H.A.M Burger

Indonesian music scene is currently being bombarded with the cheesiest songs ever existed. Yes, at times it can be really frustrating to listen to the radio. The similarity between one song and another is uncanny. I'm no expert in music, but I adore songs with strong lyrics. Not necessarily telling a story, but delivering truth.

So I turn to the music legends of Indonesia. They who make the simplest songs with the strongest lyrics. They who steal people's hearts and never return them. They who wholeheartedly love Indonesia and show it with the critical lyrics of their songs; Iwan Fals and SLANK. I'm not their hardcore and most loyal fan, but I do think they are among the best and most special this country has ever seen, thus I'm a fan.

In 2003 I did an internship in a particular TV news station and one day a producer took me to attend the Yap Thiam Hien Award. Being a human rights fighter and firm believer of equality himself, the award was dedicated to people with the same passion and courage. That night SLANK was there to perform. I used to think less of SLANK. Was not a big fan, not even a fan. Anyway, there they were, preparing to perform. Five skinny males with either big hair or really small clothing were there in front of the creme de la creme of NGOs and human rights activists. Clearly I was very naive thinking that the band was fish out of water when they were indeed the perfect artist to perform.

They did an acoustic performance of "H.A.M Burger" (Yes, they do make the weirdest titles). Kaka, the vocalist, was very much all out. His voice was unbelievable, but the lyric of the song was the aspect that captured my interest the most. It was inspiring and I'm sharing it here, hoping that it will be an inspiration for you too.

H.A.M Burger

Sahabat datang dan pergi, kadang mengkhianati
Begitu pun rasa cinta, kadang mengecewakan
Kita punya harga diri, kadang terpendam di hati
Kita punya hati nurani, kadang tertimbun mati!!!

Ku tertawa walau hati kecewa
Ya kupaksa untuk tetap tertawa!!!
Ku bernyanyi walau hati menangis
Ya kucoba untuk terus bernyanyi!!!

Walau kau ikat tanganku, walau kau bungkam mulutku
Walau kau jegal langkahku, percuma!!!
Walau kau tutup mataku, walau kau kurung tubuhku
Tapi semua mimpi-mimpiku kan tetap ada!!!

Kita coba betulkan jalan kita bersama
Coba kita mencari jalan keluar
Jangan kau tunggu orang lain, jangan biarkan bangsa lain
Mencoba menekan hidup kita, bikin malu saja!!!

Ku tertawa walau hati kecewa
Ya kupaksa untuk tetap tertawa!!!
Ku bernyanyi walau hati menangis
Ya kucoba untuk terus bernyanyi!!!

Banyak orang curiga, ku bicara nggak ada yang percaya
Banyak orang menuduh bahkan anggapku gila!!!
Ku tertawa lebih keras, ku bernyanyi lebih lantang
Karena semua langkah dan mimpiku kan semakin gila!!!

Ku tertawa walau hati kecewa...
Ku bernyanyi walau hati menangis...
Ku tertawa walau hati kecewa
Ya kupaksa untuk tetap tertawa!!!

Ku bernyanyi walau hati menangis
Ya kucoba untuk terus bernyanyi!!