New Anthem for Southeast Asia (to the tune of Y.M.C.A)

A musical number taken from this week's Instant Noodles -- hear it online now at english.rti.org.tw (until Thursday).

Charlie: The European Union uses as their anthem the stirring Ode to Joy from Beethoven's magnificent Ninth Symphony. Not to be outdone, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has decided to come up with their own theme tune of unity and brotherly love.

Andrew: I'm guessing it wasn't written by Beethoven though.

Charlie: No, it was a bit late to commission him for this job. The new feem toon was in fact written by two Thai composers and is called 'The ASEAN Way'. It was given its official debut at the regional trading bloc's annual summit at the Thai beach resort of Hua Hin. The hymn reaches its climax with the words, 'We dare to dream, we care to share. Together for ASEAN.'

Andrew: I think I've heard this! 'WE DARE TO DREAM! WE CARE TO SHARE!'

Charlie: I don't know how catchy it is to be honest, from your rendition. But I do know they had a kind of contest to select it, kind of like Eurovision.

Andrew: Was it as camp as Eurovision?

Charlie: It was held on a beach in Thailand, what do you think? I think it was very camp indeed. In fact, if I were commissioned to write the theme tune for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, I think it would go something like this...

(Opening bars of Village People -- Y.M.C.A)

Young man -

The world economy's down!

I said, young man -

But you can wipe off the frown!

Because, young man -

There's a new bloc in town,

It's a sunny happy region!

Young man -

Give Southeast Asia a go!

I said, young man -

When your exports are slow!

You can come here,

From Bangkok to Bali,

Where the love and trade are free!

It's fun to trade with the A.S.E.A.N.!

Come on and trade with the A.S.E.A.N.!

They have everything for every trading young boy -

It's a stimulus you'll enjoy!

Come on and trade with the A.S.E.A.N.!

It's fun to trade with the A.S.E.A.N.!

Wipe your deficits clean!

Pull your tariffs right down!

And let's spread all the wealth around!

A.S.E.A.N.! (etc. to fade)

To listen to this week's Instant Noodles online, go to http://english.rti.org.tw and click on media player icon next to Thursday in the top left of the page. When media player starts move playback bar to approx. 25 minutes in.