In 1995 a self-produced demo garnered interest from various record labels and the group changed its name to Prettier Than Pink. VIVA Records eventually signed them up. After five months, an eponymous debut album went Gold in the Philippines and the single "Cool Ka Lang," written and composed by the band's lead singer and founding member Lei Bautista, reached no. 1 on the OPM charts.
By 1997, Prettier Than Pink had undergone a line-up transformation, with Bautista remaining as the group's leader. Their second album, UnPink, took a less commercial turn; but the release received regional airplay with "Baby" and a remake of the OPM classic "BF Kong Baduy." In 1998, Lei Bautista was nominated for an Awit award for "Baby."
Bautista left for the U.S. shortly thereafter, reviving Prettier Than Pink in America as a New Wave-styled group with guitarist Pamela Aquino, bassist Melody del Mundo, and drummer Ann Connolly. In 2005, Prettier Than Pink started recording their U.S. debut for the Sutton Records label.
Cool Ka Lang
Prettier than Pink Lyrics
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Ki-nut ka pa ng jeep
Minura pa ng driver
At ulo'y uminit
Kumukulo na ang dugo mo
Kaya't sundan mo aking payo
Problema'y lilipas na lang
Kaya't cool ka lang cool ka lang
Bakit ba palagi ka na lang ganyan
Cool ka lang cool ka lang
Daanin mo sa galit noo'y kukunat lang
Overtime daw nag goodtime lang pala
Pag uwi ng bahay amoy alak pa siya
Kumukulo na ang dugo mo
Kaya't sundan mo aking payo
Problema'y lilipas na lang
Kaya't cool ka lang cool ka lang
Bakit ba palagi ka na lang ganyan
Cool ka lang cool ka lang
Puwedeng puwede mo naman siyang palitan
Mananahimik na ang daming hirit
Anong paki nila baka sila'y inggit
Kumukulo na ang dugo mo
Kaya't sundan mo aking payo
Problema'y lilipas na lang
Kaya't cool ka lang cool ka lang
Bakit ba palagi ka na lang ganyan
Cool ka lang cool ka lang
Hayaan mo na lang magsisisi rin 'yan
Easy ka lang relaks ka lang
Simple lang ang buhay ngumiti ka na lang
Daanin mo sa galit noo'y kukunot lang
Kaya't kaibigan konting pasensiya lang
Cool ka lang cool ka lang (cool ka lang)
Cool ka lang cool ka lang (cool ka lang)
The song "Cool Ka Lang" by Prettier Than Pink is a warning about the dangers of getting hot-headed and losing one's temper. The first verse describes a frustrating situation: the traffic is tangled up and the jeepney driver curses and insults the passenger. The passenger's anger builds up and boils inside, but the singer advises them to stay calm and cool. The second verse tells a cautionary tale of someone who gets caught up in the moment and ends up drinking too much, only to regret it later. The chorus simply repeats the message "cool ka lang" over and over, emphasizing that the best way to deal with problems is to stay level-headed and not let them get under your skin. The bridge suggests that others may criticize or resent someone who can keep their cool, but that shouldn't deter them from staying calm and collected.
The song's message is simple and straightforward, but it's delivered with catchy, upbeat music and playful lyrics. The singer's voice is light and cheerful, making it easy to imagine dancing along to this song in a crowded bar or at a party. The song also has a certain timeless quality to it, despite being released in 1996, which may contribute to its enduring popularity. Ultimately, "Cool Ka Lang" invites listeners to adopt a more relaxed and easy-going attitude toward life's challenges, reminding them that sometimes the best way to deal with a problem is to simply smile and let it go.
Line by Line Meaning
Buhol-buhol ang traffic
The traffic is very congested and disorganized
Ki-nut ka pa ng jeep
The jeepney bumped into you
Minura pa ng driver
The driver even cursed
At ulo'y uminit
It made you feel angry and frustrated
Kumukulo na ang dugo mo
You are becoming increasingly angry
Kaya't sundan mo aking payo
That's why you should follow my advice
Problema'y lilipas na lang
The problem will eventually go away
Kaya't cool ka lang cool ka lang
So just be cool, calm down and take it easy
Bakit ba palagi ka na lang ganyan
Why are you always like that?
Daanin mo sa galit noo'y kukunat lang
If you let anger consume you, you'll only get more tense
Overtime daw nag goodtime lang pala
You thought they worked overtime, but they were actually having fun
Pag uwi ng bahay amoy alak pa siya
When they got home, they smelled like alcohol
Puwedeng puwede mo naman siyang palitan
You can easily replace them
Mananahimik na ang daming hirit
They will eventually be quiet
Anong paki nila baka sila'y inggit
Why should you care? Maybe they're just jealous
Hayaan mo na lang magsisisi rin 'yan
Just let them be, they'll regret it eventually
Easy ka lang relaks ka lang
Take it easy, relax
Simple lang ang buhay ngumiti ka na lang
Life is simple, just smile
Kaya't kaibigan konting pasensiya lang
So friend, just have a little patience
Cool ka lang cool ka lang (cool ka lang)
Just be cool, (be cool)
Cool ka lang cool ka lang (cool ka lang)
Just be cool, (be cool)
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Lei Bautista
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind