Rabiosa Lyrics in English by Shakira, El Cata
Rabiosa literally translates to "rabid", which is usually a negative term. However, in this hit song, Shakira reclaims the word to mean something powerful and positive, closer to "fierce," "wild," or "untamable."
She sings "Yo soy rabiosa" (I am fierce) to express a passionate and intense energy that can't be contained. It's a fantastic example of how context can completely change a word's meaning, turning it into an anthem of female confidence.
Colombian superstar Shakira teams up with Dominican artist El Cata for "Rabiosa", a fast-paced pop track driven by wild energy and possessive flirtation. The title translates to "rabid" or "fierce," and Shakira owns that label from the jump. She brags about having a crowd waiting for her with "Yo tengo pila y loco haciendo cola" ("I've got a ton of crazy guys standing in line"), using the Caribbean slang pila to mean "a whole lot." Even with all that attention, her focus is locked on one person. She makes it clear she is not interested in sharing anyone with "Mentira, eso de dividir contigo / Porque esa vuelta no es pa' mí" ("No way, that sharing thing with you / Because that situation isn't for me").
The track skips subtle romance for direct, physical demands. The chorus repeats the blunt call to action: "Arúñame la espalda / Y muérdeme la boca" ("Scratch my back / And bite my mouth"). When she sings "Que yo te quiero amarrado aquí" ("I want you tied down here"), El Cata fires the same energy right back, turning the song into an intense, playful tug-of-war where both sides want complete control.
