Macarena

Song Meaning of Macarena by Los Del Rio (Bayside Boys mix)

For many people, dancing the Macarena at a dance party or at a disco night was an unforgettable part of childhood. This popular chart-topping 1990s song by Los Del Rio, with its catchy music and signature dance moves was the ultimate party anthem. And while it may seem innocent enough now, the truth is that the lyrics to this fun tune are actually pretty NSFW.

The first verse begins with Macarena introducing herself to the men in the club and telling them she is a seductive woman who knows how to dance. She tells them that if they are good enough then she will take them home with her. This sounds like a harmless enough introduction but the next line is a bit more disturbing, as she says that she listens to her body. This is followed by a lyric about her boyfriend getting drafted into the army, and how she cheated on him with his two friends.

This naughty lyrical content caught on with the TikTok generation who discovered the hidden meaning of this popular hit. Rather than the romantic love story that Monge had intended, the lyrics reveal that a sultry Spanish lady cheats on her boyfriend with not one, but with his two friend.

The naughty nature of this classic song has caused some backlash as it highlights issues with cultural appropriation. It is important to note that the original version of this song was written and performed by Los Del Rio, who are a Latino group from Miami Beach. This was before the English remix was written and performed by the Bayside Boys who released it in the US in 1996. The English version of the song was a huge success and went on to be played by radio stations nationwide.

Macarena lyrics by Los Del Rio (Bayside Boys mix)

I'm not trying to seduce you

When I dance they call me Macarena

and the boys they say que soy buena

they all want me

they can't have me

so they all come and dance beside me

Move with me

Chant with me

and if your good I'll take you home with me

Dale a tu cuerpo alegria Macarena

Que tu cuerpo es pa' darle alegria cosa buena

Dale a tu cuerpo alegria, Macarena

Hey Macarena

Dale a tu cuerpo alegria Macarena

Que tu cuerpo es pa' darle alegria cosa buena

Dale a tu cuerpo alegria, Macarena

Hey Macarena

Now don't you worry about my boyfriend

The boy who's name is Vitorino

I don't want him

can't stand him

He was no good so I... ha ha ha ha

Now come on, what was I supposed to do?

He was out of town and his two friends were sooo fine

Dale a tu cuerpo alegria Macarena

Que tu cuerpo es pa' darle alegria cosa buena

Dale a tu cuerpo alegria, Macarena

Hey Macarena

Dale a tu cuerpo alegria Macarena

Que tu cuerpo es pa' darle alegria cosa buena

Dale a tu cuerpo alegria, Macarena

Hey Macarena

I'm not trying to seduce you

Dale a tu cuerpo alegria Macarena

Que tu cuerpo es pa' darle alegria cosa buena

Dale a tu cuerpo alegria, Macarena

Hey Macarena

Dale a tu cuerpo alegria Macarena

Que tu cuerpo es pa' darle alegria cosa buena

Dale a tu cuerpo alegria, Macarena

Hey Macarena

Come and find me, my name is Macarena

always at the party con las chicas que son buena

come join me,

dance with me

and all you fellows chant along with me.

Dale a tu cuerpo alegria Macarena

Que tu cuerpo es pa' darle alegria cosa buena

Dale a tu cuerpo alegria, Macarena

Hey Macarena