The APL Song
The Black Eyed Peas · Elephunk [2003]
At makinig kayo (listen up yo)
Ako'y may dala-dalang balita galing sa bayan ko
(Listen closely ya'll)
Nais kong y pamahagi ang mga kwento
Ang mga pangyayari nagaganap sa lupang pinangako
(Yo every place got a ghetto, this' my version of it, check it out)
Listen closely ya'll I got a story to tell
A version of my ghetto
A life felt for real
Some would call it hell but to me it was heaven
God gave me the grace, amazing ways of livin'
How would you feel if you had to catch a meal
Build a hut to live in, and to eat and chill in
Havin' to pump the water out of the ground
The way we put it down, udalizing what is around
Like land for farmin', river for fishin'
Everyone helping each other whenever they can
We makin' it happen, from nothin' to somethin'
Thas' how we be survivin' back in my homeland
[chorus]
(Yo, it's been awhile but I've been back home to my homeland
This what's goin' on)
Man, it feels good to be back at home (back at home)
And it's been a decade on the journey all alone
I was 14 when I first left Philippines
I've been away half my life and it felt like day
To be next to my mom with her home cooked meal, man
I felt complete, my emotions I feel
Now life has changed for me in the u.s.
But back at home man (life was a mess
I guess sometimes life's stresses gets you down
On your knees, oh brother, wish I could have helped you out)
[chorus]
The APL Song
Released in 2003 on the album Elephunk, The APL Song is a high-energy track by The Black Eyed Peas that exemplifies their early electro-funk style. Featuring the distinctive vocal performance of Fergie, the recording blends hip-hop rhythms with dance-pop elements, establishing the group's signature sound before their later commercial breakthrough. The song served as a key component of their discography during this transitional period, showcasing their ability to fuse diverse musical influences into a cohesive and infectious recording. Its upbeat tempo and catchy melody made it a staple for club play and radio rotation, contributing to the band's growing reputation as a dominant force in contemporary pop music.