The "old deaf man" ( matandang bingi ) mentioned in the lyrics is often interpreted as a reference to Ferdinand Marcos Sr., who was portrayed as deaf to the cries of the people.
Older recordings can sometimes be found through legal archives or as part of Filipino folk song compilations. Saranggola Ni Pepe MP3 Download
On the surface, the song sounds like a children's lullaby or folk song. However, it is widely recognized as a subtle form of protest music from the Martial Law era . The "kite" ( saranggola ) represents the Filipino people's aspirations for freedom, while "Pepe" (the nickname of national hero Jose Rizal) symbolizes national ideals. The "old deaf man" ( matandang bingi )