Paquita la del Barrio, the unapologetic queen of bold lyrics and fearless storytelling, sadly passed away on February 17 at the age of 77. A trailblazer in Latin music, she gained fame for her powerful songs that unapologetically confronted machismo, heartbreak, and betrayal, cementing her status as a symbol of female empowerment.
Among her many iconic tracks, Rata de dos patas (Two-Legged Rat) stands out as a timeless anthem. With its fiery lyrics and raw emotion, the song has resonated with audiences across generations. Through her music, Paquita la del Barrio transformed personal betrayal into one of the most powerful anthems in Latin music history.
The heartbreaking news of Paquita la del Barrio’s passing was announced by her family in a deeply moving statement on social media. Her last days were at her home in Veracruz, the place where her remarkable journey began and where she first fell in love with music.
"With deep sadness, we confirm the passing of our beloved Paquita la del Barrio at her home in Veracruz. She was an irreplaceable artist whose music will forever leave an imprint on the hearts of those who loved her," the statement read.
Although her family did not reveal the exact cause of death, Paquita had endured several serious health challenges in recent years, including sciatica, diabetes, and a lung condition that required her to rely on an oxygen tank. Yet, despite these hardships, she remained as fierce and passionate as ever, refusing to let illness silence her. Determined to share her powerful voice and indomitable spirit, she continued performing for as long as she could, never wavering in her connection with the fans who had stood by her for decades.
The origins of 'Rata de dos patas' (Two-Legged Rat), a song that will live forever
Manuel Eduardo Toscano, a fellow native of Veracruz, penned Rata de dos patas at the request of Paquita, but its inspiration came from a moment that Toscano found unforgettable. During one of her concerts at the Auditorio Nacional, he observed something remarkable: the audience didn't just appreciate Paquita's music—they erupted with excitement every time she unleashed stinging insults at unfaithful men. The electric energy in the room made Toscano realize he needed to create a song that captured that fiery vibe. What started as a simple observation soon transformed into Rata de dos patas, a song that would not only define Paquita’s career but also emerge as a timeless anthem of defiance and empowerment.
"One day, I went to see Paquita perform at the Auditorio Nacional, and I noticed something fascinating. When she sang about men, the audience roared, but their reaction to insults was even more intense. The energy was unmatched," he explained. "I wondered—what would happen if she sang a song where every word was an insult?"
Rata de dos patas transformed into more than just a song, serving as a rallying cry for those confronted with betrayal and providing a cathartic release for those grieving. Listeners resonated with its biting lyrics and bold delivery, cementing its status as one of the most iconic tracks in Paquita's collection.
Interestingly, there are rumors that Paquita was initially hesitant to record the song due to its audacious and confrontational style. However, upon reflecting on the lyrics, she recognized their significance and the powerful emotions they conveyed. In the end, she chose to embrace the song, and in 2000, Rata de dos patas was released as part of her album Taco placero. What started as a risky decision became a defining anthem of her career, a song that continues to resonate through the ages, immortalizing Paquita la del Barrio’s fearless spirit.
Toscano has shared with numerous Mexican media outlets that to write Rata de dos patas, he had to put himself in Paquita’s shoes and channel the same contempt she felt for her ex-husband. However, he later revealed that his true inspiration came from someone entirely outside Paquita la del Barrio’s personal life.
"There was a man who had been president of the Republic—bald, with big ears—but we couldn’t, and still can’t to this day, openly disrespect such figures," Toscano shared in an interview with El Arte de la Canción.
"At the time, we had a president in Mexico whom no one dared to openly disrespect, but as a songwriter, I thought, well, I’m going to write this song," he added.
The stories behind legendary songs endure through generations, preserving their legacy and influence. Rata de dos patas initially seemed like just another track on Paquita la del Barrio’s 2000 album, but it quickly gained momentum, resonating deeply with audiences.
A key factor in Paquita’s success was her fearless approach to challenging traditional gender roles in Mexican music. In a genre long dominated by male voices, she transformed the landscape by utilizing humor, razor-sharp wit, and unapologetic insults to expose infidelity and mistreatment. Songs like Cheque en blanco, Tres veces te engañé, and Me saludas a la tuya carried that same rebellious energy, cementing her status as a groundbreaking force in Latin music.