Photo from PABLO's IG

PUYAT

We all have dreams and goals that we are working hard for, things that we do for ourselves and the people we love. No matter how hard things get, we just keep on going, right? That's because we have a destination in mind, and we want to get there. Pablo is no different. From childhood, he was aware about the hardships his family had to go to through, especially that his father had to leave and work abroad. Surely, there are moments that he missed his father and hoped for a much better life so his father could finally come home.

Though, he wasn't alone in that loneliness. His siblings probably felt the same thing, especially his little sisters. No child wants to grow up without a father around. Even with the success he has right now, he may still worry for what the future may bring, just like his younger brother, Josue. He is an equally talented man who's songs are also full of wisdom.

Pwede ba na 'wag na lang magpahinga?

Pwede ba na 'wag?

Kahit mga mata'y malalim

(Ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah)

The introduction alone speaks a lot, especially for people who work long hours, double jobs, and those who are willing to drop everything to earn some extra cash. They are the kinds of people who would sacrifice their sleep and even their health to earn the smallest amount of money for their families. We all have people who depend on us, people who give us reasons to get up in the morning even when we feel empty and drained.

Dumadapo na ang sinag ng araw sa'king balat

Pagkaantok ay kumakatok na rin sa pintuan

[Pre-Chorus]

Ngunit kung kaya ng katawan, tuloy ang hukayan

Sa'king kauluhan, sana'y may kayamanan

Pwede ba na 'wag na lang magpahinga?

Pwede ba na 'wag?

Kahit mga mata'y malalim

The verse one is story of us who work tirelessly, especially those who work on graveyard shifts. What many people don't understand is working at night is much harder than working in normal hours. A human body is naturally programmed to wake up in the morning and sleep when the sun goes down. It's just the way our bodies are, so when we flip our body clocks, many of us would feel weakened or constantly exhausted. Most companies nowadays pay more on night shifts, so those who wants to earn more on a single job would take it.

Puyat means lack of sleep in English, and it is normally experienced by people who are having troubles getting used to new schedules. On the pre-chorus, Pablo, followed by saying if his body can, he would keep on searching for treasure on his head. The treasure could mean new ideas to earn money, or on his case, to create music. He also admitted that even if he wants to, he can't rest despite exhaustion showing on his eyes.

Lagi lang puyat

Sa dami nang inaasam

Lagi mang puyat

Dasal ay sana'y akin namang makamtan

'Di naman parang nagmamadali

Dami pa ngang bagaheng

Mabigat nang kargahin

Sugat na 'di nagaling

Puyat

Padayon hanggang sa huli

Kahit mga mata'y malalim

The chorus of the song is a plea of two brothers. Despite their determination and perseverance, they are humans. They have limitations, too, especially their bodies. No matter how much drive they have, they know there's only so much they can do. With all the disappointments they've had to endure and the weight they carry in their shoulders, prayer is their greatest weapon. The same could be said about everyone of us. We will do everything we can to survive and achieve our dreams and provide for our loved ones, but there will come a time when our bodies could no longer go on.

'Yoko na mamili nang tumitingin pa sa presyuhan

'Yoko na rin kabahan tuwing araw ng katapusan

Gusto ko nang maranasang sabihin sa'king mga mahal

Sige lang, kuha ka lang, sige lang, kuha ka lang

Verse two is all about every single one of us. Whenever we are out, especially with our family, there's this pain of frustration and sadness that before we could buy something for ourselves or our family without looking at the price. We have to think about tomorrow and stop ourselves from indulging ourselves. Bills literally frightens us, especially when there were unexpected expenses we had to prioritize. Many times over, we would pray that one day we can finally tell our loved ones that we made it.

Alam kong lahat ng 'tong aking ginagawa'y suntok sa buwan

Kahit pa ako'y umagahin at mabali aking likuran

Wala namang nanalo ng damit ay 'di man lang nadungisan (Yeah)

Tatalunin lahat ng balakid sa aking kaisipan

(Kahit mga mata'y malalim)

Puyat is an upbeat song that evokes hopefulness, but there is underlying sadness in the message of the song. It makes us realize that the rawness of the song is a testament that the Nase brothers are just like all of us. They may be extremely talented, but they are normal people, just like all of us. They experience the same struggles, feel the same fear and frustrations, and they go through life just like us—without a short cut.

The first line in the bridge admits that working on our dreams is always a gamble. We don't know what will happen, but we have to keep going anyways. With the second line, it's about the admission that achieving our goals requires tremendous sacrifice, and it was followed by a reminder that achieving something is not easy. We have to keep in fighting no matter what.