5 Shocking Facts About Justin Bieber's "Despacito" English Lyrics And The "Dorito" Controversy

The Despacito remix featuring Justin Bieber is arguably one of the most culturally significant songs of the 21st century, a fusion of Latin and global pop that shattered every streaming record imaginable upon its release. The track, originally by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, became a global phenomenon only after the Canadian superstar added his signature English-language verse and sang the chorus in Spanish, catapulting the song to the top of the charts in over 40 countries.

As of late 2025, the song continues to solidify its legacy, with the official music video for the original track boasting over 8.4 billion views, confirming its status as a monumental cultural force. This deep dive will explore the exact English lyrics Bieber contributed, dissect the Spanish translation that made the song so sensual, and reveal the infamous on-stage moment that turned "Despacito" into a source of unexpected controversy.

The Global Phenomenon: Justin Drew Bieber's Full Profile

Justin Bieber’s involvement in the Despacito remix was a pivotal moment in his career, bridging the gap between Western pop and the burgeoning global Latin music market. Here is a quick look at the man behind the historic collaboration:

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

• Birth Name: Justin Drew Bieber
• Date of Birth: March 1, 1994
• Birth Place: London, Ontario, Canada
• Nationality: Canadian
• Profession: Singer, Songwriter, Multi-instrumentalist, Actor, Producer
• Musical Genres: Pop, R&B, Dance-pop
• Discovery: Discovered by talent manager Scooter Braun via YouTube videos in 2008.
• Key Collaborations: Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee, Skrillex, Diplo, Ed Sheeran, Ariana Grande.
• Career Highlights: Grammy Award winner, multiple Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits, one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

Unpacking the English Verse: What Justin Bieber Actually Sings in "Despacito"

The Despacito remix was a strategic move that introduced the song to English-speaking markets, largely thanks to Justin Bieber's opening verse. The decision to keep the majority of the song in Spanish was a bold one that paid off, but Bieber’s English contribution set the mood and provided an accessible entry point for his massive fanbase.

Bieber's Complete Opening English Verse

Bieber’s verse is a smooth, R&B-infused introduction that mirrors the original song's theme of slow, deliberate seduction. His lyrics are:

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

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

The key line, "make me wanna savor every moment slowly," directly translates and sets up the central theme of the song, as the Spanish word "Despacito" literally means "slowly."

The True Meaning of the Spanish Chorus

While Bieber's verse is in English, the core of the song's appeal lies in the sensual, rhythmic Spanish lyrics sung by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee. The English translation of the chorus and main hook is essential to understanding the song's global draw:

• Despacito: Slowly.
• Pasito a pasito, suave suavecito: Step by step, gentle and soft.
• Nos vamos pegando, poquito a poquito: We’re getting closer, little by little.

The lyrics are a masterclass in building tension and romance, avoiding the fast pace of typical club songs and instead focusing on a slow, deliberate connection. This theme, combined with the irresistible reggaeton beat, made the song universally appealing, regardless of language.

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

The Infamous "Dorito" Incident and Despacito's Lingering Controversy

Despite the song's overwhelming success, it was not without its moments of controversy, primarily centered around Justin Bieber’s command of the Spanish lyrics. The most memorable incident occurred during a nightclub performance in New York City shortly after the remix's release.

During the performance, Bieber was expected to sing the Spanish parts of the chorus, but he struggled significantly to remember the words. Instead of the Spanish lines, he was recorded singing a series of nonsensical phrases.

The "I Don't Know the Words" Moment

The incident quickly went viral, with fans and critics pointing out his apparent lack of effort to learn the non-English portions of his own hit song. At one point, he famously sang: "I don't know the words, so I say 'Dorito'," which was widely perceived as a flippant dismissal of the Spanish language and the song's Latin roots.

Other variations he reportedly sang included "blah blah blah," adding to the social media frenzy. The controversy highlighted a broader debate about the appropriation of Latin music by mainstream pop artists, where a star benefits from the genre's popularity without fully respecting or engaging with its language and culture. Luis Fonsi, however, largely defended Bieber, acknowledging that Spanish was not his native language and praising his effort on the recorded track.

Despacito's Unbreakable Records and Lasting Cultural Authority

The Despacito remix did more than just top charts; it fundamentally changed the landscape of global music. Its success was a major catalyst in the rise of Latin music's global dominance, proving that Spanish-language songs could achieve mainstream success without needing to be fully translated.

Shattering the Billboard Hot 100

The song achieved a monumental feat by tying the record for the longest-running No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 at 16 consecutive weeks, a record it shared with Mariah Carey's "One Sweet Day" at the time. This achievement was particularly historic as it was the first predominantly Spanish-language song to reach the top spot since "Macarena" in 1996, and the first to do so with such a massive global impact.

A 21st Century Milestone

In a testament to its enduring legacy, Billboard recognized "Despacito" as the number one song of the 21st century, a milestone that confirms the track's historic and continuing influence on the music industry. The song's success demonstrated the power of streaming platforms and cross-cultural collaboration, establishing a new template for global hits.

The remix also helped Justin Bieber make history, as he became the first artist ever to tally new No. 1s on the Billboard Hot 100 in consecutive weeks, solidifying his status as a worldwide pop icon. The collaboration proved to be a perfect storm of star power, infectious rhythm, and cultural timing.

From its smooth English verse that invited listeners in, to the irresistible Spanish chorus that kept the world dancing, Despacito remains a benchmark for global music success. The song's journey—complete with record-breaking streams and viral "Dorito" moments—cemented its place not just as a hit, but as a cultural phenomenon that redefined the music industry for a new decade.