Having undergone several permutations in its long career, South Border has nevertheless retained its unique sound and musical sensibility and has even moved up along the current global trends in music. Hence, retaining the top spot in their particular musical genre. Much credit goes to musical director and lead creative genius Jay Durias, the staunchest unifying force that has kept the band and its music alive and thriving.
The band, whose name is a tribute to their roots in Davao down south, first came into national prominence in 1996 when they launched their first self-titled album. It included a Jimmy Antiporda song entitled “May Pag-Ibig Pa Kaya’ which they interpreted in the Metro Manila Pop Music Festival earlier that year. Another song, “Kahit Kailan” was awarded 1996 Song of the Year by various radio stations, thus giving them their first big hit.
The following year, the album reached gold, then platinum. South Border was all set for their first major concert at the Araneta Coliseum. As expected, thousands of their new found fans trooped to fill the massive dome to the brim. Before the end of 1997, the exceptional talents of South Border was recognized by their peers in the industry when they bagged the most number of trophies at the 10th AwitAwards including Best Performance by a New Duo or Group, Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Produced Record of the Year for their hit song, “Kahit Kailan”. By the end of 1997, their debut album has gone triple platinum and South Border was a certified star band.
Not long after that, in the midst of a flourishing career, South Border found itself in the eye of a storm which called for a conspicuous change in their lineup. Luke Mejares replaced Brix Ferraris on lead vocals. But despite discouraging forecasts, South Border got back on their feet in no time. In a rush of creative adrenaline, the band doubled their efforts to finish their second album called Bump! It featured “Sa ‘Yo” a haunting ballad that spoke of a heart’s yearning for a loved one and “Reborn,” South Border’s first attempt at recording an instrumental piece reminiscent of their early jazz influences. In 1999, South Border once again caught the critical eye and bagged a total of 12 Katha Music awards including Record of the Year, Best Pop Song, and Best R&B Song—all for “Sa ‘Yo”. The following year, the band released its first live recording which was well-received by their fans and drew rave reviews from critics. At the turn of the new millennium, the band once again made waves with the success of “Habang Atin ang Gabi” the theme song from La Vida Rosa a Rossana Roces-Diether Ocampo film. The lyrics were written by scriptwriter Armando Lao and the music was composed by Jay Durias, who considers this song to be one of his best compositions and arrangements to date.
The same song became the carrier single for their fourth album, The Way We Do released in 2001. In November of the same year, South Border staged their biggest major show at the 30,000-seater PSC Track and Field Oval. But in the final quarter of 2002, another surprise jolted South Border’s avid followers: the announcement that Luke was leaving the band to go solo. The search for his replacement was going to be another grueling task.
Having gone through another major change in their lead vocals lineup, the band scored a major win when they got not one but two astonishing vocal talents in Vince Alaras and Duncan Ramos. 26-year old Vince, was a member of La Salle’s Kundirana and was then known as “the boy who sounded like Brian McKnight". The younger Duncan on the other hand was a child prodigy — a singing and dancing wonder boy who often accompanied Gary Valenciano in his shows and tours allover the country.
The two new talents who danced as well as they sang, provided a fresh and youthful take on South Border which has since then came up with the current hits we all hear on the radio and even on television today. The biggest of which is perhaps “Rainbow” which first hit the airwaves in 2003 for the promotion of megastar Sharon Cuneta’s Metro Manila Film Festival entry, Crying Ladies. South Border’s music even dominated television with their song “Ikaw Nga” —the love theme from the phenomenal hit TV series Mulawin. In 2004, the band released their first album under their own independent label. Episode III was a gigantic commercial success that included hits “The Show” and “Brown Hand Smash” — two songs that gave the group an edgier, danceable R&B sound.
7 Years
South Border Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
quite content, and never had fears
until i found some changes in you
what have i done to make you feel blue
REFRAIN
baby pls tell me, whats on youre mind
CHORUS
you,re the woman in my life
i will cherish you more
but if you no longer feel right
i just have to let go.
you say it's not about somebody new
then why are you acting the way that you do
you say its nothin, then why do you cry
i feel as though you wanna say goobye
(repeat refrain and chorus)
BRIDGE
you just don't know how much my heart cries
knowin youre huryin but not knowin' why
it's time to tell me what you feel inside
don't worry bout me cuz i'll be alright....
I'll be fine
(repeat refrain and chorus)
The South Border's song "7 Years" talks about the doubts and insecurities that can come up after being in a relationship for a long time. The lyrics suggest that the singer has noticed some changes in their relationship, and they want to know what's going on with their partner. They express a willingness to listen and understand, highlighting the importance of communication in relationships. The lyrics are vulnerable and raw, conveying a sense of hurt and confusion that many people can relate to.
The refrain of the song emphasizes the importance of the partner's feelings, suggesting that the singer wants to do whatever they can to help their partner feel better. The chorus, on the other hand, acknowledges the possibility that the relationship might not work out, emphasizing the importance of letting go if things are no longer right. The bridge is particularly poignant, highlighting the singer's pain and their desire to understand what's going on with their partner.
Overall, "7 Years" is a poignant song about the complexities of long-term relationships, highlighting the importance of communication, understanding, and empathy.
Line by Line Meaning
we've been together for seven long years
We've been in a relationship for a significant amount of time.
quite content, and never had fears
Our relationship has been fulfilling and without any major issues.
until i found some changes in you
Recently, I noticed that you have been acting differently.
what have i done to make you feel blue
I am worried that I may have caused your change in behavior and would like to understand why.
baby pls tell me, whats on youre mind
Please open up to me and share your thoughts and feelings.
your feelings are far more important than mine
I prioritize your emotions above my own in this situation.
you,re the woman in my life
You hold a special place in my life and in my heart.
i will cherish you more
I will continue to value and appreciate our relationship and you as a person.
but if you no longer feel right
If being with me no longer feels right for you,
i just have to let go.
I will have to accept that and move on.
you say it's not about somebody new
You assure me that your change in behavior is not because of another person.
then why are you acting the way that you do
I am confused as to why you are acting differently despite what you've said.
you say its nothin, then why do you cry
Your tears suggest that there is more going on than what you're telling me.
i feel as though you wanna say goobye
I sense that you may want to end our relationship.
you just don't know how much my heart cries
I am deeply hurt by the possibility of losing you.
knowin youre huryin but not knowin' why
I know that you are upset, but I don't know the full extent of the problem.
it's time to tell me what you feel inside
I believe that it is important for you to share your feelings with me.
don't worry bout me cuz i'll be alright....
I'll be fine
I don't want you to feel guilty for being honest with me. I will manage and recover.
Contributed by Max R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.