“Magpakailan Pa Man” by Kollabz Kollektive featuring Nikki de Leon is a heartfelt R&B song that resonates with profound emotions and timeless love. The song’s lyrics paint a picture of unwavering commitment and enduring love, symbolized by the imagery of holding hands and facing life’s challenges together.
The theme is about the assurance of staying by each other’s side through thick and thin tugs the heartstrings of my chest and evokes a sense of warmth throughout my veins.
The intimate slow wedding dance vibe of the song, where they purposely used a 3/4 beat, captures the essence of a love story that transcends time and trials. I had the honor of talking about the inspiration behind the song from the songwriter himself, Mr. John Rey Dariagan. He told me that the song is inspired by a true love story of his grandparents, who found love amidst the chaos of war, “Magpakailan Pa Man” encapsulates the essence of love that defies all odds.
The narrative of their journey from a secret marriage on a small boat (yes, in a bangka!) during wartime to the stages of life, including childbirth, child-rearing, old age, and ultimately death, is beautifully woven into the song’s fabric. It is such a beautiful love story, right?!
The arrangement of the song, initially conceived in Jazz but later transformed into an Old School R&B rendition by the arranger, Marco de Leon, adds a nostalgic touch that enhances the storytelling. The use of real instruments such as guitars, bass, Rhodes piano, and drums, recorded through analog equipment, lends a rich and authentic sound to the composition by which ultimately transcends listeners to the old song production era!
If you enjoyed the sentimental vibe of “Mabagal” by Moira Dela Torre and Daniel Padilla, say less! This song is also infusing a sense of nostalgia and romance that transports listeners to a bygone era of OPM music. The R&B interpretation adds an extra layer of depth and emotion, making it a perfect choice for special occasions like weddings.
In conclusion, “Magpakailan Pa Man” is a gem that not only celebrates enduring love but also pays homage to the classic sounds of OPM. With its soul-stirring lyrics, evocative melody, and heartfelt storytelling, this song earns a well-deserved 5/5 rating from me! It really made me fall for it in an instant, as a songwriter, composer and producer myself! It’s a musical journey that captures the essence of love in its purest form and resonates with listeners on a deeply emotional level.
Prepare to be swept away by the touching narrative and melodic beauty of “Magpakailan Pa Man” – a song that stands the test of time and cherishes love “magpakailan pa man.”
Thank you for sharing your insights and the background of this beautiful creation, Mr. Dariagan! It made me love the song more! I already added it to my playlist, expect my room to be blasting this song in the next long days nonstop!
Listen to the full song on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/track/1DzjmeJqevZbyHitbfD3yL…
I’d be happy to hear your thoughts about it, too!
You can also read this review on my blog:
📌https://www.wattpad.com/1449583355