsfI&feature=youtu.be[/embed]

The song is a Taiwanese production performed by Taiwanese celebs, but the lyrics will ring true wherever you are, especially the chorus: "This is a place with love, providing us security and easing our worries." 

- ADAM SANDLER'S QUARANTINE SONG

Features: Adam Sandler

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1axBGWFm4U[/embed]

This seems more like a comedy skit than a proper song on the coronavirus pandemic — and especially since it was performed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon — but we all need a good laugh these days. Like, "Doctors and nurses will save us from this if we get them the supplies that they need. And I hope they save us soon because I'm really, really sick of my family."

Or, "I'm teaching math to my kids, and that can't be good for America." Same here, bro. 

- IMAGINE

Features: Gal Gadot, Kristen Wiig, Jamie Dornan, Labyrinth, James Marsden, Sarah Kate Silverman, Eddie Benjamin, Jimmy Fallon, Natalie Portman, Zoe Kravitz, Sia, Maya Rudolph

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lgNPGH1rXI[/embed]

A beautiful song written by John Lennon, lots of big stars and good intentions by everyone, but this horrible rendition spearheaded by Gal was slammed so hard by netizens who thought it a rude irony that privileged celebs are singing earnestly about having "no possessions" as the world faces a global recession.

- LEAN ON ME

Features: Avril Lavigne, Bryan Adams, Justin Bieber, Justin Trudeau (yes, the Prime Minister), Michael Buble, Sarah MacLachlan, and other singers from the Canadian ArtistsCAN collective

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=athd5_CW_z0[/embed]

Another star-studded cover of a beloved song, but so, so much better executed than Gal Gadot's Imagine. And they even roped in their Prime Minister to leave a personal message. 

- TIMES LIKE THESE

Features: Chris Martin, Dua Lipa, Ellie Goulding, Foo Fighters, Hailee Steinfeld, Rita Ora, and others

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GElP4YdrBE[/embed]

"It's times like these that you learn to live again", and in particular, living in self-isolation and a greater appreciation of many things that we had taken for granted. This Foo Fighters classic hit is given a mellow treatment and it's a big win. 

- SINGAPORE BE STEADY

Features: Phua Chu Kang (Gurmit Singh)

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ccjPJUROzA[/embed]

Finally, PCK gets his own Covid-19 rap! The chorus is annoyingly catchy so be warned, it might be stuck in your head for a while. 

- EVERYDAY HEROES

Features: Dick Lee

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwCOK8W9A5o[/embed]

Originally written as the theme song for the HomeTeam NS Show in 2017, the song takes on additional meaning now with Dick recently re-releasing it as a tribute to the resilience of the Singapore people. 

- THE SELF-QUARANTINE SONG

Features: Tanya Chua

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcTApODXy0A[/embed]

Singaporean singer-songwriter Tanya Chua did a Covid-19 version of her song Dark Cloud, and we are loving its chirpy beat and quirky relatable lyrics. 

- 10 PEOPLE 1 METRE

Features: Mr Brown, Benjamin Miyagi Lee

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=84&v=X1Nh88oiruo&[/embed]

These two famous Singapore bloggers perform a remake of the popular National Day song One People, One Nation, One Singapore. "Let's space out for Singapore," they say. We agree. 

- IF NOT FOR YOU

Features: Students from Academie of Stars

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1D7_kJhnoyI[/embed]

They aren't celebrities, but this song performed by 39 kids and teens from the performing arts school Academie of Stars is lovely. "I hope the song can cheer on the many brave aunties and uncles fighting this virus," said six-year-old Zachary Lim, one of 79 kids who are in the music video. 

- WAITING FOR THE WIND AND RAIN TO PASS

Features: Jacky Cheung (vocals), Jay Chou (music), Vincent Fang (lyrics)

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9JBVray8Ic[/embed]

Two of the biggest names in Chinese entertainment, along with Jay's long-time lyricist, have combined forces in a rare collaboration. The video also features a message from Jacky at the end saying: "Only in the face of adversity and hardship, can humanity's beauty and virtue shine through."

- I KNOW

Features: Andy Lau

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpeqaEHZb6c[/embed]

Of course, you can't have one Heavenly King without another. I Know is basically a cover of Andy's hit song Bridge of Love, but with new lyrics to express his admiration for the heroic medical personnel.

- THE LIGHT

Features: Daryl-Ann, Desmond Tan, Fang Rong, Felicia Chin, James Seah, Liwani Izzati, Richie Koh, and Sharon Shobana

[embed]https://www.facebook.com/mediacorp.singapore/videos/624935975013294/?v=624935975013294[/embed]

Local singer-songwriter JJ Neo — whose mum is former Channel 8 compere Lucy Chow (Zhou Ruzhu) — penned the song to rally Singaporeans to cheer on frontline officers while reminding one another to stay resilient amid the outbreak.

