A Philippine-based band proudly waving the banner of hometown Cebu, Urbandu… Read Full Bio ↴A Philippine-based band proudly waving the banner of hometown Cebu, Urbandub is growing to be a titan, a superpower of the Pinoy independent rock movement. Local or International, they're jet-set to stir up waves, raising the level for today's modern angst. Listen up and try their songs for size. Their craft could only get better.

ABOUT THE BAND:

Urbandub is Gabby Alipe (Vocalist / Guitarist), Lalay Lim (Bassist), John Mendoza (Drummer) and John Dinopol (Lead Guitarist). Urbandub's career thus far has given much inspiration and support to upcoming acts, most of which fall under the Lighter Records stable such as Faspitch, The Ambassadors, Still, Nuncyspungen (Cagayan) and Point Click Kill (Ilo Ilo). Each of them now aspire to take their own roads in music, paving their own way and modeling some of their steps after the success of Urbandub.

From the very first day that this band was formed (in the year 2000), they were destined to be something more than the ordinary. Forced to be independent due to the lack of support coming from major record companies, Urbandub released their debut album called BIRTH. Off of this album, the hit tracks “Come”, “Give” and “Would You Go” launched and took their world by storm. Unique, timely and yet experimental, it was something that entertainment scenes around the Philippines needed: a kick-start into the future of original music.

With the release of their sophomore effort, INFLUENCE (Lighter Records), Urbandub took on a new form, changing their sound with a new drummer (From Jed Honrado to Jerros Dolino). It was the sound in this album that clearly defined the steps that Urbandub would start to take. The track “Soul Searching” later won the award as Best Song of the Year in the NU107 Rock Awards 2003. Pushing the sound further, the collection bagged the Album Of The Year Award in the NU107 Rock Awards 2004.

Urbandub released their album EMBRACE in 2005, and with it, it proved that there is hope for struggling artists. With help from their community and the noise they created, they were able to grab the attention of EMI Music Philippines. Since then the band has kept Lighter Records as their management arm and guide. In line with their ideals, EMI allowed the members the creative freedom to record their album on their home soil of Cebu. They have also been able to maintain their independent principles while taking major steps into the scene that has awaited their new sound.

After more than 10,000 albums sold, thousands of miles traveled around the country and some dizzying highs and lows, an energized Urbandub returned with UNDER SOUTHERN LIGHTS in 2007. This latest album boasts 10 tracks of Urbandub’s new approach to their own brand—their brilliance shines throughout a melodious rock tune and diverse songwriting.

Anthem
URBANDUB Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm mapping the routes to take
Preparing ways for quiet
And some proper conversation
When everything is seen so clearly now
I'd like to think
We can be honest with ourselves
Sleepless nights
When your memory consumed me

But they all have been long gone

I'm so much more
Than what you cared to see
You drove me away
Now I can move forward
Move forward

Missed chance and mistakes
How were we to know
That it would end when we began?
The times we've wasted
Will never return again
Sleepless nights
When your memory consumed me

I'm so much more
Than what you cared to see
You drove me away
Now I can move forward
Move forward

There's no time and no name
Here for us now
I'm sorry but we're much too late
[repeat 2x]

I'm so much more
Than what you cared to see
You drove me away
Now I can move forward
Move forward
[repeat 2x]

Move forward

Overall Meaning

In the song "Anthem" by Urbandub, the lyrics speak to a sense of introspection and reflection on the past, while also pushing towards a hopeful future. The singer in the song reflects on the difficulties of a previous relationship, where they were consumed by memories and missed opportunities. However, they also highlight their own strength and growth, becoming "so much more than what you cared to see". The singer then resolves to map their own path and have honest conversations in the future, moving forward towards that hopeful future.

The theme of growth and reflection is further emphasized by the repetition of the phrase "move forward" throughout the song. This serves as a mantra for the singer, urging them to keep pushing forward and leaving the past behind. The use of sleepless nights also underscores the emotional turmoil that the singer has gone through, making their growth and determination all the more powerful.

Overall, "Anthem" is a song about finding inner strength and hope even in the face of past mistakes and difficulties. It's about learning from those experiences and becoming a better version of oneself, while staying true to oneself in the process.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm mapping the routes to take
I am planning my path towards a better future

Preparing ways for quiet
Arranging peaceful settings for a more tranquil life

And some proper conversation
Seeking meaningful dialogue with those who matter

When everything is seen so clearly now
In retrospect, everything is now evident and understood

I'd like to think
I hope and wish to believe

We can be honest with ourselves
We have the potential to be truthful to our true nature

Sleepless nights
Restless nights devoid of sleep

When your memory consumed me
When thoughts of you were overwhelming

But they all have been long gone
Thankfully, those moments have now passed

I'm so much more
I am not defined by your perception of me

Than what you cared to see
You only saw what you wanted to see and didn't bother to see my true self