From war-time rallying cry to modern anthem, the “Graduation Song” from the film “The Plunder of Peach and Plum” has been rediscovered by Gen Z audiences. Originally composed in the 1940s as a call for students to shoulder the nation’s fate, it’s become a viral soundtrack for today’s youth movements.
During the Japanese invasion in the 1940s, the song galvanized students across the Chinese mainland to join resistance efforts. Its stirring lines—“Students, rise as one. Take upon yourselves the fate of the nation!”—echoed across campuses and cities, forging a shared spirit of resilience.
Fast forward 80 years: young activists, entrepreneurs, and creatives are repurposing the anthem for everything from sustainability campaigns to startup pitch decks. On TikTok and Instagram Reels, #GraduationSongChallenge has sparked over 5 million videos, with young global citizens using the melody to launch projects on climate, social justice, and digital innovation.
Data from leading streaming services show a 300% spike in streams of the 1940s version, with audiences across Asia, Europe, and the Americas tuning in. This cross-generational revival highlights how a single piece of art can transcend its era—reminding us that the power of youth lies in collective purpose, whether on the front lines of war or the vanguard of tomorrow’s challenges.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
