We all know the Eraserheads to be a staple from the 90s – their distinct blend of alternative rock, Pinoy punk, and irreverent storytelling that not only captured the heartbeat of the generation but shaped their understanding of Philippine society. Their songs like Magasin and Alapaap, which are infused with sharp observations and biting social commentary, continue to resonate to this day, mirroring what kind of lives Filipinos are living.
Perhaps one of the most true-to-life tracks they have is the song “Poorman’s Grave” from their 1995 album Cutterpillow. It is a wretched reflection on social inequality, struggle in poverty, and the relentless pursuit of a better life. Despite having been released three decades ago, the song’s themes resonate deeply today, speaking to the seemingly universal experience of adversity and the weight of poverty.
The Sound of Struggle
On the surface, Poorman’s Grave sings a gritty, raw, and somber tone. The lyrics convey the narrative of someone trapped in a cycle of poverty, yearning for escape but unsure of how to break free, much like many Filipinos. Yet, despite its darker themes, the music is unmistakably signature Eraserheads with its infectious tone and just the right amount of angst. This song with its deeply meaningful and painfully real lyrics is an anthem to those who feel unheard, overshadowed, or left behind by society. Its catchy melody contrasts with the heavy matter it tackles, capturing the bittersweet dichotomy of hope and hopelessness that define the daily travail of the marginalized.
A Mirror to Filipino Society
Poorman’s Grave dives deep into the emotional and economic chasm that exists between different classes of society. Its lyrics showcase the inevitable hardships of growing up in poverty, struggling for basic needs, seeking opportunities that seem impossible to reach, and dealing with the pervasive sense of powerlessness that comes with being financially unstable.
The lines “I know a man who had nothing / He dreamed of satin sheets all his life / He lived and worked like a dog / Licking every boot he sees just to survive” encapsulates the feeling of being relegated to a life with limited options, seemingly defined by one’s social and economic standing.
Perhaps the saddest, most reality-slapping lines in the song, however, are “Oh, honey, when I die / Dress me up in a coat and tie / Give my feet a pair of shoes / That I haven’t worn in a long time / Put me in a golden box / Not a cross on a pile of rocks. Bury me where the grass is green / And the gates are shining / Oh, honey, when I die / Give me a bed of roses where I could lie / I’m gonna use up all the money that I saved / ‘Cause I don’t wanna lie in a poor man’s grave” as if pleading to give him at least one chance to feel like he’s somehow escaped the chains of poverty, he instructs the ones he’ll leave behind.
The song even mentions how willing he was to spend every cent he’s ever saved, as if grappling onto the last hope for something decent, desperation seething. This kind of life unfortunately is not only lived in song. Many Filipinos never see the end of the tunnel, being born into poverty, struggling with it everyday, and dying nestled in the nooks of it.
But these lyrics hit home for Filipinos in more ways than one. It doesn’t just talk about personal misery but reflects the collective experience of those affected by systematic issues. It’s about facing the harsh realities of class division, with very limited avenues for moving upward in a country where the rich remain rich, and the poor are pushed down even lower.
More than just the pain, there’s an undeniable defiance in this song. There’s a sense of refusal to completely give into fate, despite the cards you’ve been dealt with. The emotional complexity of Poorman’s Grave offers an opportunity for listeners to reflect on their own circumstances, struggles, and the broader societal challenges they face. It’s a call to recognize the long-standing unfairness of the system.
Through the many songs they’ve created which messages stand the test of time, Eraserheads have long been more than just a band – they’re a voice for the voiceless and a mirror to our society. In Poorman’s Grave, they’ve crafted not a mere song but a statement. A statement that sparks thought, emotion, and social awareness. It refuses to sugarcoat the harsh realities of life while offering the kind of cathartic release only music can provide.
