BEYOND TUNES: Listen to "The APLSong" by Black Eyed Peas while trying toanswer the following guide questions: 1.Who is the one speaking in the song? To whom do you think is the speakeraddressing the message of the song?2. Could the material be finished in onesitting?3. How was it delivered?4. Does it prioritize expressing emotionsor telling a story?
Answer (1)
The primary speaker in "The APL Song" is Apl.de.ap or Allan Pineda Lindo, one of the members of the Black Eyed Peas. The song is autobiographical, with Apl.de.ap narrating his personal experiences as a Filipino who moved to the United States. The message of the song is primarily addressed to his fellow Filipinos and immigrants who may share similar struggles. It is also a message to a broader audience to raise awareness of the immigrant experience and the challenges of balancing identity between two cultures.Yes, the song can be finished in one sitting. The track is about 2 minutes and 58 seconds long, which is typical for a song, making it easily consumable in one go.The song is delivered as a rap with a melodic chorus that incorporates traditional Filipino elements. Apl.de.ap's verses reflect his personal narrative and emotions, while the chorus, sung in Tagalog, adds a cultural and emotional depth to the song. The combination of rap and melodic singing makes the delivery both impactful and memorable."The APL Song" prioritizes both, but there is a stronger emphasis on expressing emotions. While the song does tell Apl.de.ap’s story of migration and identity, it is laden with emotional undertones. The lyrics convey a sense of longing, pride, and reflection on his heritage and the difficulties he faced as an immigrant. The emotional weight of the song is heightened by the inclusion of traditional Filipino music and the use of the Tagalog language in the chorus.
