Vida Loca

Album: Translation (2020)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Vida Loca" translates to "crazy life." Here, will.i.am admits to being a bit unhinged.

    Don't you know I'm loco?
    No quiero no problemo


    Will has little regard to the opinion of others and just does what he wants.
  • Nicky Jam jumps in for the second verse, which he sings in Spanish. He starts off by riffing Ricky Martin's 1999 classic "Livin' La Vida Loca."

    Vida loca y no e' la de Ricky (Ah)
    Con una canción y me busco el ticket


    Martin's song is about a seductive woman who makes him forget his troubles and go crazy.
  • Will.i.am is renowned for being tech savvy, but it seems Nicky Jam is less so. He recalled to Billboard:

    "Will hit me up on DM. I didn't even know he used Instagram like that. Like a groupie, I was starstruck. I think I left him a voice note because I'm not good with texting - I'd rather just talk."

    Jam added that Will contacted him again two or three months later, They met at the studio, and "did magic" together.
  • Tyga raps the third verse, He strays from the song's "going crazy" theme by talking about hooking up with a girl at a party.
  • Will.i.am gives a nod to his former Black Eyed Pea colleague Fergie. He uses the same Spanglish "dour, tres, two, uno" countdown as on their 2006 collaboration "Fergalicious."
  • Rick James and MC Hammer get songwriting credits because "Vida Loca" interpolates "U Can't Touch This." The music of Hammer's 1990 hit is based on James' "Super Freak."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."

John Lee Hooker

John Lee HookerSongwriter Interviews

Into the vaults for Bruce Pollock's 1984 conversation with the esteemed bluesman. Hooker talks about transforming a Tony Bennett classic and why you don't have to be sad and lonely to write the blues.

Who Wrote That Song?

Who Wrote That Song?Music Quiz

Do you know who wrote Patti Smith's biggest hit? How about the Grease theme song? See if you can match the song to the writer.

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.

Ian Astbury of The Cult

Ian Astbury of The CultSongwriter Interviews

The Cult frontman tells who the "Fire Woman" is, and talks about performing with the new version of The Doors.

Donny Osmond

Donny OsmondSongwriter Interviews

Donny Osmond talks about his biggest hits, his Vegas show, and the fan who taught him to take "Puppy Love" seriously.