Ricky Martin

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
She's into superstitions
Black cats and voodoo dolls
I feel a premonition
That girl's gonna make me fall

[Verse 2]
She's into new sensations
New kicks in the candlelight
She's got a new addiction
For every day and night

[Pre-Chorus]
She'll make you take your clothes off and go dancing in the rain
She'll make you live her crazy life, but she'll take away your pain
Like a bullet to your brain, come on

[Chorus]
Upside, inside out, she's livin' la vida loca
She'll push and pull you down, livin' la vida loca
Her lips are devil red and her skin's the color mocha
She will wear you out, livin' la vida loca (Come on)
Livin' la vida loca (Come on)
She's livin' la vida loca

[Verse 3]
Woke up in New York City
In a funky cheap hotel
She took my heart and she took my money
She must've slipped me a sleeping pill
[Pre-Chorus]
She never drinks the water, makes you order French champagne
Once you've had a taste of her, you'll never be the same
Yeah, she'll make you go insane (Come on)

[Chorus]
Upside, inside out, she's livin' la vida loca
She'll push and pull you down, livin' la vida loca
Her lips are devil red and her skin's the color mocha
She will wear you out, livin' la vida loca (Come on)
Livin' la vida loca (Come on)
She's livin' la vida loca

[Instrumental Break]

[Pre-Chorus]
She'll make you take your clothes off and go dancing in the rain
She'll make you live her crazy life, but she'll take away your pain
Like a bullet to your brain (Come on)

[Chorus]
Upside, inside out, she's livin' la vida loca
She'll push and pull you down, livin' la vida loca
Her lips are devil red and her skin's the color mocha
She will wear you out, livin' la vida loca (Come on)
Upside, inside out, she's livin la vida loca
She'll push and pull you down, livin' la vida loca
Her lips are devil red and her skin's the color mocha
She will wear you out, livin' la vida loca (Come on)
She's livin' la vida loca (Come on)
She's livin' la vida loca (Come on)
[Outro]
(Come on)
La vida loca
La vida loca
La vi

What do you get when you mix Latin flair, catchy lyrics, and a charismatic performer? You get one of the most successful songs in music history. Ricky Martin’s “Livin’ la Vida Loca” took the world by storm in 1999, and its popularity has yet to fade. The song became Martin’s biggest hit, reaching the top of the charts in seven countries, including the United States. With its infectious beat and Martin’s smooth vocals, it’s no wonder why “Livin’ la Vida Loca” has become a classic.

About Livin’ la Vida Loca

Released on March 23, 1999, “Livin’ la Vida Loca” is a dance-pop song with a touch of rock and roll. The song was co-written by Desmond Child and Draco Rosa and produced by Rosa and Emilio Estefan. When Martin first heard the track, he knew it was the perfect opportunity to showcase his musical skills and Latin heritage to the world.

The song's lyrics revolve around an intense and passionate romantic relationship. The title "Livin' la Vida Loca" roughly translates to "Living the Crazy Life," and the song follows Martin as he spirals into a wild love affair. The lyrics are both playful and seductive, making it impossible not to dance along when the song comes on.

But it wasn't just the song that took the world by storm- It was also the iconic accompanying music video. In the video, Martin dances and sings in a brightly lit city while surrounded by flamboyant dancers dressed in equally colorful outfits. The video was incredibly well-received and intensified the popularity of the song.

Perhaps one reason “Livin’ la Vida Loca” was such a hit was its ability to appeal to both English and Spanish-speaking audiences. It became a gateway for other Latin artists to follow in Martin’s footsteps and cross over to the English-speaking market. Shakira, Enrique Iglesias, and Paulina Rubio are just a few examples of this cross-cultural influence.

The success of “Livin’ la Vida Loca” was undeniable. The song won four MTV Video Music Awards and was nominated for four Grammy Awards. It also became one of the best-selling singles of all time, certified platinum in the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States.

It’s safe to say that “Livin’ la Vida Loca” has left a lasting impact on the music industry. Its combination of Latin flair, catchy lyrics, and charismatic performer created an unforgettable hit. Even 22 years after its release, it’s hard to resist the allure of this classic dance-pop song.

Inspiration

Many people wonder what inspired such a hit song. Ricky Martin has stated that his inspiration for "Livin’ la Vida Loca" was his own personal experiences. In an interview with The New York Times, Martin revealed that the song was inspired by a night he spent in a New York City club. He had met a woman that night who had such a strong impact on him that he couldn't help but write a song about her.

For Martin, it wasn't just the woman who inspired him, it was also the experience of being in New York City. Martin has mentioned several times how living in New York City had a profound effect on him as a person and artist. The city's energy and diversity inspired Martin to infuse his music with the same level of energy and diversity.

Legacy

It’s hard to deny the impact that “Livin’ la Vida Loca” has had on the music industry. The song's immense popularity and influence on the Latin music scene helped pave the way for future crossover success stories. Latin music became more mainstream, and Latin artists were given more opportunities to showcase their talent to a wider audience.

The song has also become a cultural phenomenon. It’s been featured in countless movies, TV shows, and commercials. Its catchy melody and lively beat have made it a popular choice for dance routines and karaoke sing-alongs.

“Livin’ la Vida Loca” has stood the test of time and remains a beloved classic to this day. Its ability to bring people together and get them dancing is a testament to its lasting impact.

But Why?

So what is it about “Livin’ la Vida Loca” that makes it so memorable? Perhaps it’s the song’s infectious beat that makes it impossible not to dance along. Maybe it’s the playful lyrics that paint a picture of a wild and passionate love affair.

Or maybe, it’s Ricky Martin himself. His charismatic persona and undeniable talent on stage make it hard not to be drawn in by his performance. Martin’s ability to seamlessly blend Latin flair with pop and rock elements creates a unique and captivating sound.

Whatever the reason, it’s clear that “Livin’ la Vida Loca” has left an unforgettable mark on the music industry. It’s a timeless classic that will continue to inspire and entertain for years to come.

• Release Date: March 23, 1999
• Artist: Ricky Martin