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
James F. Sundah wrote "Lilin-Lilin Kecil" for the Prambors' Youth Songwriting Competition of 1977. The initial song was written in D and F.[1]
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]
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, and was produced by Younky Soewarno.[5]