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Today we have the sad tale of a relationship gone sour with "Malo" by Bebe, which translates to "Bad" or in this case it means "Evil." Bebe appeared almost out of nowhere in 2004 with the release of her hit single, "Malo" gained plenty of critical acclaim and Bebe and the song gained five nominations at next year's Latin Grammys, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Album of the Year. Bebe only won the Grammy for Best New Artist and disappeared as fast as she rose up. This isn't to say that Bebe didn't make music after "Malo," she had another hit in "Ella" and she would be nominated for Latin Grammys ever five years but "Malo" remains her most successful song.
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| Single Cover for "Malo" |
"Malo" deals with a woman retaliating against her husband because she is tired of his abuse. Bebe frames the song as a conversation after dark that turns ugly. Bebe remembers the fear that came upon her the first time that her husband hit her. He smelled of gin and tobacco and as he entered the house, Bebe hides behind a door. Bebe no longer knows who this man is because his handsome young face is aging with the time and hate running through his blood. Bebe's husband's insecurity in his masculinity is the reason why he hurts the people he love, not because he isn't masculine but because of machismo or the sense of being masculine. Machismo has plagued the Hispanic and Latino communities for far too long, It allows men to be lazy, drink, refuse to show emotions and beat their wives. Luckily many Latinos have noticed how problematic machismo can be and are unlearning it. Bebe begs to her husband that she and her poor heart cannot take anymore abuse. Bebe tells her husband to stop yelling because the children are asleep, referencing the over 40 percent of domestic abuse cases happen in households with children. Bebe says that she will turn into a flame and burn her husband's iron fist as her bruises give her the courage to repay all that her husband has done to her.
In the chorus, less is more as Bebe repeatedly tells her husband that he is stupid and evil. She shouts while telling him that someone doesn't harm somebody they love and that he isn't better than her or any woman. In the next verse, Bebe describes how her days are gray when her husband is around and how she feels better when he is gone. She must stay strong, however, so she swallows her pain while she cooks for her children. All this stress is causing her face to age as well, slowly but surely. She continues to call her husband stupid saying that his brain shrinks every time he calls her a "p---" or "w----." she repeats the pre-chorus and chorus before going into a coda of how her husband is an idiot and a weakling because he beats his wife. Bebe reminds her husband how he isn't better than anybody and how he is evil and will always be before smoking a cigarette and blowing it in his face.
The music video for "Bebe" isn't a complex one, it showcases Bebe, in grayscale, on stage performing "Malo" with the intensity of the lyrics. I really like how timid Bebe is during the sad parts and fiesty during the mad parts. She gives "Malo" the performance it deserves and if she doesn't do this everytime, I don't want to see it.
I really like this song and it's flamenco touch. This was the kind of music I would listen to along with Juanes and Julieta Venegas. The song also reminds me of "Date Rape" by Sublime with it's subject matter and video.
I give "Malo" 4.6 revenge tracks out of 5
I hope you enjoyed my review. How do you feel about "Malo"? Leave a comment and a request for Saturday down below.
I listed my sources below in case you are interested in reading more.
Take Care,
Jonathan
Bebe – Malo Lyrics | Genius Lyrics
