You know the expression “ignorance is bliss”? If you’re a child of the ‘90s, as I am, or a parent of a child of the ‘90s, you may want to stop reading now. Once you learn what the catchy, upbeat dance song “The Macarena” is really about, you will never ever think of it the same way again. In fact, you’ll probably be shocked that parents, teachers, pretty much anyone actually let their little kids listen to and dance to this song.

First of all, when I think of “The Macarena” I think of the dance moves. I remember people saying things like, “Let’s do the Macarena,” which meant to do the signature moves that pretty much everyone knew how to do. It had to be the most famous line dance of the decade.

Let’s correct something. “Macarena” isn’t the name of a dance. It is the name of a song, and there are dance moves that go along with the song, but Macarena is the name of a person. That’s right. The song is about a person named Macarena.

You may find that surprising, but you’re probably not scandalized yet. The song is upbeat, fun, and has a built in dance you can do by yourself or with your friends. This couple even danced to it at their wedding. Maybe you never even wondered what the words mean. 

The song is sung in Spanish, and it’s sung very, very quickly, so unless Spanish is your native tongue, you probably don’t know what the song says except for “Macarena.” 

This version of the song gives you a clue as to what the song is about about, but you still don’t really know what’s being sung in Spanish.

Here is the translation of the Spanish lyrics, as sung by the group Los Del Rio:

[Chorus:]

Give happiness to your body Macarena

’cause your body is for giving happiness and nice things to

Give happiness to your body Macarena

Heeey,… Macarena! Aaay!

(repeat once)

 

Macarena has a boyfriened who’s called…

who’s called the last name Vitorino,

and while he was taking his oath as a conscript

she was giving it to two friends …Aaay!

(repeat once)

 

(Chorus)

 

Macarena , Macarena , Macarena

you’re popular the summers in Marbella

Macarena , Macarena , Macarena

you like the guerilla excesses …Aaay!

(repeat once)

 

(Chorus)

 

Macarena dreams of the English Tailor*

and buys the latest models

She would like living in New York

and seduce a new boyfriend… Aaay!

(repeat once)

 

(Chorus)

Yikes, right? This isn’t exactly a kid-friendly song. I mean, I don’t really even want to sing about it as an adult. Macarena is not the kind of person I want to applaud or emulate. 

We’re not the only ‘90s kids who never knew what this song was about. Watch the video below to see other ‘90s kids react to the meaning behind “The Macarena.”

Are you surprised to learn what “The Macarena” is about? Are you still going to listen to it and dance to it? Would you let your kids listen to it?