ALAB (BURNING)

 

Alab (Burning) is an upbeat love song written by Pablo and Han Tae Soo. At first listen, one would think that it's about a person professing fierce love towards another. The way the song was written, it's easy to immediately assume that it's the kind of persistent love that would do everything to get that sweet yes from another person. It could be true, but if you would dig deep into the song and listen to it intently, you'll realize that this is probably the very first song SB19 released that is dedicated to their current and future fans.

Ano ba'ng mayroon sa ngiti mo? (girl, I'm dyin')

'Di ka na maalis sa isipan ko (impossible)

I feel so alone but I can't just keep on singing this song

I gotta get your love, yeah, baby girl, I'm coming now (sure, you're mine)

This can easily be interpreted as an introduction of a love confession to someone special, but knowing SB19, they always incorporate their own stories and experiences into their songs. This verse could have a different meaning. When SB19 started, they were alone, even though they had a management that handled their affairs. They taught themselves everything they know now, and faced all the struggles basically alone. How come? They were surrounded by people who were also learning along with them. They didn't have a strong and reliable team to which they could lean on to. So this line could be a masked admission of loneliness, searching for people who could be there for them, a fandom who would support them.

Tryin' to forget, t-tryin' to forget (come on)

Tryin' to forget, no, I can't figure this one out

Won't stop anymore, can't stop anyway

Now the fire in me has started, you'll be in my zone

Having to go through all the struggles they did, surely they have felt giving up, questioning themselves if they were actually doing the right thing for themselves. I can only imagine how much uncertainty and weakness they felt, and how much they must have had to lift each other up. It's hard to stand your ground for something you believe in when the world seems against you at every turn. But they knew they had to keep going to win people over, and they did. They built a fanbase that would stand with them through every storm, a community of people who would be there for them no matter what.

Burning up, fire, 'di na matatanggi

Got me like fire, ikaw na'ng aking hinahanap (no matter)

Oh, I do (love you), baby, I do (love you)

I need your, I need your love right now

They truly have a fire in their hearts that cannot be stopped and will continue to burn for as long as they believe in themselves. But they knew they couldn't do it alone. They need the love and support of the people that believe in their movement. They need us, A'tin, to be their stronghold, their rest when the world gets too loud and chaotic. Their love for us has always been pure and honest, and they were never afraid to tell us that they needed us.

Dami na'ng nanliligaw sa 'yo ('cause you're so fine)

Ako pa ba kaya'y mapapansin mo?

I must take you home but I still just keep on singing this song

Listen to me, baby, you're mine (sure, you're mine)

Pablo once said they knew they weren't the best. They knew there were many options out there, and they had a lot of competition. That, to me, is one of the main reasons why they continuously improve on their craft and find ways to be innovative. They don't want to be stagnant or complacent, because they know that the music scene is constantly evolving. From the beginning up until now, they have had to work hard for everything they have, and even with the success they achieved, there's still no security that they will always be what they are now.

Ano ba ang ginawa mo?

Ang mundo ko ay kontrolado

Ako pa ba 'ko? Mukhang malabo

No, I can't figure this one out

This verse sounds positive, right? But if you think about it, since the day they trended, their lives have changed. They had to accommodate the expectations of the people around them. They needed to change some aspects of their personality and being in order to be accepted. Even when they release the kind of music they want, they still need to compromise to meet the expectations of their fans. Sadly, they had to choose between comfort and success and find a way to still remain true to their core being.

Won't stop anymore, can't stop anyway

Mapapasa'kin ka rin at sabihing, "You'll be in my zone"

These lines may seem simple, but it is both an admission and a promise. They decided to give everything they have for their music, and they won't stop, even when it becomes too taxing and painful. They work hard not just to promote PPOP and OPM, but to make people realize that they are worthy of love and support. They bear their hearts out so people can relate to them and be inspired by their stories and the songs they create.

Save me, I (save me)

Need your love (it's only you who can)

Only you (give it to me)

I'm gonna break now

Fans keep saying SB19 saved them through their music, but do we have any idea how we affected their lives, too? We saved them, too, from what their lives might be like if they didn't make it. Five people with so much passion and drive, living a routine life of mediocrity, constantly disappointed and wishing they did more. We gave them the strength to keep going and to spread their wings. We gave them the strength they needed to break free from the chains that held them down, and I hope, as a new member of the fandom, that we don't turn into those chains they had to break free from. May we remain their refuge and safe haven.