ATE
YANO Lyrics

The song "Ate" by YANO is a heart-wrenching portrayal of the struggles and hardships faced by many families in the urban areas of the Philippines. The song revolves around a conversation between a younger sibling and their older sister ("Ate" in Tagalog) who has come home late and looking distressed. The younger sibling asks why their sister looks like a "Chinese person who just went bankrupt," to which the sister reveals that she has just been released from the police station after being robbed. In a further twist, the sister also mentions that even her tuition fee was stolen. The two siblings then despair over the lack of their parents and the extended family, leading to questions of how they will pay their debts and bills.

The lyrics of "Ate" are a powerful commentary on the social and economic realities of life in the urban areas of the Philippines. Poverty, crime, and the absence of strong support networks are issues that persist in many parts of the country, particularly in the congested and rapidly urbanizing city centers that often lack the basic amenities and economic opportunities available in more developed areas. The song highlights the daily struggles and fears of many urban Filipinos, particularly those in low-income households that are forced to worry about the basic necessities of life like food, water, and electricity.

Overall, "Ate" is a poignant and tragic reminder of the struggles that face many Filipinos living in urban areas, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds. Through its simple yet powerful lyrics, the song forces us to confront the difficult questions of poverty, inequality, and social exclusion that continue to shape the lives of so many people in the Philippines.