- STAY WITH YOU

Features: JJ Lin (music, vocal), Stefanie Sun (lyrics)

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C36hZDEGD8Y&feature=emb_title[/embed]

Of course, we can't forget the first song released in the wake of the outbreak. As JJ put it, "with love that won't leave, no city is on lockdown."

- WUHAN, ARE YOU OKAY?

Features: Zhu Yilong, Li Xian, Chang Shilei, Doudou

Special appearance: Donnie Yen, Jay Chou, Jackie Chan, Alan Tam, Nicholes Tse, Li Bingbing, Zhao Wei, Zhou Xun, and other artists

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBqY9efW2NA&feature=emb_title[/embed]

The song, performed by popular Chinese actors Li Xian and Zhu Yilong (who hails from Wuhan), expresses concern and gratitude towards the unsung medical heroes who sacrifice themselves for Wuhan. In the same vein, the music video is filled with heart-rending clips of medical personnel working courageously and tirelessly through the outbreak.

- ANGELS

Features: G.E.M

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-xQLlNftXQ[/embed]

"Maybe in the larger scheme of things, you think you can't do much. But what you don't know is that actions you think are 'insignificant' actually bring a lot of warmth to this world," the 28-year-old wrote. The singer-songwriter penned this after she was touched by the viral clip of an unidentified man who left boxes of surgical masks at a police station and ran off before the policemen could thank him.

- TAKE CARE

Features: Nicholes Tse (music, vocals), Jam Hsiao (vocals), Kerry Wang (vocals)

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeHmomIQ5Qo&feature=emb_title[/embed]

"I miss you." "I want to hug you." A medical staffer and her husband — separated by a glass wall — tell each other, at the beginning of the video. Expect more of such tearjerking clips showing families separated by the virus. Consider yourself warned.

- DON'T BE AFRAID

Features: Jack Neo Liang Ximei

[embed]https://www.facebook.com/jackneock/videos/633209044157678/?v=633209044157678[/embed]

Singapore's most famous auntie is declaring war on coronavirus. No Phua Chu Kang but at least got Liang Ximei. Nuff' said.

- BRAVER, TOGETHER

Features: Funkie Monkies Publishing, The Songwriter Music College

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hXGhxf2edc&feature=emb_title[/embed]

True to its name, the video compilation shows just how Singaporeans have come together in times of crisis and are, when together, much braver.

- LOVE WILL WIN

Mandarin version features: Jackie Chan, Wang Leehom, Huang Xiaoming, Shen Teng, and other artists

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOsBjQ-4pvI&feature=emb_title[/embed]

Cantonese version features: Kara Wai, Simon Yam, Dicky Cheung, Kenny Bee, Hawick Lau, William Chan, Huang Xuan, Kenneth Ma, and other artists

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaStmosUMM4&feature=emb_title[/embed]

It doesn't get more star-studded than this. The song went out to all medical personnel after heart-wrenching photos of their fogged goggles and marks left by protective gear went viral on the Internet.

- FIGHT THE VIRUS

Features: Alvin Oon

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYTzX9JCbDY&feature=emb_title[/embed]

You might remember Alvin Oon from that one haze song, or as the director of the Peranakan Sayang performing arts group. Set to the haunting tune of Simon & Garfunkel's The Sound of Silence, his version presents a lighthearted take on how to, literally, fight the virus.

- UNTIL DAWN

Features: Mao Buyi (lyricist), Show Luo, He Jiong, Wang Yibo, BY2, Angelababy, Selina, and other artists

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsMKvzu5_Go&feature=emb_title[/embed]

Having to shave their head, leave their families, and spend the entire day in soaked garments beneath their protective gear are just a fraction of the sacrifices made by medical personnel - something these 88 artists highlight in their emotional tribute.

- HAND IN HAND

Features: Liao Chanyong, Yu Di, various Shanghai-based Bel Canto singers

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJfq71k9YuQ[/embed]

"Hand in hand, my good friend, love will always be with you." Despite having a large ensemble of artists featured in the song, none of them were able to meet up, but instead filmed their respective parts from home.

- NOBODY KNOWS BUT YOU

Features: 'A Fellow Singaporean'

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kniROELIkJE[/embed]

No stars found here but just a fellow Singaporean. While they wish to stay anonymous, they dedicate the song to those making this place a better one in the midst of Covid-19.

