BULERÍAS Lyrics in English by ROSALÍA
puñala'ita is a colloquial and diminutive form of the word puñalada, which means "stab wound". The -'ita suffix literally means "little", so the word translates to "little stab".
In the song, ROSALÍA uses this unique word to refer to the constant, painful criticisms and betrayals she faces. She defiantly sings, "De cada puñala'ita / Saco mi rabia" (From every little stab / I get my rage), powerfully illustrating how she transforms this negativity into the passionate fuel for her art.
ROSALÍA comes out swinging in "BULERÍAS," a song that's all about her hard work and artistic identity. She makes it clear she's gotten where she is on her own terms, without compromising. She insists, "Yo no tuve que hacer / Na'ita que yo no quisiera" (I didn't have to do / Anything I didn't want to), but that doesn't mean it was easy. She immediately follows up by saying she had to work nonstop: "Yo me maté 24/7 / Eso es lo que tuve que hacer" (I killed myself 24/7 / That's what I had to do). It's a powerful declaration that she owes her success to her own relentless effort, not to changing who she is for others.
The coolest part is how she defines her connection to flamenco. She says she's "igual de cantaora con un chándal de versace / Que vestidita de bailaora" (just as much a flamenco singer in a Versace tracksuit / As dressed as a flamenco dancer). This line is everything! She's claiming her authenticity whether she's in high fashion streetwear or traditional costume. She also gives shout-outs to her influences, from flamenco legends like Pastora Pavón Niña de los Peines ("Pastori") and Mercé to hip-hop and alternative artists like Lil' Kim, Tego Calderón, and M.I.A. She's building a bridge between worlds and telling everyone that this is who she is, take it or leave it.
