I arranged this in late 2003 after hearing Guy Sebastian perform the cover for his Australian Idol audition. Recorded in 2007 by Carlo Santos. The bass track was added later on by RJ Woessner at the request of my portfolio advisor at Berklee.

What A Wonderful World - Carlo Santos & RJ Woessner

This all started when a friend of mine wanted help translating the song "Rosas" by Nica del Rosario to her english speaking children. I did a literal translation (non lyrical form) but of course the musician in me couldn't resist making a singable version of it.

The title (Fink) is NOT a typo, and has quite a backstory behind it.

For the non Filipino speaking audience, "Rosas" is the Filipino word for both "pink" and "rose". The original text was clearly referring to the color (i.e. Kulay [color] Rosas [pink]). Now while the term "rose-colored" also describes pink, I personally always interpreted it with a negative connotation - as phrases such as "seeing the world through rose-colored glasses" implied naivety.

The initial line I had for the chorus was actually "...the world you envision as Pink" And because it already sounded janky to begin with - I thought that just leaning in to it and put more of a comedic touch by entitling it with the "Pinglish" accent would just absorb most the jank - making the [more serious] lyrics sound less awkward.

But during the course of the elections etc., I realized that the song always struck me like the song from the Man of La Mancha "Impossible Dream" - where Don Quixote, similarly had this almost naive idealism about him. And the message of that song definitely wasn't negative - so I eventually went with the rose colored/tinted wording. Since I was already going that direction - I ended up changing the last chorus to something even more hopeful - in keeping on what the song MEANT for me.

But the title stuck - sentimental value, I guess ;)

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Anyways, this was intended to be a full band setup - and I actually still am waiting on the other tracks, but when I tried just checking how it sounded just with the guitar - I felt it had it's own "charm" which was much more intimate and raw.

I may or may not post the band version of it once that's done - but for now - enjoy :)

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Fink

Still that troubled heart.
Remember; you matter too - i'll never think of leaving you

You won't be an exception.
Believe me, this much is true: you'll always be the one I choose

And I know when I am able - or when I am not.
This passion to serve is the sure thing i've got
as long as there's goodness - and love hasn't failed - light will surely prevail

And the world with that rose colored tint
where all evil is all but extinct;
where the shadows are crushed by the light - 
I can't promise that beautiful sight

But Ill try to do all that I can for that world you see 
until, once again, you can say that you're proud to be Filipino

Wake up my countrymen; we're not in this fight alone.
Together, let’s all protect our home!

Don't feel so disheartened; be proud of the things we've done 
Persevere; we've only just begun

And though darkness surrounds us and stretches so far
it will not extinguish the fire in our hearts
We've all felt the love; felt hope once again;
a hope we'll protect till the end 

Filipinos with passion to answer the call
The courage to rise even after we fall
Integrity that allows one to stand tall  
Who know what's true and right
come join me in the fight!

And that thought of a rose tinted world
where we finally have the country we've earned
where all people are beacons of light
we can have it - but not overnight

and I'm giving my all for this world that we long to see
until you can proudly proclaim you're undoubtedly
a courageous, unbreakable, compassionate, and loving Filipino

Fink (Rosas OFW version)

nargalzius

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