7 Shocking Secrets Hidden In The English Words To 'Despacito' You Never Knew

The global phenomenon that is "Despacito" continues to captivate listeners years after its release, but for millions of English speakers, the true, often explicit, meaning of the Spanish lyrics remains a mystery. Released by Puerto Rican artists Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee in January 2017, the song became an even bigger worldwide sensation with the April 2017 remix featuring Canadian superstar Justin Bieber, which introduced the only official English words to the track.

As of December 2025, the song’s cultural footprint is undeniable, having broken numerous records and solidified Latin music’s place in the global market. This article breaks down exactly which parts of the song are in English, the full, seductive translation of the Spanish verses, and the deep cultural context that made "Despacito" more than just a catchy tune.

The Architects of the Global Reggaeton Sensation

The success of "Despacito" is a story of three powerhouse artists—a Latin pop veteran, a reggaeton legend, and a global pop icon—coming together to create history. Understanding the song requires a look at the profiles of its creators.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

• Luis Fonsi (Luis Alfonso Rodríguez López-Cepero): Born April 15, 1978, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Fonsi is a Latin pop and R&B singer, songwriter, and actor. He was already a well-established artist in the Latin world for decades before "Despacito," known for romantic ballads. His contribution brought a smoother, melodic pop sensibility to the track.
• Daddy Yankee (Ramón Luis Ayala Rodríguez): Born February 3, 1977, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Widely regarded as the "King of Reggaeton," Daddy Yankee is a rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. His verses inject the raw, rhythmic energy of traditional reggaeton into the song. He is also famous for hits like "Gasolina."
• Justin Bieber: Born March 1, 1994, in London, Ontario, Canada. A globally recognized pop, R&B, and EDM artist. His involvement in the remix was pivotal, introducing the song to mainstream North American and European radio, despite his initial struggle to remember the Spanish lyrics in live performances.

The Official English Words: Justin Bieber's Contribution to the Remix

When most people search for the "words to Despacito song in English," they are referring to the parts sung by Justin Bieber in the 2017 remix. This version is the only one to feature officially recorded English vocals, and they appear primarily at the beginning of the track and in the bridge.

1. The English Opening Verse: Setting the Scene

Bieber’s section immediately sets a familiar tone for English-speaking listeners, transitioning smoothly into the Spanish. His lyrics establish the protagonist's desire and the central theme of a slow, deliberate seduction.

• "Come on over in my direction"
• "So thankful for that, it's such a blessing, yeah"
• "Turn every situation into heaven, yeah"
• "Oh, you are my sunrise on the darkest day"
• "Got me feeling some kind of way"
• "Make me wanna savor every moment slowly, slowly"

2. The English Bridge: The Slow Buildup

The English words in the bridge further emphasize the song’s core message: taking things "slowly." The word Despacito itself translates to "slowly" or "extra slowly," often with a connotation of a good, sensual vibe.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

• "Slowly, slowly" (Despacito, Despacito)
• "This is how I want to do it" (Así es como me gusta)
• "I want to see you dance" (Quiero verte bailar)
• "I want to be your rhythm" (Quiero ser tu ritmo)

The remix cleverly uses Bieber's English lines to bridge the gap between the two languages, making the Latin track accessible to a wider, non-Spanish speaking audience and helping it become the first mostly Spanish-language song to top the Billboard Hot 100 since "Macarena" in 1996.

The Full, 'Raunchy' Translation: What the Spanish Words Really Mean

The true shock for many listeners comes when they realize the full, literal English translation of the Spanish lyrics sung by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee. The song is not a sweet love song; it is an explicit, sensual, and highly suggestive narrative about a slow, drawn-out process of seduction and sexual intimacy.

3. The Core Intent: "Slowly" is a Euphemism

The word Despacito is the key. While meaning "slowly," in the context of the lyrics, it’s a euphemism for taking their physical encounter step-by-step. The entire song is a detailed description of a man telling a woman exactly how he wants to explore her body.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

4. The Direct, Seductive Translation

The lyrics are filled with vivid, direct imagery that leaves little to the imagination. The song is categorized as a reggaeton and Latin pop song with lyrics about desiring a sexual relationship, performed in a smooth and romantic way.

• "I want to undress you with kisses slowly" (Quiero desnudarte a besos despacito): This is one of the most famous and direct lines, clearly outlining the physical desire.
• "Let me tell you things in your ears" (Déjame decir cosas al oído): The line is followed by the implication that these "things" will make her forget everything else.
• "I want to slowly breathe on your neck" (Quiero respirar tu cuello despacito): A sensual line that focuses on physical closeness and touch.
• "Let me pass the danger zones" (Déjame rebasar tus zonas de peligro): This is a clear metaphor for moving past boundaries and getting intimate.
• "Until I make you scream" (Hasta hacerte gritar): This line, sung by Daddy Yankee in his rap verse, is arguably the most explicit, referring directly to the climax of the sexual act.

5. The Metaphor of the Labyrinth

Luis Fonsi sings, "I want to walk your hair, I want to be your labyrinth." (Quiero recorrer tu pelo, quiero ser tu laberinto). This is a poetic, yet sensual, way of saying he wants to explore every part of her, getting lost in her presence. The lyrics weave a narrative that celebrates physical closeness, using wordplay to emphasize the slow buildup of a deep connection.

The Lasting Impact and Topical Authority of 'Despacito'

Beyond the catchy tune and the hidden raunchiness, the "Despacito" phenomenon holds significant topical authority in music history. It was a cultural game-changer, proving that language is no barrier to global musical success.

6. The Latin Music Revolution

"Despacito" significantly broadened the music industry's receptivity to non-English songs, encouraging a more inclusive global market. Before this track, it was a rarity for a Spanish-language song to dominate charts in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The song’s success paved the way for other Latin artists and genres, including Maluma, J Balvin, and Bad Bunny, to find massive international success.

7. The Power of the Reggaeton Beat

The song's infectious rhythm is a blend of Latin pop and reggaeton, a genre originating in Puerto Rico. The core beat, often referred to as "dembow," is what drives the track's danceability and global appeal. This rhythm is what makes the song universally understandable, even if the words are not. The track’s production, handled by Andrés Torres and Mauricio Rengifo, was key to its polished, crossover sound.

The enduring legacy of "Despacito" is a testament to the fact that music transcends language. Whether you know the English words from Justin Bieber's verse or the full, steamy Spanish translation, the song's intention—a slow, sensual dance—is felt in every beat. The song is a vibrant emblem of Latin American music culture, a global smash hit that broke down barriers and redefined the pop landscape for the modern era.

Key Entities and LSI Keywords:

• Luis Fonsi
• Daddy Yankee
• Justin Bieber
• Despacito Remix
• Reggaeton
• Latin Pop
• Puerto Rico
• Billboard Hot 100
• English Translation
• Spanish Lyrics Meaning
• Seduction
• Sexual Intimacy
• Andrés Torres
• Mauricio Rengifo
• Dembow Beat
• Macarena
• Global Phenomenon
• Cultural Impact
• Non-English Songs
• Maluma
• J Balvin
• Bad Bunny
• Universal Music Latin