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.

This Used To Be My Playground
URBANDUB Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

This used to be my playground (used to be)
This used to be my childhood dream
This used to be the place I ran to
Whenever I was in need
Of a friend
Why did it have to end
And why do they always say

Don't look back
Keep your head held high
Don't ask them why
Because life is short
And before you know
You're feeling old
And your heart is breaking
Don't hold on to the past
Well that's too much to ask

This used to be my playground (used to be)
This used to be my childhood dream
This used to be the place I ran to
Whenever I was in need
Of a friend
Why did it have to end
And why do they always say

No regrets
But I wish that you
Were here with me
Well then there's hope yet
I can see your face
In our secret place
You're not just a memory
Say goodbye to yesterday (the dream)
Those are words I'll never say (I'll never say)

This used to be my playground (used to be)
This used to be our pride and joy
This used to be the place we ran to
That no one in the world could dare destroy

This used to be our playground (used to be)
This used to be our childhood dream
This used to be the place we ran to
I wish you were standing here with me

This used to be our playground (used to be)
This used to be our childhood dream
This used to be the place we ran to

The best things in life are always free
Wishing you were here with me

Overall Meaning

The song "This Used to Be My Playground" by Urbandub is a reflective and nostalgic piece about a place that was once special to the singer. The lyrics describe the location as being a source of comfort and refuge, a place of childhood dreams that once held great pride and joy. However, the singer is now forced to come to terms with the fact that the place and memories associated with it have faded away. The refrain "Don't look back, keep your head held high, don't ask them why" suggests that the singer is being urged to move on and let go of the past, despite the emotional attachment they still feel towards the place.

The lyric "No regrets, but I wish that you were here with me" reveals conflicting emotions within the singer, as they acknowledge the need to move on but still long for a companion to share this journey with. The repeated line "This used to be my playground" emphasizes the passing of time and the erosion of memory, which contributes to the singer's sense of loss.

Line by Line Meaning

This used to be my playground (used to be)
This place was once my refuge where I could feel free and happy.

This used to be my childhood dream
This place was once a symbol of my childhood aspirations and hopes.

This used to be the place I ran to Whenever I was in need Of a friend Why did it have to end And why do they always say
This place used to be where I could find comfort and support in times of trouble or loneliness, and I wonder why it had to change.

No regrets But I wish that you Were here with me Well then there's hope yet I can see your face In our secret place You're not just a memory
The artist has no remorse about the past, but still yearns for the presence of a friend who is now gone, yet still lives in their memories.

Say goodbye to yesterday (the dream) Those are words I'll never say (I'll never say)
The singer refuses to give up on their dreams and move on from the past.

This used to be our pride and joy This used to be the place we ran to That no one in the world could dare destroy
This place used to be a source of pride and happiness for the singer and friend, and was invincible to any outside forces.

Wishing you were here with me
The artist expresses their desire for the presence of their friend once again.

Writer(s): Madonna, Shep Pettibone

Contributed by Oliver C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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TRACKS