- OUR HEARTS ARE TOGETHER

Features: Kerry Wang, Guan Xiaotong, Huang Xiaoming, Lay, and other artists

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8R4SqVi177w&feature=emb_title[/embed]

Reprising the same song first released during the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake, the lyrics serve to remind that even in times of crisis, it's the bonds between people that help them weather the storm.

- LET THE WORLD BE FULL OF LOVE

Features: Li Bingbing, Wang Yibo, Lay, Charmaine Sheh, Tia Ray, and other artists

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAemWY3Y28M&feature=emb_title[/embed]

This song was actually first introduced in 1986 and is known as China's first public welfare song. There's no shortage of celebrities in the video, athough, blink and you might miss them.

- SAME ROOT

Features: Li Ronghao

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLKb3zfLnEY[/embed]

Based on the idea of one billion people stemming from the same root, the song emphasises on how every single person — regardless if they're a regular citizen or a medical personnel — has the heart to save people, and how their spirit of sacrifice is the ray of hope in the sea.

- FIGHT FOR A BETTER TOMORROW

Features: Getai artists of Wang Family

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PExiDSnRRCY&feature=emb_title[/embed]

The music is written by famous local singer-songwriter Roy Li, who has penned hits like Jeff Chang's Ai Ru Chao Shui (Love is like a Tide), and Eric Moo's Deng Ni Deng Dao Wo Xin Tong (Waiting for You until my Heart Hurts). Footage of our own local heroes brings the emo sentiments closer to home.

- WUHAN YA

Features: Liu Yifei, Benny Sa, Jia Ling, Li Na, Li Xiaoshuang

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjy42Ixwtxc&feature=emb_title[/embed]

Even the smallest acts of kindness can make all the difference. From a small print on a bubble tea receipt that says "Wuhan, you can do it!" to parcels addressed to "our angels in white", they help to encourage and cheer on everyone who is affected by the outbreak and give them a reason to carry on. 

- IT'LL GET BETTER

Features: Lay

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BD4nnSKPFdM&feature=emb_title[/embed]

This one doesn't just feature Chinese singer-songwriter Lay but his fans, too. The adorable video aims to remind everyone that every cloud has its silver lining. 

- YOU'RE SO BEAUTIFUL

Features: He Jiong, Li Weijia, Du Haitao, Shen Mengcheng, Wang Han, and other artists

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSfmMaN4RSs&feature=emb_title[/embed]

It's not every day you get to hear these established Chinese television hosts croon a tune, but it doesn't stop them from hitting you right in the feels though, with several netizens finding their faces wet after listening.

- WE WILL DEFINITELY CONQUER

Features: Huang Xiaoming, Elvira Cai, Zhang Bo, and other artists

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQuhOqpnOzw&feature=emb_title[/embed]

For those needing some encouragement, this is the song for you. All the artists in the video even sport the same shirt with the words "We will definitely conquer!"

- CAN DO IT

Features: The Wynners

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlN2BAn_5uQ&feature=emb_title[/embed]

Never mind that the song is only a minute-long. It's The Wynners, Hong Kong's top teen idol band from the 1970s! It's enough just watching the five play together.

- ALWAYS PEACEFUL

Features: Chris Lee, Sean Xiao

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mYsYUOYhLU&feature=emb_title[/embed]

The gentle strumming of the guitar, poetic lyrics, and the singers' soothing vocals stir the soul into a melodramatic mood. The thoughtful and classy video footage — which includes frontliners from other parts of China like Luoyang, Changsha, and Jiaxing — makes this a winner even post-coronavirus days.

- SINGAPORE, UNITE AS ONE

Features: Students from Fairfield Methodist School (Primary)

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5D2DnneT2NI[/embed]

A 12-year-old tween with no formal music education wrote the music and lyrics, and performed it together with some school-mates. The chorus is catchy! 

- SAME BREATH

Features: 5566, SBDW, Nan Quan Mama

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmEHVV2syuc[/embed]

"If the road ahead appears dark and blurry, don't be afraid, I'll be here with you."

Fans of Taiwanese pop music from the late 1990s will find familiar faces here, from then-pop idols like 5566 and 2moro to veteran TV host Jacky Wu, who was a member of the singing group SBDW. 

- DO WHAT YOU CAN

Features: Jon Bon Jovi

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=138&v=U7RomndOj1w&[/embed]

The 58-year-old musician has written the first verse and chorus of his new song and is asking his fans to fill in the second verse with their own experiences, urging them to tell him what they are going through amid the global coronavirus pandemic.

For the latest updates on the coronavirus, visit here.

rainercheung@asiaone.com

kwokkarpeng@asiaone.com