Expert: Bong Santos - 11/25/2006

Question
Kumasta Ka,
During my recent visits to the Philippines i always heard a particular song being played in jeeepneys and karaoke bars. Many of the filipino girls line dance to the song.Im convincend it's a disco dance song from the mid 80's. I think its's called 628 but im not sure....It goes a bit like this"Can you please tell me the song & artist title...i think the song is
called 628, not sure....It goes a bit like this.......
"chorus"..(-------- tell me what you say, baby please don't leave me 1 more time.
---------tell me its to late, you are the greatest lover of my life.
If you can give me full details of of song (artist,lyrics etc) i will be very gratfull......Maraming Salamat po.  

Answer
Dear Jason,

The song is a favorite to be asked here, this probably is the nth time.
SIX, TWO, EIGHT it is called and was sung by a group called EUROPE, but not to be mistaken with the rock group of the same name who did THE FINAL COUNTDOWN, although they sound similar. It was released in 1986 and was a monster hit here. This EUROPE doesn't have much information unlike their namesake. GIVE ME ONE NIGHT was their only other hit. Here's its lyrics:

SIX, TWO, EIGHT / EUROPE

I go ‘round, people say, for some action
I go ‘round, people wonder why
Summer nights, people won’t tell the action
Summer nights when the sun goes down.

Refrain:
People say, people do
People look out, burn my heart
Spreading ‘round big situations over town
(Tell me).

Chorus:
Ninety-six, two, eight
Tell me (what/to) say
Baby, please don’t leave me one more time
Ninety-six, two, eight
Tell me it’s too late
You are the greatest lover of my life.

Ninety, ninety,
Tel me, ninety
Tell me, ninety.
(Repeat)

Nine-nine-nine-nine
Nine-nine-nine-nine
Nine-nine-nine
Tell me, tell me (tell me).

I go ‘round, people say, for some action
I go round, people shinin’ down
No reply, nothing fine, no distraction
I do wrong, people ridin’ around.

Refrain:
All the time, all the guys
Sought impressions on my star
Till we fight, admit my vision in your heart.
(Repeat Chorus)

Bridge:
Am longing for your love
This thought of face to face
So ninety-six, two, eight.
(Repeat Chorus)
(Repeat 1st 4 lines of Chorus)

Maraming slalamat po!

BONG M. SANTOS
Manila, Philippines