Evil Woobie

The band Eraserheads is a symbol of my college days. We’d go to their concerts and wouldn’t mind that there were no seats. I remember nights of watching them perform in parking lots and the way I kept my hands inside my boyfriend’s pockets because it was so chilly. They disbanded in 2002, but their songs did not die; at least not to the generation they sang to.

Now, they are having a reunion concert on August 30, 2008 at the CCP Complex, Manila. It’s a one-night only show with each band member receiving up to 10 million pesos as talent fee! What is the reason for this big investment? Their young fans then (my generation) are presently the prime movers in the Philippines, the CEOs of businesses, the cutthroat marketing managers, lawyers and doctors … loyal fans who can now afford to pay for exorbitantly priced tickets just so they can re-live their heydays.

Their songs became quite popular because every lovesick college kid during that time could relate to them. Profound lyrics that tell a story or two about some guy falling in love and getting dumped. For me, they are the only band in the Philippines who can turn carefree, flowery poetry into pop music.

Just take a bite, It’s alright…
Taste the taste that sent all mothers giggling in sheer delight…
Take a bite, It’s alright…
A little lovin’ and some fruit to bake… Life is a piece of cake…
‘Fruitcake‘ the Eraserheads’ Christmas song

The Eraserheads and Romance - An Analysis

Here are some of their romantic songs that made a lot of impact. They all have that quaint, boyish quality that endeared this band to me and my generation. The vocalist’s voice is not in any way GOOD, not at all. But the delivery, the cleverly crafted lyrics and novelty song-like melody kept us rapt.

Pare ko (translation: My Homie) - A story of a budding playboy who felt love for the first time and got dumped in the process. He then talks to a homie about his broken heart (*cough* bruised pride). The main lyrics of the song translate as “OMFG, Gadamit, why the F* did she diss me?!? What the F* is this life?!?“… which is the exact same thing on the mind of anyone who has ever been dumped anyway.

Julie Tearjerky - Not among their popular songs, but touched me deeply because listening to it made me think of myself. A desperately angsty female teenager who was really just another lost girl who needed a bear hug. :-)

Shake Yer Head - A young guy resists the machismo culture and insists on flower power as the way to live life and get his dreams.

and this song….

With a Smile - A guy comforts his crying girlfriend and tells her that things aren’t that bad at all. For some reason they always sang this song last, perhaps because they knew its effect on their viewers. Whenever they sang this song, boyfriends and girlfriends (or strangers) would look at each other and sing along, like they were actually singing the lyrics of the song to each other. It’s THAT powerful. Listen to the song and read the lyrics to get what I mean.

Lift your head. Baby, Don’t be scared of the things that could go wrong along the way…
You’ll get by with a smile. You can’t win at everything but you can try.

Baby, you don’t have to worry, ’cause there ain’t no need to hurry.
No one ever said that there’s an easy way.
When they’re closing all their doors, and they don’t want you anymore….
This sounds funny but I’ll say it anyway…

“Girl I’ll stay through the bad times even if I have to fetch you everyday
I’ll get by if you smile… You can never be too happy in this life.”

In a world where everybody hates a happy ending story,
It’s a wonder love can make the world go round.
Then, don’t let it bring you down and turn your face into a frown
You’ll get along with a little prayer and a song.

Lift your head, baby, don’t be scared of the things that could go wrong along the way
You’ll get by with a smile…. Now it’s time to kiss away those tears goodbye

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