State of the World from NPR Remembering a Musical Giant in Mexico
Feb 21, 2025
This podcast pays homage to Paquita la del Barrio, a beloved Mexican singer who became a symbol of women's empowerment. Her songs about heartbreak and infidelity resonate deeply, blending humor with social commentary. The discussion highlights her remarkable journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a fierce voice against patriarchy, leaving a lasting impact on her fans and inspiring a whole generation of women.
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Rata de dos patas
- Paquita La del Barrio's most famous song, "Rata de dos patas" ("Two-legged Rat"), is a scathing attack on a former lover.
- The lyrics use vivid insults to express contempt and rage.
Paquita's Early Life
- Paquita La del Barrio, born Francisca Viveros Barradas, had a difficult childhood marked by poverty and her mother's bad luck with men.
- Paquita herself experienced similar struggles, becoming pregnant at 18 by a married man.
Paquita's Impact
- Paquita's songs resonated with women who had been told to endure suffering in silence.
- Her music allowed them to express their pain openly, even in a "mean and trashy way."