Paquita la del Barrio, the beloved Mexican singer known for her unapologetically fierce style, passed away at the age of 77 on Monday. She will forever be remembered for her hit song, Rata de dos patas (Two-Legged Rat), which brought her fame far beyond Mexico’s borders.
In this iconic anthem, Paquita delivers a raw and cathartic performance, calling out the “filthy rat” that symbolizes the ultimate betrayal. The song, filled with harsh and bitter words like “damned vermin” and “how much harm you have done to me!”, struck a chord with thousands of women who sang it loud and proud, letting go of their heartbreak and frustration.
But did Paquita herself always want to record it? Not quite. She initially hesitated after hearing it, unsure if it was too harsh. Yet, after giving it some thought, she decided it was perfect for her, and Rata de dos patas became one of her most adored songs.
How did this masterpiece come about? The song was penned by Manuel Eduardo Toscano, a composer who often collaborated with Paquita. Inspired by the powerful reaction of her fans during a concert, Toscano wondered, “What if Paquita sang a song with nothing but insults aimed at men?” That question led to Rata de dos patas, a song filled with bold lyrics that were unheard of in Mexican music at the time.
But there’s more to the story. While many assumed the song was inspired by Paquita’s tumultuous love life, Toscano later revealed it was actually inspired by a different kind of “two-legged rat” — former Mexican president Carlos Salinas de Gortari. In a rare interview, Toscano explained how the man who was bald, with large ears, and had held high office in Mexico was the true muse behind this passionate hit.
Despite her personal pain and difficult relationships, Paquita turned Rata de dos patas into a career-defining anthem. In fact, she often mentioned that the partnership with Toscano, the composer behind her most successful tracks, was magical.
Paquita la del Barrio may be gone, but Rata de dos patas will continue to echo through the hearts of many, forever cementing her as a queen of Mexican music. – BBC
