Pablo, SB19’s multitalented leader, strikes a chord with his emotionally raw track, The Boy Who Cried Wolf. This song isn’t just music—it’s a plea for understanding, a deep dive into inner battles, and a universal reminder that nobody’s struggle is theirs alone.
The track is part of his album Alon, a September release that proves Pablo is more than a pop icon; he’s a storyteller unafraid of baring his soul. Oh, and just a week later, he dropped another album titled Laon. Casual? Definitely not. The man is a creative force. On top of all that, he’s also mentoring young talents as one of the coaches on The Voice Kids Philippines—because why not?
The Song: Layers of Meaning
In The Boy Who Cried Wolf, Pablo flips the script on the classic tale. Here, the wolf isn’t the villain; instead, it’s the misunderstood outcast battling internal chaos and societal judgment. The opening lines already pack a punch:
"Everybody telling that the wolf is bad
Ain’t nobody telling when the wolf is sad
And because of that, the wolf is goin' mad
‘Cause there’s nobody willing to understand."
If that doesn’t hit you right in the feels, what will? The lyrics scream vulnerability, frustration, and the desperate yearning to be heard. But beyond the lament lies self-reflection. Pablo doesn’t shy away from admitting personal accountability:
"Wala naman akong iba pang masisisi
Kundi ang sarili, piniling isantabi."
The Boy Who Cried Wolf Lyrics
Everybody telling that the wolf is badAin't nobody telling when the wolf is sad
And because of that the wolf is goin' mad
'Cause there's nobody willing to understand
Maybe I should be more like the sheep instead
Maybe they will listen if inside I'm dead
Maybe all these maybes just because I'm scared
'Cause the truth is ugly, and I'm not prepared
To face myself, and find that I'm
The biggest lie I'm tryin' to hide
Na, ooh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
Na, ooh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
This is gettin' out of hand
Ang aking mga paa nama'y nanginginig
'La man lang nagtangkang kumilala sa 'king tinig
Halos maputulan na nga 'ko ng litid
Kahit pilit ko pang isara ang mga mata'y
Tumatagas pa rin aking damdamin
At sa may baybayin, umaapaw na
Ang aking galit sa mundo
Pagsamo ko'y pakinggan niyo
Ooh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
Na, ooh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
Patawarin mo naman ako
'Di ko naman inasahan 'to
Wala naman akong ibang gusto
Alam mo 'yan kahit walang ideya ang mundo
At sa kabila ng mga pangyayari
Wala naman akong iba pang masisisi
Kundi ang sarili, piniling isantabi
Marahil nga itinakda na ako'y masawi
At malayo lang sa mundo
Ang tupang sakripisyo
Sabi ko naman sa 'yo
'Di lang ikaw ang talo
'Di ba nga dalawa na tayo?
Dalawa na tayo
Huwag mong solohin ang mundo
Lagi lang akong nandito
'Di ba nga dalawa na tayo?
Dalawa na tayo
Ooh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
Na, ooh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh
Ooh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
Na, ooh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
The Music Video: Symbolism Galore
The music video is a cinematic masterpiece. It opens with Pablo washed ashore, cloaked in a sheep’s skin—a metaphor for concealing one’s true identity to fit in or gain acceptance. A kind old woman and a young boy take him in, offering him a glimpse of compassion and understanding.
Muted visuals and Pablo’s haunting expressions underscore the depth of his emotional turmoil. As he navigates the village, his vulnerability mirrors the song’s themes of struggle, accountability, and hope.
Here’s what makes The Boy Who Cried Wolf an anthem for the misunderstood:
- Vulnerability: It’s okay to feel fragile; it’s what makes us human.
- Overflowing Anger: The frustration of being unseen or unheard resonates universally.
- Seeking Forgiveness: Redemption starts with a heartfelt plea for compassion.
- Unity in Struggle: No one has to face their battles alone; solidarity is strength.
- Self-Reflection: Recognizing your role in your pain is the first step to healing.
- Fate vs. Choice: Questioning whether suffering is predestined or self-imposed adds depth to the narrative.
- Support Systems: The power of a helping hand or a kind word is immeasurable.
Pablo: The Artist Behind the Song
For the uninitiated, Pablo, born John Paulo Nase, is the heart and brain of SB19. As the group’s leader, main songwriter, and producer, he’s been instrumental in crafting iconic hits like Go Up and MAPA. But Pablo’s solo ventures show a different side of him—raw, introspective, and deeply personal.
With his back-to-back album releases, Alon and Laon, Pablo proves he’s a relentless creative. He’s not just making music; he’s crafting stories that speak to the soul. Oh, and did I mention he’s sharing the stage with Akon, Gloc-9, Flow G, and Ez Mil at V1BE Manila this December? If that’s not a testament to his rising global influence, I don’t know what is.
What Makes This Song Special
The genius of The Boy Who Cried Wolf lies in its relatability. Pablo takes a fable we all know and twists it to mirror the human condition. He gives a voice to the “wolves” of society—those misjudged, struggling, and yearning for connection. The song doesn’t just tell a story; it starts a conversation about mental health, accountability, and the importance of empathy.
Pablo’s The Boy Who Cried Wolf is a triumph—a song and music video that strip away glamor to reveal the rawness of the human experience. It’s a reminder that we’re all fighting battles, often unseen, and that understanding and connection can be lifelines.
So, have you watched the music video yet? If not, what are you waiting for? Let’s talk about it in the comments—how did the song resonate with you?
*Photo from Pablo's Instagram account (@imszmc_)
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