"Lilin-Lilin Kecil" (, English: "Little Candles") is an Indonesian pop song written by James F. Sundah for the Prambors' 1977 Youth Songwriting Competition () and performed by Chrisye.
Considered as Chrisye's signature song, "Lilin-Lilin Kecil" has been covered by over fifty artists. Rolling Stone Indonesia listed the song as the thirteenth best Indonesian song of all time.
Composition James F. Sundah, then only 21 years old, wrote "Lilin-Lilin Kecil" for Prambors' Youth Songwriting Competition of 1977. The song was composed in the keys of D major and F major.Sakrie, Denny. "150 Lagu Indonesia Terbaik Sepanjang Masa: 13. Lilin-Lilin Kecil." Rolling Stone Indonesia. December 2009. P. 47. (Indonesian)
Chrisye was chosen to be the singer for his smooth vocals.Endah, Alberthiene. Chrisye: Sebuah Memoar Musikal. Gramedia. 2007. Pp. 119. (Indonesian) The song was arranged by Jockie Soerjoprajogo.Yudono, Jodhi (ed.)"Jockie Soeryo: Musik di Balik 'Diana' " Kompas. 7 July 2010. (Indonesian)
Themes According to Sundah, "Lilin-Lilin Kecil" is about his friends who had difficulties in life when older generations had successful careers. It has also been described as a memorial song.Prayers, candles to remember Bali bomb victims . ABS CBN News 10 October 2008.
Reception "Lilin-Lilin Kecil" placed fifth in the competition and was the most popular of the finalists on the Lomba Cipta Lagu Remaja album. The song boosted Chrisye's career and has been called his signature song. He considered its success to be due to its immersing melody and romantic lyrics with his smooth vocals. Rolling Stone Indonesia listed it as the thirteenth best Indonesian song of all time.
"Lilin-Lilin Kecil" has been used as a memorial song, such as at the sixth anniversary of the 2002 Bali bombing. Indonesian director Richard Buntario considered that the song as one of the examples of the contemporary gospel songs.
1992 version
In 1992, Chrisye re-recorded "Lilin-Lilin Kecil" for his first and only extended play Cintamu Telah Berlalu. This version featured Bina Vokalia, who provided children's backing vocals, and was arranged and produced by Younky Soewarno.
Personnel Personnels adapted from album's liner notes. Younky Soewarno – drums, keyboards, arrangement B.U.90 – backing vocals Bina Vokalia – children's choir Aria - children's voices Asti - children's voices Donny - children's voices Gina - children's voices Rily - children's voices Tina - children's voices
Other cover versions "Lilin-Lilin Kecil" has been covered by over fifty singers and groups, including the Blue Diamonds, Victor Wood, and Arie Kosmiran. Instrumental versions were released by Alex Faraknimella and Yockie Soerjoprajogo.
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