Top tunes for earthquake relief

NO. 1: "TOGETHER THROUGH LIFE AND DEATH"

On May 15th, renowned television news anchor Bai Yansong read a touching poem during CCTV's live coverage of earthquake relief efforts. The verse was written by Wang Pingjiu, a cultural event official from the BOCOG. The title: "Together Through Life and Death". The poem expresses the depth and urgency of the nation's concern for quake victims. Su Nan, an established composer, soon created a melody for it. The song has been adopted as the theme for relief efforts following the Wenchuan earthquake.

NO. 2: "PROMISE"

In Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, an eight-hour marathon was held to raise funds for relief in Sichuan province. It turned out to be the largest charity event ever held in Hong Kong. Donations amounted to nearly 30 million Hong Kong dollars. The theme song "Promise" takes its melody from the enduring pop classic "Between Ocean and Heaven". The lyrics were written by Andy Lau. Through the song, local entertainers promised to pay continuous attention to earthquake victims until life has returned to normal.

NO. 3: "EVERY MINUTE, EVERY PERSON"

With melody by Li Haiying and lyrics by Cui Shu, "Every Minute, Every Person" was performed by a hundred major singers from across the Chinese speaking world. Among them are Chen Ming, Sun Yue, Sun Li, Li Bingbing, and Han Hong. The song appeals to all to spend at least one minute, contributing to relief and rescue efforts.

NO. 4: "LOVE SPREADS AROUND"

Produced by Zhang Yadong, "Love Spreads Around" is performed by Tian Yuan, Chun Xiao, Pu Shu, and Long Kuan. It's an inspirational piece meant to help quake victims recover their conviction and belief in the future. The lyrics say "please take the warmth from my hand, hand in hand let's be together for ever and ever. The same blood is in the veins of 1.3 billion Chinese. Let us stick together and come through the hardship."

NO. 5: "LOVE IS THICKER THAN BLOOD"

Ever since the earthquake, China's attention has been focused on the lives of people, living in the quake affected areas. The song "Love is Thicker Than Blood" is perhaps one of the best expressions of the national feeling. The song was composed by Xiong Rulin and performed by Wu Qiong, Xie Na, Sha Baoliang and others. The lyrics say, "All brothers and sisters extend a helping hand. With love we are opening up a new sky, under which we rebuild our homeland. However far and away, you're in my heart, because blood is thick than water.

The catastrophe of May 12th took many lives. In the days following the Sichuan earthquake, pop musicians have been joining, in their own ways, to support rescue and relief efforts. They've donated cash and materials. Many have written songs dedicated to relief efforts and to the earthquake victims. In today's Countdown, we'll take a look at some of the top tunes.