Song meaning of Bahay by Gary Granada

The lyrics of the song "Bahay" by Gary Granada portray the stark contrast between the living conditions of the poor and the wealthy. The narrator describes a visit to a slum where fifteen family members are crammed into a dilapidated shack, while nearby, in a mansion, hardly anyone resides. The impoverished families are portrayed as being trapped in the heat, makeshift homes made of scrap materials, and surrounded by rubbish and broken wheels.

The songwriter expresses his disbelief and confusion as to why such living conditions are referred to as "bahay" or home. He witnesses the plight of these families and feels compelled to write a song about it, drawing attention to their situation. 

The lyrics then shift to the perspective of the privileged, approaching a senator and a professor for their opinion. The artist highlights the consensus among the influential individuals that these impoverished living conditions are indeed called "bahay."

The song calls for introspection and empathy, urging the listener to imagine themselves in such circumstances. The last lines implore the audience to touch, hear, smell, and see the reality of these living conditions, leaving them to decide whether, in the eyes of a higher power, these conditions still deserve to be called "bahay."

Overall, the lyrics of "Bahay" send a powerful message about social inequality and the need for a more compassionate society that confronts and addresses such disparities.