Lyrics

[Intro – solo piano, warm reverb]
[close-mic whisper vocal]
I was just sixteen, leaving home too soon
Didn’t know the world would move that fast
You said, “Anak, be brave, but don’t forget who you are”
So I kept your voice deep in my heart

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[Verse 2 – piano + ambient pad]
[gentle breathy tone]
Minsan naiiyak ako, ‘pag pagod na sa laban
Pero bumabalik sa’kin ang ‘yong mga paalala
“Wag mong sayangin ang luha, anak, gawin mong lakas”
Kaya kahit malayo ako, ikaw pa rin ang gabay

⸻

[Pre-Chorus – add soft strings + sub bass swell]
[increase vocal emotion slightly]
Mama, dala ko ikaw bisan asa ko pa
Imong gugma akong kalasag ug kusog
Sana’y proud ka sa akin, ‘di ako bumitaw
This life I live… is all because of you

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[Chorus – full string section enters, kick drum heartbeat pulse, layered harmonies on key lines]
[belt-mix tone with harmony overlays]
Mama, you raised me strong, you made me whole
And I carry you wherever I go
Sana’y proud ka sa akin, ‘di ako bumitaw
This life I live… is all because of you

⸻

[Verse 3 – piano + pad only, light vinyl crackle FX]
[return to intimate vocal]
You gave up your dreams so I could chase mine
You smiled through the pain every time
Now I stand on my own, but I still feel you near
In every choice, in every fear

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[Bridge – piano only, spoken Taglish with soft echo FX, reverse piano build starts under]
[soft whisper-spoken delivery]
Mahal na mahal kita, Mama…
Kahit hindi ko nasasabi araw-araw
Lahat ng ginagawa ko, para rin sa’yo
You never let go of me—so I won’t let go of you

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[Final Chorus – all instruments return, string swells, reverse piano FX, harmonic stack in background]
[powerful full voice with layered high harmony]
Mama, you raised me strong, you made me whole
And I carry you wherever I go
Sana’y proud ka sa akin, ‘di ako bumitaw
This life I live… is all because of you
This life I live… is all because of you

⸻

[Outro – solo piano, strings fade out, soft whisper vocals]
[back to whisper, very soft tone]
Mahal kita, Ma…
Salamat…