The Meaning Behind The Song: Malamente by Rosalia
When Rosalia released her hit song “Malamente” in 2018, it quickly became a cultural phenomenon in Spain and across Latin America. The song won several awards, including two Latin Grammy Awards, and was praised by music critics for its bold fusion of traditional flamenco melodies with electronic beats and pop hooks. However, beyond its infectious rhythm and catchy lyrics, “Malamente” is also a deeply meaningful and introspective song that reflects on loss, grief, and personal growth. In this article, we will explore the different layers of meaning behind “Malamente” and how its lyrics and music convey a powerful message of resilience and self-discovery.
The Story Behind “Malamente”
Rosalia, the songwriter and performer of “Malamente,” is a Spanish singer who comes from Catalan origins. She is deeply inspired by flamenco music and has been performing since she was a teenager. However, her approach to flamenco is fresh, innovative, and experimental. In “Malamente,” Rosalia combines the traditional sounds of flamenco, such as hand clapping, guitar strumming, and vocal techniques, with modern electronic beats and auto-tune effects. The result is a mesmerizing and hypnotic sound that blends the old and the new.
However, the meaning of “Malamente” goes beyond the music. The lyrics of the song reflect on Rosalia’s personal experiences and emotions. In interviews, Rosalia has revealed that “Malamente” is a song about mourning and letting go. She wrote it after her grandfather passed away and she felt overwhelmed by grief and pain. “Malamente” means “badly” or “wrongly” in Spanish, and it expresses the feeling of doing something in the wrong way or being doomed to fail. Rosalia uses this word to describe her state of mind after the loss of her beloved relative.
The Lyrics of “Malamente”
The lyrics of “Malamente” are poetic, enigmatic, and full of symbolism. They are written in Spanish, and some of the phrases and expressions may be difficult to understand for non-native speakers. However, the overall message of the song is clear and relatable. Let’s analyze some of the key lyrics of “Malamente” and see what they mean:
– “Me duele la cara de ser tan guapa” (“My face hurts from being so pretty”): This line is often misunderstood as a boastful or ironic statement. However, it actually expresses a feeling of discomfort and pressure that comes from being seen as a beautiful woman. Rosalia is saying that she is tired of people judging her by her looks and not paying attention to her inner self.
– “Y dime quien puede ser feliz y no se fije lo mal que está todo ahí afuera” (“And tell me who can be happy without noticing how bad things are out there”): This line reflects on the state of the world and how difficult it is to find joy and peace in the midst of so much suffering and injustice. Rosalia is suggesting that we need to be aware of the problems around us in order to overcome them.
– “Que prendan los motores, que tenemos que ganar” (“Let the engines start, we have to win”): This line is a call to action and a statement of determination. Rosalia is encouraging herself and her listeners to move forward, to not give up, and to fight for what they believe in.
The Music Video of “Malamente”
The music video of “Malamente” is as impressive and memorable as the song itself. It was directed by Canada, a Spanish production company known for its innovative and surreal visuals. The video takes place in a futuristic and neon-lit environment and features Rosalia performing flamenco moves and confronting several foes, including a man on a motorcycle, a group of dancers, and a bull. The video also includes references to Catholic imagery and Spanish cultural heritage.
The music video of “Malamente” enhances the themes and motifs of the song and adds a layer of visual symbolism. It portrays Rosalia as a strong and empowered woman who overcomes obstacles and faces her fears. The video also highlights the contrast between the traditional and the modern, the raw and the processed, and the natural and the artificial.
The Cultural Impact of “Malamente”
“Malamente” has become much more than a song. It has become a cultural touchstone and a symbol of a new generation of Spanish artists who are reshaping the boundaries of flamenco, pop, and electronic music. “Malamente” has inspired numerous covers, remixes, and memes, and has been used in TV shows, movies, and advertisements.
Moreover, “Malamente” has catapulted Rosalia to international fame and recognition. She has been praised by many musicians, producers, and critics, including Pharrell Williams, who has called her “a disruptor” and “a super artist.” Rosalia has also collaborated with other artists such as J Balvin, Billie Eilish, and Travis Scott, further expanding her reach and influence.
FAQs
1. What is the meaning of “Malamente” in English?
“Malamente” means “badly” or “wrongly” in Spanish. However, the exact translation of the word depends on the context. In the case of the song, “Malamente” expresses the feeling of doing something in the wrong way or being doomed to fail.
2. What is Rosalia’s background?
Rosalia is a Spanish singer who comes from Catalan origins. She is deeply inspired by flamenco music and has been performing since she was a teenager. She is known for her innovative and experimental approach to flamenco and her fusion of traditional and modern sounds.
3. What is “Malamente” about?
“Malamente” is a song about mourning and letting go. Rosalia wrote it after her grandfather passed away and she felt overwhelmed by grief and pain. The lyrics of the song reflect on loss, grief, and personal growth, and encourage the listener to move forward and overcome obstacles.
4. What is the music video of “Malamente” like?
The music video of “Malamente” is directed by Canada, a Spanish production company known for its innovative and surreal visuals. The video takes place in a futuristic and neon-lit environment and features Rosalia performing flamenco moves and confronting several foes. The video also includes references to Catholic imagery and Spanish cultural heritage.
5. What awards has “Malamente” won?
“Malamente” has won several awards, including two Latin Grammy Awards for Best Alternative Song and Best Urban Fusion/Performance. It has also been included in many “best songs of the year” lists by music critics and publications.
6. What other songs has Rosalia released?
Rosalia has released several albums and singles, including “Los Angeles” (2017), “El Mal Querer” (2018), and “Pienso En Tu Mirá” (2018). She is known for her innovative and experimental approach to flamenco and her fusion of traditional and modern sounds.
7. Why is “Malamente” considered a cultural phenomenon?
“Malamente” has become much more than a song. It has become a cultural touchstone and a symbol of a new generation of Spanish artists who are reshaping the boundaries of flamenco, pop, and electronic music. “Malamente” has inspired numerous covers, remixes, and memes, and has been used in TV shows, movies, and advertisements.
8. Who has Rosalia collaborated with?
Rosalia has collaborated with several artists, including J Balvin on the song “Con Altura,” Billie Eilish on the song “Lo Vas A Olvidar,” and Travis Scott on the song “TKN.” These collaborations have helped to expand Rosalia’s reach and influence and have introduced her to a wider audience.
9. Why is Rosalia considered a groundbreaking artist?
Rosalia is considered a groundbreaking artist because of her innovative and experimental approach to flamenco music and her fusion of traditional and modern sounds. She has pushed the boundaries of what is considered “flamenco” and has created a new genre that blends different influences and styles.
10. What impact has “Malamente” had on the music industry?
“Malamente” has had a significant impact on the music industry, especially in Spain and Latin America. It has inspired many artists to experiment with flamenco and electronic music and has opened up new opportunities for cross-genre collaborations and productions. “Malamente” has also helped to bring flamenco to a wider audience and to challenge the stereotypes and cliches associated with the genre.
