Since 2004, Up Dharma Down's (UDD) powerful music has graced cosy bars, crowded festivals, and of course intimate at-home hugot sessions around the world. The talented homegrown quartet showcases the talents of Armi Millare, Carlos Tañada, Ean Mayor, and Paul Yap, creating a recognisable sound that's distinctively UDD. Their music is fortified by the group's sincere songwriting which effortlessly invites a solemn empathy that keeps you coming back for more.
Tracking through the 2006 album Fragmented, their very first, all the way to the latest release from 2019 UDD, we take a look at eight of the band's most heart-wrenching lyrics—two from each album; four in English and four in Filipino.
1. Oo

Sana hindi ka na lang pala aking nakilala
Kung alam ko lang ako'y masasaktan ng ganito
Sana'y nakinig na lang ako sa nanay ko
Oo, Fragmented album
Released in 2006 as a single from their debut album Fragmented, Oo remains one of Up Dharma Down’s most popular songs—and, for good reason. The song weaves a narrative all-too-familiar to many: the persona has fallen in love with a friend, brokenhearted knowing the person they’ve fallen for dreams of another. And yet, the singer refuses to distance themselves from their infatuation, choosing instead to preserve whatever relationship they have.
Beyond the beauty in these words, the way Armi Millare sings these few lines is especially powerful, seething with frustration and anger as the singer admits they should've known better.
I wish I'd never known you / If I only knew I'd get hurt like this / Should've just listened to my mother
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