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.
With a Smile
South Border Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Baby don't be scared
Of the things that could go wrong along your way
You'll get by with a smile
You can't win at everythin'
If you can try
Baby you don't have to worry
'Cause there ain't no need to hurry
When they're closin' all their doors
And they don't want you anymore
It sounds funny but I'll say it anyway
Girl I'll stay
Through the bad times
Even if I have to fetch you everyday
You'll get by with the smile
You can never be too happy in this life
'Cause in a world where everybody hates a happy endin' story
It's a wonder love
Can make the world go round
But don't let them bring you down
And turn your face into a frown
You'll get along with a little prayer
And a song, oh
Let me hear you sing it
'Cause in a world where everybody hates a happy endin' story
It's a wonder love
Can make the world go round, round, round, round
But don't let them bring you down
And turn your face into a frown
You'll get along with a little prayer
And a song, oh
Lift your head
Don't be scared
Now it's time to kiss away those tears goodbye, ooh, ooh
Let me hear you pray it
South Border's With A Smile is a song that seeks to uplift and encourage people who may be feeling down or uncertain about the future. The opening lyrics, "Lift your head, baby don't be scared of the things that could go wrong along your way," provides a reassuring tone to the listener. South Border likens life to a journey, acknowledging that not everything will go as planned. On this journey, there will be obstacles and roadblocks, but the power of a smile can help one overcome anything. Through this message, the songwriter encourages the listener to remain positive and hopeful even in the face of adversity.
Furthermore, the lyrics emphasize that life is not always rosy, which can be especially difficult in a world that seems to hate a happy ending story. The songwriter acknowledges that life is full of ups and downs but encourages listeners to hold on to hope and love because it has the power to make the world go round. Some people may not want to see us succeed, and their negativity may cause us to frown. However, South Border urges us to fight this negativity with positivity by singing a little prayer and song.
In conclusion, the uplifting message in South Border's With A Smile highlights the importance of keeping a positive outlook in life, finding hope in even the darkest of times, and refusing to let negativity bring us down. Through this song, South Border reminds us that smiling can alleviate pain and make our journey through life so much better.
Line by Line Meaning
Lift your head
Keep your chin up and face your problems head-on.
Baby don't be scared
Do not let fear hold you back from achieving your dreams.
Of the things that could go wrong along your way
Acknowledge that obstacles may arise, but stay positive and keep pushing forward.
You'll get by with a smile
Approach life with a positive attitude, and you can overcome anything.
You can't win at everythin'
Not every situation will turn out in your favor, but learn from the experience.
If you can try
Attempt to do what you can, even if it isn't everything.
Baby you don't have to worry
Do not stress over every little thing, trust that everything will work out in the end.
'Cause there ain't no need to hurry
Take your time and do things at your own pace, rushing won't yield the best outcome.
No one ever said that there'll be an easy way
Life is full of challenges, and it's essential to accept that no path is effortless.
When they're closin' all their doors
When everything seems to be going wrong, do not give up hope.
And they don't want you anymore
When people reject or abandon you, focus on the positive relationships and opportunities in your life.
It sounds funny but I'll say it anyway
Even if it seems silly, saying positive things out loud can help improve your mood and outlook on life.
Girl I'll stay
I will be here for you no matter what difficulties arise.
Through the bad times
During the challenging moments, I will support and stand by you.
Even if I have to fetch you everyday
I am willing to go out of my way to help you, no matter what it takes.
You can never be too happy in this life
Always strive for happiness and do not let anyone dim your light.
'Cause in a world where everybody hates a happy ending story
The world can be harsh and cynical, but do not let that dampen your optimism for a happy ending.
It's a wonder love
Despite the world's negativity, love is still a powerful force for good.
Can make the world go round
Love has the power to create positive change and bring people together.
But don't let them bring you down
Do not allow negative people to bring you down or diminish your joy.
And turn your face into a frown
Do not let negative experiences or people make you feel unhappy.
You'll get along with a little prayer
Prayer can bring comfort and guidance during tough times.
And a song, oh
Music can also uplift and inspire you during trying times.
Now it's time to kiss away those tears goodbye, ooh, ooh
It is time to let go of negative emotions and move on with a positive attitude.
Let me hear you pray it
Encouraging the listener to express their positive thoughts and beliefs through prayer.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Buendia Ely Eleandre
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lancelotlabajo7734
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
We'll get by with a smile
You can never be too happy in this life
'Cause in a world where everybody hates a happy ending story
It's a wonder love can make the world go round
But dont let it bring you down
And turn your face into a frown
You'll get along with a little prayer and a song
Let me hear you sing it
'Cause in a world where everybody hates a happy ending story
It's a wonder love can make the world go round
But 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
Let me hear you sing it
@mundthelmo03
With a smile RNB version .
Nice Southborder.
dati ko ka to naririnig. gandang ganda tlga ako sa version na to . ❤
@benedictosoriano3249
pang batang.90's lang talga to.pra.maka relate ka.
@benedictosoriano3249
mga batang 90s lang makaka relate dito wahahahah
@r0ckamped
Probably the best With a smile cover.
@user-lz7go1we5x
Ang Ganda ng Kanta na Yan I love it
@anne122618
this cover will always remind me of someone that i had loved wholeheartedly
@reigvenlaurenceconcepcion2384
😢🥲
@jasminallado2454
Ang ganda ng kanta ninyo
@marlongalang1440
Nakaka relax tong kanta na to
@elohimdelossantos774
Nka nka relex..