sure. wait. what?

FIRST, A disclaimer: these lyrics are by no means the best of the best of the best. And, more importantly, I am in no way an expert on OPM.

In fact, as I was writing this list, I realized that I barely listen to OPM anymore. The only new releases I’m aware of are those from Viva Records and Star Music. Beyond those tried-and-tested pop hits, my playlist holds no recently released music in Filipino or — for those who aren’t as pedantic about the language vs. dialect distinction — Tagalog. 

So the following lyrics are from old OPM favorites. I considered including songs written in English but eventually decided against it. (Let’s save those for another list, maybe?) And if you have any OPM recommendations, you’re more than welcome to enlighten my ignorant ass.

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Palayain ang isa’t isa / kung tayo, tayo talaga

Session Road’s “Cool Off” deserves a spot in one of each of those #hugot playlists that proliferate pop websites these days. I noticed those lists are mostly laden with ballads or pogi rock sludge but — since when did it become cool to openly admit liking Cueshe anyway? Hm.

Kaliwa at kanan, harap at likod / ano mang anggulo, titigan ay bumibigay ako

Up Dharma Down has other “quotable” songs (eherm Tadhana), but I like this line from “Sana” because it is visual. It’s a nod to that powerful, oh-so-magical moment when eyes meet. As Ian McEwan claims: “falling in love could be achieved in a single word — a glance.” Ang ganda. ❤

Kung gusto mo pwede tayong maglaro / pamato mo ang aking puso / at ‘wag mong aapakan ‘to

“Patintero, Habulan, Larong Kalye” is a true Pinoy piece. It’s probably the most Pinoy song in this list. The metaphors are based on Filipino street games (obviously), which makes the song a playful subversion against the negative connection between love and playing games.

Nagsisising matatapos ang gabing / alam naman nating meron nang taning

“Mariposa” isn’t Sugarfree’s best song and Ebe has probably written even better verses. But I think this line perfectly encapsulates the kind of loneliness the song is about — that of feeling lonely amid company, of feeling lonely because you fear the temporary.

Tayo lang ang may alam / nando’n sa pagitan ng paalam at pahiram

This is also one of those songs that should top all heartbreak playlists. “Tayo Lang Ang May Alam” talks about secrets, about the thin lines trod and crossed, about how sinful and harrowing love can be.

Sa malas kong ito / minsan sinwerte din ako / nang makilala ang taong tulad mo

Bamboo’s “Muli” is a song for the fans, I think, similar to Eraserheads’ “Para Sa Masa.” But this line, its casual self-deprecation and cute honesty, is nothing else but sweet.

Gusto kong marinig ang buhay mo / gusto kong halikan ang puso mo / gusto kitang yakapin hanggang may umaga

I believe “Gusto” is a collaboration between Jolina and Khavn dela Cruz, who also released a Fando & Lis version. I like the innocence of the lyrics; it makes the song’s profession of love both tempered and hyperbolic.

Wala mang katiyakan, muling pagsasama / natutunan na niyang mahalin ang pangamba / natutunan na niyang mahalin ang paghihintay

Buklod’s “Lea” is a narrative song about a fisherman’s wife who waits for her husband as he comes back from the seas every morning. In most love songs we often hear that to wait is to hope, but “Lea” juxtaposes waiting not with hope, but with submission to a cyclical routine of the working class. It is a song of love bigger than two people yearning for each other, and that’s why it’s dope.

Hindi naman pala lumilipad si Batman. Kaya paalam, malupit na mundo. Paalam, mahal.

Radioactive Sago Project is a jazz rock band that incorporates spoken poetry in their music. “Alaala ni Batman” is a song that narrates the story of a man who likes Batman and the fantasies he has amid the despicable reality he lives in.

Field trip sa may pagawaan ng lapis / ay katulad ng buhay natin / isang mahabang pila / mabagal at walang katuturan

These lines from Eraserheads’ “Huwag Mo Nang Itanong” are probably my favorite Eheads lyrics. It’s both witty and philosophical: the existentialist angst and the absurdist undertones are appropriately paired with the seemingly random endeavor of visiting a pencil factory. So it begs you to ask the question, “Anong point?” and Ely answers, “Wala! ‘Tang ina walang point!”