Song Dissection is all about looking at songs in a new light. Today, we’re setting our sights on a sad song, in lieu of the inevitable end of the month of love.

Released back in July 2016, Michael Pangilinan touched hearts everywhere in the Philippines with his song, “Hanggang Kailan.” Originally written by Cynthia Roque and arranged by Teddy Katigbak, the song truly showcases the gentleness of Michael’s voice. Simply listening to it is very relaxing, though you might change your mind once you read its lyrics much more closely.

Simply put, the lyrics are quite sad, with lines like “Akala ko sa’yo natagpuan, Pag-ibig na walang hanggan,” only for his hopes and dreams to be dashed by the woman he thought he would love forever: “Ang ating pagsasama, Pinaglaruan ng tadhana.” The cause for his sadness is not merely because their love did not last, but precisely because he thought their love was real: “Nagmahal ka ng iba, Iniwan mo akong mag-isa,” implying that the love between them was nothing but a farce. This devastates the persona in the song, and has left him feeling as if he would never love again: “Hanggang kailan aasa? Hanggang kailan magdurusa?”

The persona is assailed by memories of his past love, but must face the fact that it has happened to him, and his life would be better spent moving on than wallowing on a love that was never real to begin with.

Michael Pangilinan is no stranger to sad songs. However, there’s something quite special about this particular song: indeed, it is sorrowful, but the way it’s sung implies a sort of meditativeness, almost contemplative attitude towards heartbreak, perhaps saying, “Sadness is an indicator that I was happy once, and that comforts me.”

Watch the official music video below, part of a three-part series revolving around different couples, with this one in particular between a same-sex couple. Try not to cry:

What’s your favorite Michael Pangilinan song? Share it down in the comments below, or tweet them to me via @rafael_reynante!