18. La Vacaloca
Manu Chao Lyrics

The first verse of La Vacaloca depicts a cow with a bad attitude who is being taken to the cemetery, having been condemned as innocent. The repetition of the phrase “pal cementerio se va” (she’s going to the cemetery) cements the sense of finality. It’s clear that this cow has been judged and sentenced, and that she is beyond redemption in the eyes of God, represented here in the line “ni dios le va a perdonar” (not even God will forgive her). Manu Chao’s use of the image of a cow – an animal that is typically seen as docile and harmless – is an interesting choice, as it subverts our expectations and adds another layer of meaning to the song.

The chorus of the song consists of the refrain “bailemos todos el vaca loca” (let’s all dance the crazy cow), which is sung twice, with the addition of the line “ese ritmo terminal” (this terminal rhythm). This seems to suggest that this dance is the last hurrah for the condemned cow – a final celebration before she departs this world. The second verse reinforces the idea of the decay of society, with the imagery of the cow rotting away and the idea that the world is falling apart. However, the song ends on a hopeful note, with the declaration of loyalty in the final line: “yo siempre estaré a tu lado” (I will always be by your side).