Some girls turn sentimental whenever they hear this classic hit from Luther Vandross. To be honest, I only know the title of this song. I never bothered to read the lyrics nor look for the song on YouTube or any other music site.

Until that awkward moment came along.

In one of my recent trips, I shared an impromptu videoke session with some close friends of mine. I consider it as a spontaneous thing even if the machine was rented for the family to use. The presence of three friends made it a bit more special as we sing songs for the brokenhearted, opm favorites and even random pop songs of different generation. Still, I struggled to score a bit higher. Madaya ang videoke machine!

You just realize the meaning of songs while reading the lyrics on the screen. A good friend of mine entered his next singing piece (he is the best singer among us – suko na kami!) and just like in any usual kantahan session, we were all eager to add our selected songs.

Now it is his turn to shine (again). Before singing his ballad song. He mentioned this:

“Hindi ako nakaka-relate sa kantang ito, pero alam ko yung isa d’yan oo” (I cannot relate to this song, but I know that one of you will).

*** AWKWARD MOMENT OF SILENCE***

I kept quiet because first, I don’t know the lyrics of the song so I don’t have any idea on why he feels that I can relate to it. Second, I instantly become sentimental when family talks arises.

His voice is really good. I didn’t look at him while he was singing and I focused on the song lyrics:

Back when I was a child
Before life removed all the innocence
My father would lift me high
And dance with my mother and me and then
Spend me around till I fell asleep
Then up the stairs he would carry me
And I knew for sure I was loved

^ The first few line suddenly brought me to the past. My mom and dad used to dance together. I remember dancing in the tune of Earth, Wind and Fire’s songs to the smooth music of Mike Francis to the OPM hits of VST & Co. Maybe it helped that they were a young couple so they’re not as serious or strict as other parents. I am proud to say though that I am a disciplined child even if I can be maldita at times.

Chorus:
If I could get another chance
Another walk, another dance with him
I’d play a song that would never ever end
How I’d love love love to dance with my father again

Even as a teenager, we would dance during free days. Now with the Little Carlo in tow, the four of us would dance ’till we get tired. There’s this funny incident way back in high school when a friend of my mom saw my dad in a bar & restaurant dancing with a tall girl. It turned out to be me LOL.

Verse 2:
When I and my mother would disagree
To get my way I would run from her to him
He’d make me laugh just to comfort me(yeah, yeah)
Then finally make me do just what my momma said
Later that night, when I was asleep
He left a dollar under my sheet
Never dreamed that he would be gone from me

I am more closer to my dad. He would tag me along to work on weekends when I was still a kid (he worked as a Disk Jockey (DJ) in a number of Radio Stations in Dagupan, Baguio and even Puerto Princesa!) and there was a time in my life wherein I wanted to be a performer or just like him. He hosted late night show called ‘Campus Chat’ before and I told him that I would like to turn some of the stories into a drama trilogy. I even wrote a short screenplay based on the story of one of the letter senders.

My mom is a bit more strict (blame it on the Ilocano upbringing loljk) and she is such a disciplinarian. I am a nice kid, but I can be lazy and stubborn. Sometimes, my dad would defend me when we fight over lotion and clothes. At the end of the day, I’d still follow my mother’s commands. I am obedient like that.

Chorus:
If I could steal
One final glance
One final step
One final dance with him
I’d play a song that would never ever end
Cause I’d love love love to dance with my father again

I lost my dad when I was seventeen years old. His last year is tough for the family. As a struggling high school student who wants to balance her studies, extra-curricular activities and family life, I am proud to say that I was able to cope up with the situation in such a young age.

Verse 3:
Sometimes I’d listen outside her door
I’d hear how my mother cried for him
(2x) I’d pray for her even more than me

I know I’m praying for much too much
But could you send back the only man she loved
I know you don’t do it usually
But dear Lord she’ s dying to dance with my father again

Every night I fall asleep
And this is all I ever dream

My dad is my mom’s first and only boyfriend before they finally got married twenty five years ago. I admire how my mom stood up and loved my dad despite his imperfections. Being a single mom pursuing a career abroad for the sake of her special son is not an easy thing to do. She may dress up and wear make-up as if she’s alright, but I know my mom very well. She shows this facade of a strong woman, but I know that she misses my dad so much. I know that she wants to relax a bit and concentrate on herself. She’s been selfless all these years and she is my hero. She is our hero. It truly breaks my heart whenever I see her upset. She is also a major influence to me in terms of how I control my life.

And my singer friend scored 98! I am also giving him a high grade for making me sentimental and at the same time, thankful.

And he scored 98 with this song. ‘Kaw na talaga Koyah!