From the recording OPM & P-POP (Filipino/Tagalog Music)
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
We bring white flowers and a small blue rag,
Mama wipes the dust from Papa’s name.
Candles in jars, plastic chairs in a line,
Toto does his rounds like it’s a game.
He greets the neighbors, sniffs the grass,
Chases the shadows, loops back fast.
[Pre-Chorus]
When the sun drops low and the talking slows,
He finds his place where the candle glows.
[Chorus]
Toto by Papa’s stone,
Head on the marble, heart like a drum.
Every now and then a low, long tone--
He lifts his nose and sings us home.
Toto by Papa’s stone,
We hold our breath till the howl is done,
Then laugh a little, say, Good boy, go on,
Toto by Papa’s stone.
[Verse 2]
This year we carry the same white blooms,
Set down the jars, make room for knees.
We clean the letters, light the wicks,
Fold the cloth with quiet hands and sleeves.
The leash stays coiled, the grass stays still,
A space beside us waits to fill.
[Pre-Chorus]
Wind moves through the rows of names,
Candles lean and whisper flames.
[Chorus]
Toto by Papa’s stone,
Head on the marble, heart like a drum.
Every now and then a low, long tone--
We almost hear it, soft as one.
Toto by Papa’s stone,
No paws tonight, but the sound comes on,
A far-off note we’ve always known--
Toto by Papa’s stone.
[Bridge]
We pass the bread, we say the prayers,
Kids stack wax into tiny stairs.
Mama hums the tune he knew,
We leave a bowl of water too.
[Chorus]
Toto by Papa’s stone,
Maybe it’s wind in the grass alone.
Still in the quiet, clear as bone,
We hear his call and feel him close.
Toto by Papa’s stone,
Candles tremble, night moves on--
We pack our things, but the sound stays strong,
Toto by Papa’s stone.
[Outro]
Good night, Papa.
Good night, Toto.