Song Translation & Meaning

Macarena Lyrics in English and Spanish

Understand the meaning behind the global phenomenon. Explore the Spanish original, English translation, and cultural significance of this iconic 90s dance hit.

Despite its status as an international sensation, many English-speaking fans have wondered about the meaning behind the catchy Spanish lyrics. What exactly is Macarena about? What does "Dale a tu cuerpo alegría" mean? Let's explore the fascinating story behind this cultural phenomenon.

Quick Facts About "Macarena"

Original Artists:: Los del Río
Release Year:: 1993 (original), 1996 (Bayside Boys remix)
Original Language:: Spanish
Famous Chorus:: "Dale a tu cuerpo alegría, Macarena"

Understanding the Macarena: Translation Challenges

Translating "Macarena" reveals fascinating insights into how linguistic, cultural, and contextual variations affect song interpretation. Here's what makes this song particularly interesting from a translation perspective:

Cultural References

The song centers around "Macarena," a woman from Spain's Andalusian region. This name carries specific cultural implications that may not resonate universally, as it's both a common Spanish name and refers to a neighborhood in Seville.

Idiomatic Expressions

The famous line "Dale a tu cuerpo alegría, Macarena" literally translates to "Give your body joy, Macarena," but this translation doesn't capture the full emotional and cultural depth of the Spanish expression, which implies celebration, dancing, and letting loose.

Grammatical Differences

Spanish and English grammar differ significantly, especially in verb conjugation and the use of reflexive pronouns, making direct translation challenging while maintaining the song's rhythm and meaning.

Contextual Interpretation

The song's themes and storyline may be interpreted differently across cultures. What might be seen as playful or humorous in one culture could be perceived differently in another.

The Story Behind the Macarena Song

The Macarena tells the story of a woman from Seville, Spain. The narrative follows Macarena, who is involved in a romantic situation while her boyfriend Vitorino is away fulfilling his military service. The song's upbeat tempo contrasts with its storyline, creating an interesting juxtaposition that's common in Latin music.

Key elements of the story include:

Macarena has a boyfriend named Vitorino who is away on military duty
She dreams of shopping at El Corte Inglés (a famous Spanish department store)
She fantasizes about living in New York
The chorus encourages joy and dancing despite the complex narrative

Key Phrases and Their Meanings

"Dale a tu cuerpo alegría"

Literally: "Give your body joy"
Cultural meaning: An invitation to dance, celebrate, and enjoy life

"Que tu cuerpo es pa' darle alegría y cosa buena"

Literally: "Your body is for giving it joy and good things"
Cultural meaning: Emphasizes that our bodies are meant for happiness and celebration

"Hey Macarena"

The iconic call that became a global phenomenon, serving as both a name and an exclamation

English Lyrics to The Macarena

See below for the full lyrics to the song Macarena, translated into English, which begins with the song’s iconic chorus. Note this is the English language version of the song, for the words in the Spanish version language please see the section below.

(Chorus)

Give your body joy Macarena
That your body is to give you joy and good thing
Give your body joy, Macarena
Hey Macarena
Give your body joy Macarena
That your body is to give joy and good thing
Give your body joy, Macarena
Hey Macarena

(Verse 1)

Macarena has a boyfriend
named Vitorino’s last name
That the boy swears in the flag swear
He gave it to two friends
Macarena has a boyfriend’s name
That is called Vitorino surname
And in the jury the boy
gave it to him with two friends

(Chorus)

Give your body joy Macarena
That your body is to give joy and good thing
Give your body joy, Macarena
Hey Macarena
Give your body joy Macarena
That your body is to give joy and good thing
Give your body joy, Macarena
Hey macarena

(Verse 2)

Macarena Macarena Macarena
What do you like the summers of Marbella
Macarena Macarena Macarena
What do you like the guerrilla movement

(Chorus)

(Verse 3)

Macarena sounds with the English Court
And you buy the most modern models
He would like to live in New York
And flirting a new boyfriend
Macarena sounds with the English Court
And he buys the most modern models.
He would like to live in New York
and tie a new boyfriend.

(Chorus)

(Bridge)

Macarena has a boyfriend whose
name is Vitorino’s surname
And on the boy’s sworn flag
He gave it to two friends
Macarena has a boyfriend’s name
That is called Vitorino’s surname
And in the boy swears on the flag
He gave it to two friends

(Chorus)

Lyrics to the Spanish Version of the Song

As promised, the lyrics to the Spanish language version of the same song are below.

Dale a tu cuerpo alegria Macarena
Que tu cuerpo es pa’ darle alegria y cosa buena
Dale a tu cuerpo alegria, Macarena
Hey Macarena
Macarena tiene un novio que se llama
Que se llama de apellido Vitorino,
Que en la jura de bandera el muchacho
Se metio con dos amigos
{X2}
{Au Refrain, x2}
Macarena sueña con El Corte Ingles
Que se compra los modelos mas modernos
Le gustaria vivir en Nueva York
Y ligar un novio…

Now that you know the lyrics, now go learn the steps to the Macarena dance. You’ll thank us the next time you are at an uncomfortable wedding or ceremony.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the Macarena lyrics mean in English?

The Macarena tells the story of a woman named Macarena from Andalusia, Spain. The famous chorus "Dale a tu cuerpo alegría" translates to "Give your body joy" in English, encouraging dancing and celebration.

Who wrote the Macarena song?

The Macarena was written and performed by Los del Río, a Spanish duo consisting of Antonio Romero Monge and Rafael Ruiz Perdigones, in 1993.

What language is the original Macarena in?

The original Macarena is in Spanish. The song was later remixed with English verses by the Bayside Boys in 1996, which became the international hit version.