Tres Veces Te Engañe
Paquita La Del Barrio
The Triumphant Reclamation of Self-Worth in Paquita La Del Barrio's 'Tres Veces Te Engañe'
Paquita La Del Barrio, a Mexican singer known for her rancheras and other Mexican styles, often addresses themes of female empowerment and social justice in her music. Her song 'Tres Veces Te Engañe' is no exception, as it tells the story of a woman who, after being neglected and taken for granted by her partner, decides to take control of her life and happiness.
The lyrics of 'Tres Veces Te Engañe' describe a narrative of infidelity as an act of rebellion against a partner who has not valued the protagonist's loyalty. The repetition of the line 'Tres veces te engañé' (I cheated on you three times) emphasizes the deliberate nature of her actions. Each instance of infidelity is attributed to a different motive: 'La primera por coraje' (the first out of anger), 'La segunda por capricho' (the second on a whim), and 'La tercera por placer' (the third for pleasure). These reasons reflect a progression from reactive to proactive behavior, culminating in the protagonist's pursuit of her own satisfaction.
The song also includes a direct address to the unappreciative partner, with the singer using strong language to convey her newfound disdain and independence. The phrase '¿Me estás oyendo, inútil?' (Are you listening to me, useless one?) is a powerful dismissal of the partner's worth and a declaration of the protagonist's autonomy. By the end of the song, the protagonist no longer cares about her partner's forgiveness or actions, as she feels alive and important on her own terms. The final lines, 'No quiero volverte a ver' (I don't want to see you again), serve as a definitive end to the relationship, signifying the protagonist's closure and self-liberation.