Immortal! POWERSLAVES Releases Original Version of 'Bayang' in English

Kapanlagi.com - Aging like a fine wine, that expression seems so fitting to be attributed to POWERSLAVES who until now are still actively working in the music industry of the homeland. This time, the band led by Heydi Ibrahim (vocals), Anwar Fatahillah (bass), Wiwiex Soedarno (keyboard), and Agung Yudha (drums) introduces the original version of the song Bayang with the title You Got Me, where all the lyrics are written entirely in English.

Bayang was originally released on the third album titled KERETA ROCK N' ROLL (1998) as the first track. However, it turns out that track was not the original version. When it was still a demo, Bayang actually had English lyrics, but shortly before the recording, it had to be changed to Indonesian at the request of the record label that was overseeing POWERSLAVES at that time, Warner Music Indonesia.

"Warner's reason at that time was probably more for domestic market considerations because the promoted song at that time was Amoral. When they heard the demo version of Bayang, they were interested. However, they asked for the lyrics to be changed to Indonesian," recalled Anwar Fatahillah.

"Bayang is a recording industry song. Originally, it was You Got Me. However, the recording industry usually looks for something safe for the audience. That's why the lyrics were changed to become the song Bayang," added Heydi Ibrahim.

1. Present Different Music Arrangements

Photo Credit: Personal Documentation

At that time, the lyrics were only made for the first verse and the chorus. Although the rest was still a shadow, the meaning of the song had already stuck in Heydi Ibrahim's head. You Got Me tells the story of a man who accidentally falls in love with a woman. They then fall in love because they feel they can complement each other.

In addition to the lyrics that have undergone improvements and additions, in the current version, some changes have also occurred in the music arrangement, which is now executed by Andien KS.

"The difference between You Got Me and Bayang is not only in the lyrics but also in the chorus notation. The similarity lies in the basic chord," added Anwar Fatahillah.

"The arrangement presented this time is also very acoustic and has a strong blues nuance. Then, the atmosphere of the '70s is closely intertwined with orchestration elements, making You Got Me an added value," continued the bassist.

You Got Me was released just before Powerslaves' 30th anniversary and is now available on various digital music platforms, precisely since April 10th.

(kpl/far/gtr)