Musically, he learned the ukulele at his father's insistence, learned how to play guitar proficiently as well, got up to grade one in piano, and never learned how to read music. He made a lot of compositions: topical compositions as well as advertising jingles; some becoming hits one time or another.
He was born in 1960 in Maco Davao (Compostela Valley) to mother Cristina (dressmaker) and father Ireneo (fisherman). Growing up, he did a number of odd jobs to help support the presumably feeble family income. He graduated valedictorian in both elementary and high school but never got a diploma in college (he enrolled in the University of the Philippines and got booted out).
Lean
Gary Granada Lyrics
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Sa piling ng mamamayan
Ika'y laging naririyan,
Lean, Lean, Lean
At sa dangpanan ng inang bansa
Alay na buhay 'di malalanta
Ang halimbawa'y 'di mamamatay
Lean, Lean, Lean
Sa piling ng mamamayan
Ika'y laging naririyan,
Lean, Lean, Lean
Sa pamumuno at paglilingkod,
Tibay, talino, tapang ng loob,
Sa pagdiriwang at pagluluksa,
At sa pakikidigma
(Sampung taon na ang nakalipas,
Mula ng pinaslang ng mga duwag si Lean Alejandro.
Hindi na kailangang sabihin pa, o ikapagtataka
Na hanggang ngayon, gaya ng marami pang katulad na mangyayari
Sa ilalim ng sinasabing "bagong demokrasya,"
Ito ay hindi pa nabibigyan ng katarungan.)
Ang panganorin at mga mithi
'Di malulupig, 'di magagapi
Paano susuko? Paano mabibigo?
Posang(?) taya ay dugo
Lean, Lean, Lean
Sa piling ng mamamayan.
Ika'y laging naririyan,
Lean Lean (Lean)
Lean, Lean, Lean
Sa piling ng mamamayan.
Ika'y laging naririyan,
Lean, Lean, Lean
Lean (Lean)
Lean (Lean)
Lean (Lean)
The song "Lean" by Gary Granada is a tribute to Leonardo "Lean" Alejandro, a Filipino activist, musician, and theater director who was assassinated in 1987 during the Marcos dictatorship in the Philippines. The lyrics begin with the phrase "Lean, Lean, Lean" repeated several times, which can be interpreted as a call to remember and honor Lean Alejandro's life and legacy.
The first verse of the song talks about how Lean was always present among the people he served, and how he dedicated his life to the country and its citizens. The second verse highlights Lean's leadership qualities such as his courage, wisdom, and resilience, which he demonstrated when he fought for justice and equality in the face of adversity. The third and final verse acknowledges the ongoing struggle for justice, and celebrates the resilience and determination of the Filipino people who continue to fight for their rights in a troubled political landscape.
The song's chorus repeats the phrase "Lean, Lean, Lean" and emphasizes the idea that Alejandro's spirit lives on and that he is always present among those he served. The repetition of this phrase creates a rhythmic and emotional impact, underscoring the song's message of remembrance and celebration.
Overall, "Lean" is a stirring tribute to a Filipino activist whose contributions and legacy continue to inspire people to this day. It honors the enduring legacy of Lean Alejandro and the many other activists who sacrificed their lives for the betterment of their country and its people.
Line by Line Meaning
Lean, Lean, Lean
Persist, Persist, Persist
Sa piling ng mamamayan
Amidst the people
Ika'y laging naririyan
You are always present
At sa dangpanan ng inang bansa
In the embrace of the motherland
Alay na buhay 'di malalanta
A life offered that will not wither
Ang halimbawa'y 'di mamamatay
The example will not die
Diwang wagas at lantay
Pure and steadfast spirit
Sa pamumuno at paglilingkod,
In leadership and service
Tibay, talino, tapang ng loob,
Strength, intelligence, and courage of heart,
Sa pagdiriwang at pagluluksa,
In celebration and in mourning,
At sa pakikidigma
And in fighting
(Sampung taon na ang nakalipas,
(Ten years have passed,
Mula ng pinaslang ng mga duwag si Lean Alejandro.
Since Lean Alejandro was cowardly murdered.
Hindi na kailangang sabihin pa, o ikapagtataka
There is no need to say, or wonder
Na hanggang ngayon, gaya ng marami pang katulad na mangyayari
That until now, like many similar things that will happen,
Sa ilalim ng sinasabing "bagong demokrasya,"
Under the so-called "new democracy",
Ito ay hindi pa nabibigyan ng katarungan.)
This has not yet been given justice.)
Ang panganorin at mga mithi
The ideals and aspirations
'Di malulupig, 'di magagapi
Unbowed, Unconquerable
Paano susuko? Paano mabibigo?
How to give up? How to fail?
Posang(?) taya ay dugo
The only bet is blood
Lean, Lean, Lean
Persist, Persist, Persist
Sa piling ng mamamayan.
Amidst the people.
Ika'y laging naririyan,
You are always present,
Lean Lean (Lean)
Persist, Persist (Persist)
Lean, Lean, Lean
Persist, Persist, Persist
Contributed by Anthony J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.