Here is the traditional Spanish versions of the song with English translation. There is no final version of the song and it is often improvised. Although sometimes it’s a humorous song, La cucaracha is also a metaphor for lack and helplessness.
La cucaracha means the cockroach and it’s about the bug who cannot walk because has missing legs. We can therefore consider it a song of the people, a song of the street, a form of expression of the mood of those who sing it or dance to it. With quite obscure Spanish origins, the song was modified over time by groups and individuals according to spontaneous situations, cultural and political events.
The Spanish song “La Cucaracha” became popular during the Mexican revolution around 1910.