Moonstar88 Paint A Bleak Picture With New Single “Ding Dong” – Listen
The OPM rock band’s latest single explores themes of loneliness through the metaphor of a closed door.
Courtesy of @soupstarmusic
Courtesy of @soupstarmusic
Moonstar88 continue their series of tarot-inspired singles with the recent release of “Ding Dong” under EMI Records Philippines and Soupstar Entertainment.
From the get-go, “Ding Dong” stands out sonically with its 3/4 time signature introduced by the guitar. This, coupled with a minor key, slow tempo, and Maysh Baay‘s sorrowful tone, gives the song a folkloric feel.
Lyrically, the track paints a gloomy picture, with the singer constantly but ineffectively begging her interlocutor for attention. Using the metaphor of a closed door, the song explores themes of isolation, loneliness, and the futility of relationships when one person refuses to acknowledge the other.
“Ding dong, ding dong, ding dong, / Papasukin mo naman ako / Ding dong, ding dong, ding dong, / Kanina pa ako nandito.” Baay sings in the opening.
(“Ding dong, ding dong, ding dong, / Let me in / Ding dong, ding dong, ding dong, / I was here ever since“)
Elsewhere, Baay sings, “May dala akong susi / Wala namang silbi / May kadena sa likod / Kahit bukas na ang mga kandado. (I brought the key / It’s no use / There’s a chain behind / even though the locks are open).”
In a post, the band shared how these lyrics were based on Moonstar88 guitarist Herbert Hernandez‘s real-life experience of being locked outside his home during New Year’s Day.
With its somber sound and bleak lyricism, “Ding Dong” contrasts the group’s previous single, “Kape Tayo,” which had a tenderer tone and more uplifting message. Both tracks do, however, share a penchant for metaphor, with “Kape Tayo” using coffee as a metaphor for life.
The newest single’s lyric video follows a similar theme to the group’s previous lyric videos for “Kape Tayo” and “Goma.” All three videos feature someone drawing, then coloring each single’s respective artwork. “Ding Dong” is set to be featured on the group’s upcoming album.
Listen to Moonstar88’s newest single, “Ding Dong” below:
Frequently Ask Questions
“Ding Dong” uses a closed-door metaphor to explore isolation and loneliness, with the singer repeatedly but ineffectively begging to be let in.
Maysh Baay sings lead on “Ding Dong,” her sorrowful tone paired with a 3/4 time signature and minor key giving the track a folkloric feel.
Yes, “Ding Dong” continues Moonstar88’s tarot-inspired single series, released under EMI Records Philippines and Soupstar Entertainment ahead of the group’s upcoming album.
“Ding Dong” is bleak and somber, contrasting “Kape Tayo’s” tenderer, uplifting tone, though both tracks share Moonstar88’s signature use of metaphor.
The lyrics stem from guitarist Herbert Hernandez’s real-life experience of being locked outside his home on New Year’s Day, as the band shared in a post.