The ongoing pandemic changed everything, including how songs can be reflected upon.

Case in point is how lady singer-guitarist Caren Tevanny thinks of her own song “Hiram” as having taken a new meaning with what’s happening in the world, in particular the scores of virus infection and death, and the effect of the pandemic in every aspect of today's society.

That the track has a new music video to go with, which premiered on social media on April 10, makes that change in view all the more interesting and emphatically moving. Directed by Edrex Clyde Sanchez, it is one to watch for especially after a year of dealing with the pandemic.

The song, one of Caren’s most streamed singles to date, was dropped in digital stores last year, March 13 to be exact. A few days later, cities around the world, including Metro Manila, would be placed in relative lockdown.

“At that time when I released the track, iba pa ‘yung meaning ng song the way I interpreted it. But after the sudden turn of events, the song seemed to have chosen its own meaning in the context of what’s happening,” shared Caren, who first burst into the local music scene as member of the all-girl rock band General Luna.

The corresponding music video, which had been delayed for obviously pandemic-related reasons, is a tribute to Caren’s mom who passed away. She noted in a hurting tone, “I actually dedicate it to my mom and all those who passed in this difficult time.”

The song, with Caren singing and her guitar weeping, also features the work of guitarist James Mollo, drummer Ishmael Ty, and bassist Lui Rodriguez. Its melodically strong chorus offers simple lines that struck a chord given the plight of the people, especially Filipinos who are no doubt struggling to fight the invisible enemy. “Hiniram ka lang/ Hiniram mo lang/ San ba tayo nagkulang/ Hiniram ka lang/ Hiniram mo lang/ Di ba tayo mapagbibigyan.”

The track’s final strains leaves listeners a couplet to hold on to: “Kahit pa nasasaktan, patuloy kang minamahal/ Sabihin mang nahihibang, patuloy kang hinihiram.”

Caren has so far put out four digital singles, the other three being English tracks “Try,” “Serendipity,” and “Desire.” She is set to release three new singles this year beginning this summer.

The fan base she developed from her time with General Luna, a hugely popular band active from 2010-2013, certainly welcomed her solo career with open arms. She kept her trademark guitar expressions even as a solo act, while her messages are often emotionally driven.

“Mas wholistic ‘yung approach ko this time around. I’m not merely focused on the technicalities of the sound or my guitar playing,” she explained, “Being on my own gave me room to be more experimental to some extent but approachable pa rin by most listeners yung musicality. Song is king, the lead (guitar) follows.”

Small wonder that “Hiram,” while it features fine guitar licks in the instrumental part, stands strong on the strength of its melody alone.