Expert: Bong Santos - 9/13/2007

Question
hi,i want to know if you know who sing this song,20 minutes before take off let me know thanks.

Answer
Dear Ron,

TWENTY MINUTES BEFORE TAKE OFF were written by the duo of DANEE SAMONTE and HENRY TORIBIO collectively known as DAN HENRY. SAMONTE used to be a DJ (or he still is?) at RJ-FM as STEVE O'NEAL. He also produces concerts especially those featuring foreign acts under his STEVE O'NEAL PRODUCTIONS. The song was originally released in 1980 and re-released in 1982. Here's its lyrics:

TWENTY MINUTES BEFORE TAKE OFF / DAN HENRY

Twenty minutes before take off
Sitting here at the airport lounge
Reminiscing all the good times
You’re going and I’m staying.
What was a tremendously happy love affair
Is about to end in tragedy
It’s a pity.

Huge amounts of persuasion
Only worsens the situation
Leaving was a realization of a dream
You’ve wanted to pursue
What else can I do?
I love you.

Chorus1:
Twenty minutes before take off
Just don’t make sense
A dream which took us a lifetime to built
Comes apart in just a matter of minutes.

Spoken:
This is gonna hurt me more than it’s gonna hurt you
We’ve been together for so long
I have to go now
I’m gonna miss you.
(Repeat Chorus1)

Chorus 2:
Twenty minutes before take off
The big DC-10 takes you on a journey
Please return
Nobody knows just when.

Maraming salamat po!

BONG M. SANTOS
Manila, Philippines