Song Breakdown: MAPA SB19
One of my recent favorite past times is watching reaction videos of SB19’s Mapa, especially those where the reactors have no idea what was going to hit them. Mapa was released May 16, 2021 and I think it was just in time for Mother’s Day that year (and of course, Father’s Day the following month). I’ve probably spent three nights in a row just watching these reaction videos, and laugh-sobbing at the reactors. Yes, it makes me laugh when they cry, but it also makes me cry at the same time when they explain why they couldn’t stop the tears.
That said, I wanted to breakdown the lyrics of the song in this post just to give it more context, especially for foreign listeners who are not familiar with the Filipino language. Also, don’t come at me if you don’t agree with my “breakdown” because this is my interpretation of the song. I also added my own translation which I feel suits the message of the song better.
As an A’Tin (SB19 fan), I wish for nothing but for more people to listen to and appreciate SB19 songs. So, without further ado – here goes my first SB19 Song Breakdown!
| Filipino Lyrics | English Translation | Lyric Breakdown |
| Lataratara lataratara Lataratara lataralata Lataratara lataratara Lataratara lataralata | Lataratara lataratara Lataratara lataralata Lataratara lataratara Lataratara lataralata | This is a lullaby that mothers sing to their babies, as they carry them in their arms and help them fall asleep. You’ll notice that this also becomes the Chorus for this wonderful song! |
| Mama, kumusta na? ‘Di na tayo lagi nagkikita Miss na kita, sobra | Mama, how are you? We don’t see each other often anymore I miss you so much | This stanza already gives us an idea that the child is now grown, could be living away from their mother (or parents) |
| Lagi nalang kami ang nauuna ‘Di ba pwedeng ikaw muna Akin na’ng pangamba | You always put us first Can’t you put yourself first Leave your worries with me | Mothers always put their children first, to the point they sacrifice the good things they could have for themselves, and give it to their children |
| Dahil ikaw ang aking mata Sa t’wing mundo’y nag-iiba Ang dahilan ng aking paghinga | Because you are my eyes Each time the world changes The reason why I breathe | This line acknowledges that without one’s mother, a child wouldn’t be alive (whether that be literally or figuratively) |
| Kaya ‘wag mag-alala Ipikit ang ‘yong mata, tahan na Pahinga muna, ako na’ng bahala Labis pa sa labis ang ‘yong nagawa Mama, pahinga muna Ako na | So don’t you worry Close your eyes and stop crying Take a rest, let me handle it You’ve done more than enough Mama, take a rest Let me handle it | The child is now able to support the parents (and in typical Filipino setting – the rest of the family, especially if there are younger siblings that still need support). If you’re the family’s breadwinner, I’m sure you’ve teared up at this pre-chorus. |
| Lataratara lataratara Lataratara lataralata Lataratara lataratara Lataratara lataralata | Lataratara lataratara Lataratara lataralata Lataratara lataratara Lataratara lataralata | At this point, it’s like the child is the one signing the lullaby to their mother, asking her to rest 😊 |
| Papa, naalala mo pa ba Nung ako ay bata pa, diba? Aking puso’y ‘yong hinanda sa Mga bagay na buhay ang may dala | Papa, do you still remember When I was young, right? You prepared my heart for The things that life will bring | Now the child is singing to the father. While mothers tend to be gentle in their approach, fathers are usually stricter, but they do this to teach their children to be strong. |
| Dala ko ang ‘yong bawat payo At hanggang sa dulo, magkalayo man tayo Ako’y tatayo, pangako, tatay ko | I carry with me all of your advice And until the end Even if we’re apart I’ll stand up, I promise, my father | In the Filipino setting, children may find themselves more scared of their father than their mother, so this last line “I Promise” paints a picture of a child doing their best to stand up and not let their fathers down. |
| Dahil ikaw ang aking paa Sa t’wing ako’y gagapang na Ang dahilan ng aking paghinga | Because you’re my feet When I’m about to crawl The reason why I breathe | Again, we see father’s influence in this line as more of the person who helps us stand up (a show of strength). This also echoes the same message that the child wouldn’t be alive (literally or figuratively) without the father |
| Kaya ‘wag mag-alala Ipikit ang ‘yong mata, tahan na Pahinga muna, ako na’ng bahala Labis pa sa labis ang ‘yong nagawa Papa, pahinga muna Ako na | So don’t you worry Close your eyes and stop crying Take a rest, let me handle it You’ve done more than enough Papa, take a rest Let me handle it | Same as the message to the mother, the child is saying, Father you can now rest, I stand up and be the strong person for the family. |
| Lataratara lataratara Lataratara lataralata Lataratara lataratara Lataratara lataralata | Lataratara lataratara Lataratara lataralata Lataratara lataratara Lataratara lataralata | Now, the child is singing his father the lullaby 😊 |
| ‘Di ko na sasayangin pa’ng mga Natitirang paghinga | I won’t waste any more of your remaining breaths | This recognizes that as we grow up, our parents also grow older and their time left in this world is getting shorter and shorter |
| Tutungo na kung sa’n naro’n ang mahalaga | I’ll go to where the important things are | Personally, I feel like this is saying that the child will go to where the parent is to spend more time with them |
| Kahit na kailan pa ma’y ‘di mawawala Pagka’t dala ko ang mapa Sa’n man mapunta alam kung sa’n nag mula | I will never ever get lost Because I have with me a MAP Wherever I’ll go, I know where I came from | Mapa is the Filipino word for map – one of the many definitions of this word as used in this song. The map is basically the love, guidance and support that the parent gives their children to help them find their own way in this world. |
| ‘Wag mag-alala Ipikit ang ‘yong mata Tahan na, pahinga muna Ako na | Don’t you worry Close your eyes and stop crying Take a rest, let me handle it | I just love Ken’s deep voice here, it adds so much emotion to the song as it builds up to Stell’s high notes. |
| ‘Wag mag-alala Ipikit ang ‘yong mata, tana Pahinga muna, ako na’ng bahala Labis pa sa labis ang ‘yong nagawa Ma, Pa, pahinga muna Ako na | Don’t you worry Close your eyes and stop crying Take a rest, let me handle it You’ve done more than enough Ma, Pa, take a rest Let me handle it | The second meaning of the word Mapa is a conjugation of Ma & Pa, as used in this section. The child is now asking both parents to take a rest and to let them take care of them |
| Lataratara lataratara Lataratara lataralata Lataratara lataratara Lataratara lataralata | Lataratara lataratara Lataratara lataralata Lataratara lataratara Lataratara lataralata | Again, a lullaby for both parents, |
| Ma, Pa Pahinga muna Ako na | Ma, Pa, Take a rest first Let me (do it) | The third meaning of the word is a conjugation of Ma being the Mata (Eyes) and Pa being the Paa (Feet). This might be intentional, or not but it fits! |
That’s it! This is really a great song, no one can deny how wonderfully it was written – both lyrically and melodically. And these couldn’t be conveyed without SB19’s amazing vocal ability. The emotions are all there – even if you can’t really fully grasp the nuances behind the language, it won’t be difficult to shed a tear hearing this and just reading the English subtitles on the lyric video.
What are your thoughts on this song? Also, what song should I do next? Let me know in the comments.