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.
Mantra
URBANDUB Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let weaknesses fall to the ground
Believe in yourself
The sooner you'll rise from under there
If I could
If I could fade
I'll slowly fade into the night
Horizons will share their spirits tonight
Honestly, visions they push us to see
We ride out in the open with your arms around me,
They come around
I'm never letting go
I never knew of taking new starts
If we could change
Soon we can rise from above it all
I believe we could
Believe it could change
If we could
Let all your weakness fall, if you're weak
Let all your weaknesses fall to the ground
If we could
We ride out in the open windows down
The rearview mirror marks the past
The lyrics of URBANDUB's song "Mantra" inspire the listeners to overcome their weaknesses and believe in themselves. The first verse talks about wanting to change and leave behind weakness, emphasizing the need for self-confidence in rising from difficult situations. The second verse hints at the singer's desire to disappear into the horizon, perhaps to escape their problems. The chorus suggests that change is possible and that weakness can be shed. The third verse is optimistic, stating that we can all start anew and rise above our struggles. The song's bridge speaks of the power of visions and the importance of embracing change, regardless of the uncertainties that come with it.
In a broader sense, "Mantra" can be interpreted as a call to action for listeners to confront their fears and doubts, embrace their strengths, and forge ahead. The song's theme of transformation aligns with the band's decision to transition from their signature heavy-rock style to a more melodic approach.
Line by Line Meaning
If I could change
Wishing for the ability to change something.
Let weaknesses fall to the ground
Overcoming weaknesses and leaving them behind.
Believe in yourself
Having faith in one's own abilities.
The sooner you'll rise from under there
Self-confidence will help in overcoming difficulties and achieving success.
If I could
Another expression of the desire to change something.
If I could fade
Wishing to gradually disappear or become less noticeable.
I'll slowly fade into the night
Gradually becoming less present or important over time.
Horizons will share their spirits tonight
The beauty of the world around us can inspire us and bring us peace.
I will invoke them all
Calling upon the spirits or beauty of the world for guidance or inspiration.
Honestly, visions they push us to see
Clear goals and a sense of purpose can motivate us to achieve and grow.
We ride out in the open with your arms around me,
The support and love of another person can help us face challenges and feel safe.
They come around
Difficulties or challenges will always arise from time to time.
I'm never letting go
Refusing to give up or abandon someone or something.
I never knew of taking new starts
Not having experience with starting fresh or beginning anew.
If we could change
Another expression of the desire to change something, but this time as a collective effort.
Soon we can rise from above it all
With determination and persistence, we can overcome difficulties and rise to success.
I believe we could
Having faith in the ability to create positive change.
Believe it could change
Encouraging others to have hope and faith in the power of change.
Let all your weakness fall, if you're weak
Encouragement to overcome weaknesses and not let them hold you back.
Let all your weaknesses fall to the ground
Letting go of weaknesses and not letting them hinder progress.
We ride out in the open windows down
Embracing freedom and openness, feeling unencumbered and unafraid.
The rearview mirror marks the past
The past is behind us and should not hold us back from moving forward.
Contributed by Lincoln S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.