Paquita la del Barrio's best heartbreak anthems, from 'Rata De Dos Patas' to 'Taco Placero'
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"¿Me estás oyendo inútil?"
The now timeless and iconic phrase − pointed at useless men in Paquita la del Barrio's eyes − wasn't just her go-to line belted out in many of her rancheras. It became widely adopted by the tias, mamas, abuelitas and señoras in our lives as a way to reclaim their power over men who did nothing but hurt them.
Through her songs − which comprised over 30 albums − Paquita was known for unmercifully calling out machismo through her music. She became a guiding light for many Mexican women wronged or slighted by their partners, or oppressed by a patriarchal world.
Throughout her 50-year career, Paquita, who died at 77, gained the respect of fellow Mexican musicians and paved the way for more women to break into the world of rancheras and boleros, which were once predominately male. Paquita was to woman what Vicente Fernández was to men, if you will.
Paquita herself had enough heartbreak for two lifetimes but turned that pain and sorrow into heartbreaking and empowering anthems other women could use to come out on the other side whole, anew − even if it meant downright ripping a man to shreds in song.
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"I've suffered a lot. It's difficult because the heart goes where it wants. Those feelings are what guide people to my music," Paquita told USA TODAY in 2021.
From her iconic "Ratas De Dos Patas" to her reflective "Que Se Cubra Mi Tumba," revisit some of Paquita's essential songs.
Paquita la del Barrio's death:Famed Mexican songstress of feminist anthems dead at 77
'Rata De Dos Patas'
"Rata de Dos Patas," released in 2000, is likely the most-requested Paquita song at karaoke. She holds no punches as she disintegrates an ex as she belts, "Rata inmunda/ Animal rastrero/ Escoria de la vida/ Adefesio mal hecho." ("Filthy rat/ Despicable animal/ Scum of lif / Monstrous looking man.")
'Tres Veces Te Engañe'
Sure, nobody wants to be likened to a rat. But "Tres Veces Te Engañe" might be Paquita's fiercest song as she lets her cheating man know that two can play this game. As the saying goes, "Fool me once, shame on you," but in Paquita's world she won't let it go past that – she'll cheat on her former lover three times more.
'Las Mujeres Mandan'
"Las mujeres mandan" is best listened to with your girlfriends and a tequila shot in Paquita's honor. The 2008 mariachi empowers women to be brave and speak up for themselves and also encourages sexual liberation: "No tengas miedo por grandotes que los veas/ Ponte valiente ya verás se amanza / Que aquí las mujeres mandan!" ("Don't be afraid no matter how big they might look/ Be brave and you'll see they'll give in/ Because here, women are in charge!")
Celebrity tributes:Alejandro Sanz, Ana Bárbara honor 'iconic' ranchera singer
'Taco Placero'
Paquita begins "Taco Placero" by demanding respect after an ex-lover was out and about kissing and telling. Not one to be passive, Paquita puts that man in her place and sings that he's one to talk – because she, too, wasn't satisfied in bed. "Eres un fiasco en la cama" (You were a failure in bed"), she sings.
'Azul Celeste'
"Azul Celeste" is an anthem about the importance of self-love and self-worth. "No soy fácil y ya tú lo has comprobado/ Yo ni soy amor comprado/ Ni me entrego con cualquiera" ("I'm not easy and you've proven it / My love can't be bought / And I won't give myself away to just anyone"), she sings to an ex-lover who's begging to be let back into her life after betraying her trust.
Our 2021 interview:Paquita la del Barrio has had enough heartbreak for two lifetimes. That's what guides people to her music
'Que Se Cubra Mi Tumba'
In "Que Se Cubra Mi Tumba," released in 2000, Paquita sang about how she wishes to be remembered once she's transitioned into another life. She sorrowfully sings of not wanting to be sanctified or immortalized and simply letting her tomb be covered in foliage, because if loved ones can't give her her flowers while she's still alive, "Qué me puedo esperar al morir?" (What can I expect once I'm dead?)
'Me Saludas a La Tuya'
Nobody was safe when it came to Paquita's wrath − not even an ex-lover's mother-in-law, and certainly not his mistress. In "Me Saludas a La Tuya," or "Say hi to yours for me," one can feel Paquita's disdain and side-eye for those who have wronged her after having opened up to them. She sings: "Mira que jugar conmigo/ Yo que tanto te adoraba" ("Look at you playing with me / I, who, adored you so much").
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