Proverbs, often taken as words of sayings of wisdom, are often attributed to only being read or said in some situations. But in the Filipino culture, these nifty word plays can be found in songs. Heck, even popular songs make use of these sayings! Not only do they provide the needed lyrical rhyme for a ditty, these proverbs are also high in recall value, assuring listeners that they’ll be playing the tune in their heads for a long time. Let’s check out some Filipino songs with nuggets of wisdom, and tune in to their messages.

Banal na Aso, Santong Kabayo (Yano)
Popularized in the early 90′s, this soft-rock hit by activist band Yano sure is catchy. With its soft and powerful guitar plucking – the guitar solo is mesmerizing, to say the least – the ditty was able to capture a snippet of how typical Filipinos deal with religion in their daily lives. The term, Banal na Aso, Santong Kabayo (Holy Dog, Sacred Horse) is a direct attack on otherwise Holy people taking vile advantage of their calling. Just because you’re a nun doesn’t mean you can order jeepney drivers around. Or just because you’re collecting donations for a church doesn’t mean you can’t give money to beggars. The song was also popular in Anino, a thirteen-minute short film by auteur Raymond Red, which happened to win the esteemed Palme D’Or in the 2000 Cannes Film Festival. As if directly lifting from the song’s verses, the short film highlighted a provincial photographer’s life in dirty Manila, where at some times, the Church doesn’t actually provide salvation due to misguided symbolisms.

Upuan (Gloc 9)
It’s no wonder that Aristotle Pollisco, also known as the rapper Gloc 9, is so successful. His masterful beats come with the best lyrical messages ever, often striking a cord with the common Filipino man. As shown in his hit song, Upuan (Chair), the rapper talks about people abusing their power of authority, citing examples that politicians often have the upper hand in affairs. It’s a dog eat dog, rich get richer, poor get poorer world for Gloc 9. The lines – Kayo po naka upo (To those who sit), Subukan nyo namang tumayo (try to at least stand up), At baka matanaw, at baka matanaw na nyo (and you just might find out), Ang tunay na kalagayan ko (my true state of being). Powerful stuff, most especially how corrupt the Philippine government is known to be.

(Lucky Lovin’) Rabid Tongue (Razorback)
The band Razorback, always known for its psychedelic and blues stylings, have been known to use symbolism in their songs. Some, may even be drug-related (aluminum highway, may as well very mean a line of crack), but that in its own makes the band’s appeal so great. So for the otherwise carnal, slow-rock (in which can be used for pole dances, that I can attest to my girlfriend’s suggestion) Rabid Tongue, a world of warped feeling can be attained. Yet, the opening line of this ditty is pretty powerful – in a world that’s all your own, you always sleep alone – showing that one night stands and otherwise free states of mind lifestyles have their toll.

Philippine music is littered with tons of symbolism. And with litter, it ain’t something that can be considered as trash. Try listening to Pinoy music today – who knows, there may be that certain song out there that will resonate and teach you lesson.