bananarit

If there is one thing I will wish for, it’s for me to have talents – the kinds I can share during gatherings, solidarity nights, or any get-togethers.

I know how to dance…provided the steps are easy…and do not require music. I have a problem with timing, you know.

But there have been times when I was truly proud of myself, and that was when, after many sessions of coaching from my friends, I finally learned how to do the running man and the roger rabbit (I can’t even remember if that’s how they called that step). And just after a few days of flaunting those steps to anyone who was willing to watch me, the steps became passé.

So much for my short-lived career in dancing.

Now singing…

I am really amazed with the fact that so many Filipinos are good singers. And I keep on wondering why I am not one of those blessed with a good voice. I really don't know how to carry a tune.

On May 11, however, I had a life-changing experience.

After dinner, my friends and I went to Runes and sang the night away. At first, I was really shy and I didn't want to hold the microphone. But after much coaxing from my friends, I relented.

I am aware that I don't know how to sing, so I just picked a relatively easy song - You Needed Me by Anne Murray. I was so surprised that I got 97. Wow! Maybe I do know how to sing. I just don't have the self confidence.

So, the next time I was passed the microphone, I tried a harder a song - Through the Fire. There were parts of the song where I stuttered, but over all, I think I did well. My score? 99!!!

I was feeling really high. I realized that it was more difficult to spell the name of the singer of Through the Fire than sing her song. It was no sweat at all.

For my final song, I chose a really difficult one. I was really nervous, but I thought, since it's i.'s birthday, I should give her a treat. The song:

Better Days

Silver gray hair neatly combed in place
There were four generations of love on her face
She was so wise, no surprise passed her eyes
She's seen it all

I was a child, oh about three or four
All day I'd ask questions, at night I'd ask more
But whenever, she never would ever turn me away
No, no oh woah

I'd say how can I be sure what is right or wrong
And why does what I want always take so long
Please tell me where does God live
And why won't He talk to me
I'd say Grandma what is love
Will I ever find out why are we so poor
What is life about
I wanna know the answers before I fall off to sleep
Woah ho woah ho

She saw the smile as she tucked me in
Then she pulled up that old rockin' chair once again
But tonight she was slightly, remarkably
Different somehow

Slowly she rocked lookin' half asleep
Grandma yawned as she stretched
Then she started to speak
What she told me would mould me and hold me
Together inside
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
She said all the things you ask
You will know someday but you have got to live
In a patient way
God put us here by fate and by fate that means
Better days

She said, child we are all moons in the dark of night
Ain't no mornings gonna come till the time is right
Can't get no better days lest you make it through the night
You gotta make it through the night
Yes you do
You can't get to no better days
Unless you make it through the night (baby)
Oh ho, you will see those better days
But you gotta be patient
Be patient, oh baby be patient

Later that year at the turn of spring
Heaven sent angels down and gave Grandma her wings
Now, she's flyin' and slidin', and glidin'
In better days
And although I'm all grown up
I still get confused
I stumble through the dark getting bumped and bruised
When night gets in my way I could still hear
My Grandma say
I can hear her say
I can hear her sayin'
You can't get to no better days
Unless you make it through the night (baby)
Oh ho, you will see those better days
But you gotta be patient
Child, do you hear me, yeah
Well, well, well, well
You can't get to no, no
Better days
Unless you make it you got to make it
You got to make it through the night
Oh Grandma, oh Grandma
Do you see me now, lady
Oh oh oh oh oh

I was disappointed though, that I only got 99. I was expecting to get 100. But it's ok, I can't have everything. It was enough for me that my friends enjoyed listening to me showcasing my new found talent.

Of course, I am still getting used to this new discovery. So I hope I won't be expected to share this talent to everyone. For now, I want to keep it to myself. And to the small group of friends who witnessed my "coming of age", you are truly fortunate.

This entry was posted on Saturday, May 13, 2006 at 8:18 PM. You can skip to the end and leave a response.