“The Ones We Once Loved” by Ben&Ben

“The Ones We Once Loved” is based on a real-life long-term romance that Paolo Benjamin was once in that obviously failed. As we have pointed out in the past, such relationships are usually such that neither party goes in necessarily expecting to eventually break up. And sometimes, by the time incompatibility issues are realized, said parties are in too deep into the union to simply walk away without their being lasting ramifications.

Such is basically the case we’re dealing with here. Since the lyrics are in fact based on a real-life relationship, well, that’s something a listener could probably tell on their own considering how intricate they are. What the singer is speaking to is in fact falling in love, being with the addressee for five good years during ‘the bittersweetness of their youth’ and then ultimately realizing that things are not going to work out as idealized.

So even now, all this time later, Paolo is in his feelings. And to reiterate, the lyrics are actually as complex yet understandable as a break-up may be. Paolo has described this piece as a “song about closure”. And yes, that thesis sentiment, that he wants to put this chapter of his life behind him, can be effectively obtained from the wording, even though such is not directly stated.

Conclusion

That said, we can conclude by saying that more specifically, the way the vocalist appears to be seeking closure is via empathy from his ex. He wants her to know that it was never his intent for things to fall apart. 

Also, just as a necessary side note, he’s reminding her that in the grand scheme of it all, she ‘hurt him too’. But let’s say that in recognition of how his own actions contributed against their relationship, Paolo is not harboring any ill feelings towards her. And most simply put that’s something the vocalist wants her to know, on top of, more notably, apologizing to his ex in general.

Ben&Ben

As of the release of “The Ones We Once Loved”, Ben&Ben, a full band at nine members’ deep, are one of the hottest musical acts hailing from the Philippines. And apparently the group is titled so because its two main vocalists, twin brothers Paolo and Miguel Guico, both have the middle name Benjamin.

Release Date of “The Ones We Once Loved”

The 26th of August 2022 was the day this song was commercially launched.

Credits

Paolo Benjamin is the writer of “The Ones We Once Loved”. Music producer Johnoy Danao is one of the producers credited for producing this tune. The other is Jean-Paul Verona.