How did a track, released in 2022, became one of the most famous songs for Gen Zs today?
During Indonesian singer-songwriter Niki’s two-night concert on Feb. 11-12 at the Mall of Asia Arena, a fan screamed “Tama na!” in the middle of her “The Apartment We Won’t Share” and “Paths” sets which got a chorus laugh from the audience. This hilarious incident alone represented how the whole fandom felt upon seeing the live renditions of their beloved anthems.
@jm.vllrma Hindi naman masakit 🥲 The Apartment we won’t share x Paths. #niki #fyp #fyphilippines #buzztour #concertph #smmoaarena #concert #backburner #buzztourinmanila #day2 #theapartmentwewontshare #paths ♬ original sound – IG: jm.vllrma
Since her career began in 2017, Niki has produced several hit songs, including “Lowkey”, “La La Lost You”, and “Every Summertime”, to name a few. However, it is her second album “Nicole” that many Filipinos loved, mostly because of its raw and relatable lyrics.
Charting at Top 2 in her Spotify Popular list with 177M streams, Niki’s “Backburner” is a cult classic. Here are a few lines from the song to really get you in the feels.
“Well, whether we’re free of will or predestined
Clearly, I’ve not learned my lesson even now”
This highlights the uncertainty of getting into a relationship without a “label” and the habit of falling into one over and over again. Sometimes it’s because of the feeling and sometimes it’s because of the person. Was it really your choice or were you meant to chase small bits of gratification all your life?
“But I know in a week or so
You’ll fade away again”
This line implies that even if you already know that this relationship was set up on a balance beam, you keep coming back for more—or rather, they keep coming back and you still accept them in your life…like the ones in a situationship.
“Hey, are you still there? Good.”
Assurance is something we all strive to receive. However, in this case, assurance and confirmation are rooted in the other person’s ego. It’s a classic “breadcrumbing” tactic in which someone gives another person just enough affection, or small gestures of interest, to keep them hopeful and somewhat committed, without any intention of forming a real relationship with them, leaving the recipient disoriented of the relationship’s status.
“‘Cause maybe you’ll finally choose me after you’ve had more time”
Sure, there are times when someone can be confused about their feelings towards another, especially during the beginning of the “getting to know each other” phase; however, purposely delaying a “yes” or “no” answer is downright cruel because you can have and enjoy access to someone without a clear label.
“And I know that it’s sad
That I settled for the backburner”
Have you ever heard of the phrase, “We accept the love we think we deserve”? These particular lines in the song echoes the same idea. You yourself know that it’s wrong to keep holding on and yet you’ve accepted your fate or, rather, you’ve accepted that this is all you can get from that person. You settle for less; for being the last option.
Reminisce your relationship blues with Niki’s Buzz Tour (again) on March 1 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
