While we’ve already given the English lyrics to the Macarena and the song’s meaning, we haven’t fully broken down the song line by line. Doing so reveals how the translations of the song may be complex and not tell the full story behind the, somewhat shocking, true meaning of the song.
What we’re going to do is go stanza by stanza, first giving the original Spanish lyric of the song, followed immediately by the English language translation:
First Verse
Spanish:
Dale a tu cuerpo alegría Macarena
Que tu cuerpo es pa’ darle alegría y cosa buena
Dale a tu cuerpo alegría, Macarena
Eh, Macarena!
Aaaaay!
(Translation: “Give your body joy, Macarena, because your body is for giving joy and good things. Give your body joy, Macarena. Hey Macarena! Aaaaay!”)
English:
Give your body joy, Macarena
Because your body is for giving joy and good things
Give your body joy, Macarena
Hey Macarena!
Aaaaay!
(This verse is an invitation to dance and enjoy life, encouraging Macarena to find joy and happiness.)
Second Verse:
Macarena tiene un novio que se llama
Que se llama de apellido Vitorino
Y en la jura de bandera del muchacho
Se la dio con dos amigos
(Translation: “Macarena has a boyfriend who’s named, who’s named with the last name Vitorino. And while he was taking his oath as a conscript, she was giving it to two friends.”)
English:
Macarena has a boyfriend who’s named
Who’s named with the last name Vitorino
And while he was taking his oath as a conscript
She was giving it to two friends
(This verse describes how Macarena’s boyfriend is away in the military, and Macarena is unfaithful to him with two of his friends.)
Chorus
Spanish:
Dale a tu cuerpo alegría Macarena
Que tu cuerpo es pa’ darle alegría y cosa buena
Dale a tu cuerpo alegría, Macarena
Eh, Macarena!
Aaaaay!
(Translation: “Give your body joy, Macarena, because your body is for giving joy and good things. Give your body joy, Macarena. Hey Macarena! Aaaaay!”)
English:
Give your body joy, Macarena
Because your body is for giving joy and good things
Give your body joy, Macarena
Hey Macarena!
Aaaaay!
(The chorus repeats the encouragement for Macarena to enjoy herself and live joyfully.)
Verse 3
Spanish:
Macarena sueña con el corte inglés
Y se compra los modelos más modernos
Le gustaría vivir en Nueva York
Y ligar un novio nuevo
(Translation: “Macarena dreams of the English Court and she buys the most modern models. She would like to live in New York and flirt with a new boyfriend.”)
English:
Macarena dreams of the English Court
And she buys the most modern models
She would like to live in New York
And flirt with a new boyfriend
(This verse highlights Macarena’s materialistic and ambitious nature, dreaming of high fashion and a new lifestyle in New York.)
Chorus
Spanish:
Dale a tu cuerpo alegría Macarena
Que tu cuerpo es pa’ darle alegría y cosa buena
Dale a tu cuerpo alegría, Macarena
Eh, Macarena!
Aaaaay!
(Translation: “Give your body joy, Macarena, because your body is for giving joy and good things. Give your body joy, Macarena. Hey Macarena! Aaaaay!”)
English:
Give your body joy, Macarena
Because your body is for giving joy and good things
Give your body joy, Macarena
Hey Macarena!
Aaaaay!
Notes on the bridge: “Que tributo a los veranos de Marbella” – This tribute to Marbella’s summers seem to represent an appreciation for the relaxed, vacation-like atmosphere of the city or perhaps hint at the memories or events that occurred there. However, its interpretation can vary based on an individual’s familiarity and association with Marbella.
“Que te gusta la movida guerrillera ¡Ay!” – This line has significant cultural context, as “movida” can refer to a countercultural movement in Spain post-Franco era. The line might suggest that Macarena is rebellious or non-conformist, enjoying an alternative lifestyle or having a progressive mindset.
Notes on the second verse: “Macarena sueña con El Corte Inglés…” – Macarena’s dream about shopping at El Corte Inglés and living in New York can suggest aspiration for a modern, glamorous lifestyle, possibly hinting at the materialism. It can also indicate a desire for change, to break free from her current circumstances.
However, it’s important to remember that lyrics’ interpretations can vary greatly depending on the listener’s experiences, cultural background, and personal beliefs. These layers of meaning and the potential for varied understanding contribute to the song’s enduring popularity across cultures.