Ilaw Lyrics English Translation — Pagtatag! | Sb19
SB19’s PAGTATAG! album track ILAW, written by RADKIDZ (PABLO) and co-composed by Brian Lotho, uses stark contrasts between light and shadow. The lyrics document a performer’s vocal tension under unrelenting public scrutiny. Synthetic production elements amplify the struggle between external demands and internal exhaustion.
Released: June 9, 2023
ILAW
Sb19 • From “PAGTATAG!”
Lyricist
Radkidz (Pablo)
Composer
Radkidz (Pablo), Brian Lotho, Len M. Calvo, Waxie Joaquin, Waxiefied Sound Production, Radkids (Pablo And Josue)
ILAW Lyrics Meaning Sb19 | PAGTATAG!
PABLO’s lyrics ask listeners to open an ‘already unlocked door’ through repeated Filipino phrases like ‘Tao po.’ SB19 describes losing house keys and personal identity, using physical disorientation to represent emotional displacement. The request to ‘turn off the light temporarily’ frames visibility as both career necessity and personal burden.
Kanina Ay Nahuli Ang Aking SariliJust a moment ago, I caught myself,
Nakangiti Na Naman At NagkukubliSmiling again and hiding away,
Ng Tunay Na Kailanman Ay ‘Di Ko MaipagsasabiA truth that I can never bring myself to say,
Na Naman Na NamanAgain and again.
At Pagdating Sa ‘King TahananAnd when I get back to my home,
Ay Hindi Ko Na Naman Mahanap Aking SusiI once again can’t find my key.
Saang Lupalop Ko Ba ‘To NaitabiWhere on earth could I have put it?
Pasintabi Na Naman Na Naman‘Excuse me,’ again and again.
Nalilito Nahihilo Na Sa InyoI’m confused, I’m getting dizzy from all of you.
Nasaan Na Nga Ba Ang Sarili Kong PagkataoWhere has my own identity gone?
Sino Ba’ng May Tenga Sa Mga Bulong KoWho’s even listening to my whispers?
Kahit Pa ‘Ko’y Sumigaw Ay Malabo OhEven if I scream, it’s all just a blur, oh.
Tao Po Pakinggan Niyo Naman Ako‘Is anyone home?’ Oh, please just listen to me,
Bakit ‘Di Niyo Subukang Buksan Ang Bukas Namang PintoWhy don’t you try opening the door that’s already unlocked?
Nang Tuluyan Nang Makita Niyo Tunay Na AkoSo you can finally see the real me,
‘Di Nagtatago Sa Likod Ng Bumubulag Na Ilaw Na ‘ToNot hiding behind this blinding light.
Napapamuni-muni Sa Kawalan Ng HuniI’m lost in thought in the total silence,
‘Di Mapapirmi Aking SariliI can’t seem to keep myself still.
Ilaw Nga Ang Dahilan Kung Ako Ngayo’y Nasa’n ManThis light is the reason I am wherever I am now,
Ngunit Kailangan Kong MagpahingaBut I really need to get some rest.
Patayin Ang Ilaw Pansamantala OhTurn off the light for just a moment, oh.
Bakit Gan’to Inakalang MagbabagoWhy’s it like this? I really thought it would change.
Kabayaran Ba Nito’y Sarili Ko’y MaglalahoIs the price for this that my own self will just disappear?
Sino Ba’ng May Tainga Sa Mga Bulong KoWho’s even listening to my whispers?
Kahit Pa ‘Ko’y Sumigaw Ay Malabo OhEven if I scream, it’s all just a blur, oh.
Tao Po Pakinggan Niyo Naman Ako‘Is anyone home?’ Oh, please just listen to me,
Bakit ‘Di Niyo Subukang Buksan Ang Bukas Namang PintoWhy don’t you try opening the door that’s already unlocked?
Nang Tuluyan Nang Makita Niyo Tunay Na AkoSo you can finally see the real me,
‘Di Nagtatago Sa Likod Ng Bumubulag Na Ilaw Na ‘ToNot hiding behind this blinding light.
Heto Na Naman Ako Patungo Sa PresintoHere I go again, heading to the ‘precinct’,
Mag-iisip Ng Kung Ano-anoMy mind will be racing with just about anything.
Kailan Ba’ng Laya Ko DitoWhen will I ever be free from this?
Heto Na Naman AkoHere I go again.
Puwede Bang Ipagpaliban Muna Nang Isang LinggoCan this please be postponed for just a week?
Puwede Muna Bang HintoCan we please just stop for a moment?
Papalapit Na Ako’y Papalapit NaI’m getting closer, I’m getting so close.
Bigat Sa Yabag Ng Bawat Hakbang Nitong PaaThere’s a weight to every single step I take,
Patungo Sa Lugar Kung Sa’n Ayaw Kong PumuntaHeading to a place where I don’t want to go.
Wala Na Bang Iba Wala Na BaIs there nothing else? Is there nothing left?
Patuloy Ang Aking Paghahanap Sa Pag-asaMy search for hope continues on,
Ngunit Walang Saysay Pa Ang PagmamakaawaBut it’s still pointless to beg.
Ano Pa Ba Ang Kabuluhan Nitong Aking Paghinga AhWhat’s the point of my own breath anymore, ah.
Sino SinoWho? Who?
Sino HmmWho? Hmm.
Sino Ba’ng May Tainga Sa Mga Bulong KoWho’s even listening to my whispers?
Kahit Pa ‘Ko’y Sumigaw Ay Malabo Malabo MalaboEven if I scream, it’s a blur, a blur, a blur.
Sino Ba’ng May Tainga Sa Mga Bulong KoWho’s even listening to my whispers?
Kahit Pa ‘Ko’y Sumigaw Ay Malabo OhEven if I scream, it’s all just a blur, oh.
Tao Po Pakinggan Niyo Naman Ako‘Is anyone home?’ Oh, please just listen to me,
Bakit ‘Di Niyo Subukang Buksan Ang Bukas Namang PintoWhy don’t you try opening the door that’s already unlocked?
Nang Tuluyan Nang Makita Niyo Tunay Na AkoSo you can finally see the real me,
‘Di Nagtatago Sa Likod Ng Bumubulag Na Ilaw Na ‘ToNot hiding behind this blinding light.
ILAW’s lyrics meaning centers on preserving identity within fame’s pressures. SB19 balances career gratitude with self-preservation needs, creating layered tensions for lyrics translation analysis. The PAGTATAG! album interrogates artistic sustainability through metaphors of light as both guide and oppressor.
