Si Una Vez – English Lyrics

• By: Selena

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into the raw emotion and empowering message of Selena's "Si Una Vez"! This iconic track is a fantastic way to learn Spanish, as its lyrics clearly express feelings of regret and newfound strength after a failed relationship. What makes this song truly special is Selena's passionate vocal delivery and captivating stage presence, combined with its unique blend of mariachi, cumbia, and Latin dance influences. Recognized for its musicality and Selena's vocal prowess, it's a vibrant and meaningful song that continues to resonate.

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
love /lʌv/ A2	noun - an intense feeling of deep affection verb - to feel deep affection for someone
arrepent /əˈprɛnt/ B2	verb - to feel remorse or regret about something
dios /dios/ A2	noun - God, deity, supreme being
te /teɪ/, /tɛ/ A1	pronoun - you (object form)
vida /ˈbi.ðað/ A2	noun - life
querer /keˈɾeɾ/ A2	verb - to want, to love
pied /pje/ A2	noun - foot
desprecio /desˈpɾeʃio/ B1	noun - contempt, scorn
error /eˈroɾ/ A2	noun - mistake
error /eˈroɾ/ A2	noun - mistake
volver /bolˈβeɾ/ A2	verb - to return
volverás /bolβaˈɾas/ A2	verb - you will return

Key Grammar Structures

• Si una vez dije que te amaba hoy me arrepiento

  ➔ Use of the subjunctive mood to express regret.

  ➔ The phrase "Si una vez dije" indicates a conditional situation in the past.

• Y que por ti la vida daba

  ➔ Use of the imperfect tense to describe past actions.

  ➔ The phrase "la vida daba" indicates a continuous action in the past.

• Ese error es cosa de ayer

  ➔ Use of the present tense to express a current state.

  ➔ The phrase "Ese error es" indicates a current realization of a past mistake.

• No se lo que pensé estaba loca

  ➔ Use of the past tense to reflect on previous thoughts.

  ➔ The phrase "no se lo que pensé" indicates uncertainty about past thoughts.

• Yo me puse dispuesta a tus pies

  ➔ Use of reflexive verbs to indicate personal commitment.

  ➔ The phrase "me puse dispuesta" shows the speaker's willingness to submit.

• Y tan solo con desprecio me has pagado

  ➔ Use of the present perfect tense to describe past actions with present relevance.

  ➔ The phrase "me has pagado" indicates a past action that affects the present.

• Se que un día tú volverás

  ➔ Use of the future tense to express expectation.

  ➔ The phrase "tú volverás" indicates a belief in a future event.