Paquita la del Barrio’s ‘Rata de Dos Patas’: Meaning, Translation, and Lyrics in English
Paquita left an indelible mark on regional Mexican music
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On February 17, 2025, Mexican singer Paquita la del Barrio, born Francisca Viveros Barradas, passed away at the age of 77 in her home in Veracruz, Mexico. Renowned for her powerful voice and lyrics that challenged machismo, Paquita left an indelible mark on regional Mexican music.
One of her most iconic songs, «Rata de Dos Patas» (Two-Legged Rat), has become an anthem of female empowerment. In this song, Paquita confronts an unfaithful man, comparing him to various despicable creatures. The lyrics begin with a series of direct insults: «Filthy rat, crawling animal, scum of life, hideous monstrosity.»
Throughout the song, she continues with epithets like «venomous snake» and «hellish hyena,» expressing her deep contempt for the man in question.
Although many believe the song targets a former lover, composer Manuel Eduardo Toscano revealed that «Rata de Dos Patas» was written with former Mexican President Carlos Salinas de Gortari in mind. Toscano explained that, at the time, few dared to criticize the president directly, so he channeled his discontent through this composition.
Paquita la del Barrio began her career in Mexico City in 1970, performing at a local restaurant where her powerful voice quickly garnered attention. Her big break came in 1986 after a performance on Televisa exposed her to a wider audience, leading to a recording contract with CBS Records.
Paquita la del Barrio and Bad Bunny on stage at the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, FL on September 23, 2021. John Parra/Telemundo/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
Her songs often took a feminist stance against Mexico’s sexist and «macho» culture, making her especially popular among female audiences. In 2021, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Billboard Latin Music Awards, solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer in the music industry.
Paquita’s music will continue to inspire generations, ensuring that her voice remains a powerful force against injustice and inequality.
Paquita la del Barrio’s ‘Rata de Dos Patas’: Lyrics in English
Filthy rat Crawling animal Scum of life Hideous monstrosity
Inhuman Specter from hell Cursed vermin How much harm you have done to me
Pest Venomous snake Waste of life I hate you and I despise you
Two-legged rat I’m talking to you Because even the most wretched creature No matter how vile When compared to you Seems so small
Cursed leech Damned cockroach You infect wherever you bite You wound and you kill
Pest Venomous snake Waste of life I hate you and I despise you
Two-legged rat I’m talking to you Because even the most wretched creature No matter how vile When compared to you Seems so small
Are you listening to me, useless one? Hyena from hell How much I hate you and despise you
Cursed leech Damned cockroach You infect wherever you bite You wound and you kill
Pest Venomous snake Waste of life I hate you and I despise you
Two-legged rat I’m talking to you Because even the most wretched creature No matter how vile When compared to you Seems so small
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