In the Shade of Mandalay Hill

In the Shade of Mandalay Hill 

(Shwe Man Taung Yite Ko )

The story behind the song - "In the Shade of Mandalay Hill" by Myoma Nyein.

Photograph: Myoma Nyein


Anyone learning Myanmar would be sooner or later introduced to one of the national songs of the Union, that is, Shew Man Taung Yite Ko (In the Shade of Mandalay Hill). The song, if anything, has the power to touch the heart of every Myanmar. Its songwriter, Myoma Nyein, was considered a great artist of the nation. His life story was equally interesting.

According to Wikipedia:

Myoma Nyein (25 January 1909 – 15 September 1955) was a renowned Burmese musician and composer. Born Kyaw Nyein to father U Nyi, a goldsmith, and mother Daw Chit Oo, a lacquerware merchant in Mandalay, Myanmar, he was educated at Central National School, Mandalay. At the age of ten, he learnt a Burmese classic titled Jambu Kyun Lone (Universal) from Deva Einda Maung Maung Gyi in a single day much to the surprise of the famous harpist. In 1925 he co-founded the Myoma (meaning City Proper) music band or Myoma Amateur Music Association with his teacher artist and musician U Ba Thet and a city burgher Dahdan U Thant.

Myoma Nyein's  song for the 1947 Burmese New Year ---- Thingyan Shwe Man Taung Yeikkho aka Mya Nandar (In the Shade of Mandalay Hill) has become a perennial classic during the Thingyan festival.

The song is often sung by Myanmar people - to remind them of their roots and national pride. For example, it is often performed and sung at the end of an event like great concerts.

Throughout his life he composed over 150 songs.

Photo credit: http://www.7daydaily.com/story/21661