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.
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 how cultural references, idioms, grammar, and context shape meaning. Below are the biggest factors and why literal translations often fall short.
- Cultural references: Andalusian name and Sevillian context.
- Idioms: “Dale a tu cuerpo alegría” implies celebration beyond literal wording.
- Grammar & rhythm: Maintaining singability across languages is hard.
- Context: Themes can be interpreted differently across cultures.
English Lyrics to The Macarena
Below is the English-language version (as provided for this page) beginning with the iconic chorus.
(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) 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 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) 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
(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) 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
Lyrics to the Spanish Version of the Song
As promised, the Spanish-language version (as provided for this page) is 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, go learn the steps to the Macarena dance. You’ll thank us at the next wedding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the Macarena lyrics mean in English?
The chorus means “Give your body joy,” essentially an invitation to dance and celebrate.
Who wrote the Macarena song?
Los del Río: Antonio Romero Monge & Rafael Ruiz Perdigones.
What language is the original Macarena in?
Spanish; the Bayside Boys remix later added English verses (1996).