"La Cucaracha" - The REAL Meaning Behind The Song

Two days ago I was lurking on a music forum and one of the topics was a parody of the famous classic, "La Cucaracha". Being Italian I had always known the song, but not its meaning. Now that I live in Spain and my Spanish is much better than it used to be, I finally paid attention to the chorus.

The light hit me, it was like a revelation.

"The cockroach, the cockroach, can't walk anymore, because it doesn't have, because it's missing, a hind leg".

Honestly, I thought that was one of the most bizarre song lyrics ever. And apparently there are different versions of the song, one of which says:

"The cockroach, the cockroach, can't smoke anymore, because it doesn't have, because it's missing, marijuana to smoke".

Searching on Google my intention was to find the real meaning behind the song.

Certain versions of the song don't mention the cockroach's legs. Those that do refer to an old kids game that was all about pulling the poor animal's legs. If PETA ever heard of this they would be pissed.

Pre-Mexican Revolution versions of the song have some slightly obvious historical references, but the origins of the song are hard to track, although there is proof of the song's existance already in the mid 19th century.

The song became popular and meaninful during and after the Mexican Revolution, with lyrics such as:

"A cockroach told another, 'Whoever goes against my country will be taken down by the bitch'".

Or something like that.

You can purchase various versions of the song here. Trust me, you will never hear "La Cucaracha" with the same mindset from now on.