By Ruel S. De Vera, Associate Editor
Sunday Inquirer Magazine

SITTING next to the radio growing up, we learned the words to songs the old-fashioned way: straining and trying to figure out what the heck those singers were saying. Now, for the most part this was not too hard; there seems to be a gene inside all Filipinos that allows them to understand, memorize and then regurgitate on command every single Barry Manilow song. But there were challenges: Pearl Jam and every single band who tried to sound like them were really hard to get. But sometimes we had help. Aside from being just the best music magazine like ever, Jingle had, notably, correct lyrics to the songs of the day. As the articles receded and the lyrics spread, Jingle Songbook/chordbook become the go-to mag for the words even as a virtual legion of imitators came out of the woodwork, some of them with ridiculously erroneous lyrics.

Who knew that the ultimate solution lay in weight on TV of all places. A nation weaned on the power of videoke was waiting to watch even more TV. When ABS-CBN started up Myx in 2001, it seemed like a quaint variation on MTV and Channel V. Wow, I was really off on that. Myx, by streaming the words to every single video they aired, was perfect.

So now, I find it odd when I’m watching a music video and the words are not on the screen. It also had the interesting side effect of showing you could write lyrics and who could not. Pupil’s “Disconnection Notice” and Sandwich’s “Procrastinator” are sublime examples of songs with lyrics that not only work but bear thinking about long after listening. And sorry, Lady Ga-ga but “Poker Face” has an infectious hook but wow those lyrics are really dumb.

Your mileage will of course vary depending on why you want the words. For those who simply want to be able to sing along, then it really doesn’t matter how awesome the lyrics are. Po-po-po-ker face it is. But for those who adore a good line or two, then this new way of appreciating Pinoy music works on so many levels. So ride with the wind and hold that grip steady to watch and read and appreciate that new Kjwan song. It’s perfect.

Read about the Out of Body Special, Manila’s best-kept musical secret in the February 15, 2009 issue of the Sunday Inquirer Magazine.