Song Dissections are all about attempting to delve deeper into the meanings of songs, and trying to understand why they mean to us they way they do. Today, we’re looking at South Border’s nostalgic “Kahit Kailan.”

First released in 1996, the song quickly took radiospace by storm, being awarded Song Of The Year by numerous stations, giving South Border their first-ever hit, a solid three years after they had first established themselves as a Dabaweño R&B group back in 1993. The hit was included in their self-titled debut album, and had been the catalyst that brought them into the mainstream consciousness for the first time in their careers.

Undoubtedly one of South Border’s most popular hits, “Kahit Kailan” is a fine example of what the band’s music stands for: smooth, groovy beats mixed with a lot of sexy sax, piano, and falsetto. However, the lyrics of the song are an even better example of what makes South Border a favorite among its fans.

The song starts amidst confusion, but is quickly dispelled by very comforting and validating words: “Nagtatanong ang isip Di raw maintindihan Kung anong nararamdaman; Dapat mong malaman Sa puso ko'y ikaw lamang Ang nag iisa.”

And is further validated, being reminded subtly that love is a choice, and that the song’s persona chooses to love unconditionally: “Bulong ng 'yong damdamin, Pag-ibig na walang hanggan Ang siyang nais mong makamtan; Ngayon ay narito ako Handang umibig sa iyo Nang walang katapusan…”

The song continues: “Kung ikaw ay mawala sa piling ko Di na alam kung kakayanin pa kayang Umibig pang muli. Kahit na ano pang mangyayari Di maaring ipag-balik, Sasamahan pa kita Hanggang sa huli…” For this last part of the song, the old adage, “’til death do us part,” comes to mind, implying an unending love, worthy of being remembered by those involved, and even those around the couple.

South Border’s “Kahit Kailan” is a very straightforward love song that simply wants you to know that despite everyone else on the planet, and despite everything else that can potentially happen to your relationship, you will always have someone to lean onto: “Kahit kailan, Di kita iiwan, Kahit kailan, Di kita pababayaan, Kahit kailan, Di magbabago.” South Border has always been known to create nakakakilig and romantic love songs, and this has been proven over the years. However, if it wasn’t for “Kahit Kailan,” which happens to be their first love song, this reputation would have never taken hold as quickly as it had.

Watch South Border’s live performance of “Kahit Kailan” in the video below:

You can also learn more about South Border’s music on their Spotify page here:

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