Listening to the new song “Walang Forever” by a new singer named Erard can make you ponder if the track is a certified serious love song or one trying to lyrically grab your attention in the same vein that a Michael V pop ballad hit would.
But take it from the song’s writer himself, Ferdie Gadon, who revealed that the composition had to do with his three past romantic relationships. He wasn’t cashing in to the catchphrase. He actually feared there is no such thing as “happily ever after.”
“The song was inspired by a series of failed relationships I myself experienced. I thought to myself, ‘Talaga yatang walang forever,’” shared Ferdie who has been professionally writing for the past 25 years.
The track is the lead cut to the six-song digital EP which he himself record-produced and released by Star Music. It is currently enjoying airplay in at least five FM stations namely, MOR, Wish FM, IFM, Win Radio, and Pinas FM.
What sets it apart from most radio-friendly Tagalog ballads is the glaring use of techie words or phrases vital to the expression, like “game over”, “i-reset,” or “i-reformat.” One key line states, “Talagang di na mare-retrieve/Dahil na corrupt na ang files ng pagmamahal.”
For this FILSCAP member who made it to the finals of the TV-aired ASOP (A Song Of Praise) songwriting competition two years ago, it’s him trying to go into the psyche of the millennials. He explained, “I combined the old OPM touch and the millennial tongue twist. As songwriter you have to adapt to the call of times.”
Industry people who know Ferdie will agree that the man is not the joker-type. So he really put in those words to millennialize his lyrics so to speak. Besides it does not have the hilarious after-effect of that famous Bitoy line, “tinaktakan ng ajinomoto/pinakainsa aso.”
“Walang Forever” is conveying a serious feeling uttered in everyday lingo by today’s generation. It succeeded in getting off from that overused formula of delivering a love song in straight simple poetry.
In the past, Ferdie recorded a track called “Labis Kitang Minamahal” that were recorded by Ace Espinosa, Shirley Fuentes, and Ara Mina. He also wrote a number called “Why” that was initially set to be recorded by Side A as follow-up to “Tell Me” and “Forevermore.” He signed it up for Chad Borja a day before he was informed Side A was interested in recording it.
Recalling his triumph in ASOP Year 5, he said, “Nabingi ako when I heard that I won in the weekly round. Parang napunta satrophy yung heart and soul ko nung hawak ko na siya.”
Ferdie is a close friend of Erard who called him up one time for a coffee chat. It led to the EP most of which he wrote. The other five songs are “Mahal Kita”, “Hindi Ka Na Niya Mahal,” “Patawarin Mo,” “My Love Is Here,” and “Nag-iisa.”