Not that you need any excuse at all to belt Selena tunes, but now it’s in the name of health and good hygiene. I recently came across an article out of Atlanta that provided the lyrics to good handwashing songs to sing for achieving the recommended 20 seconds in the midst of the coronavirus panic. It’s genius and really helpful, but it wasn’t quite San Antonio appropriate.
So, I started thinking: What would get us all excited to wash our hands down here in the best city in the Lone Star State? Duh, Selena. Here’s a brief little outline for making sure you’re staying true to your San Antonio roots AND staying clean. Obviously, a win-win.
For those of you that don’t know Spanish (or don’t know it very well, like me), it doesn’t matter. Selena transcends all language barriers because she. was. just. that. good. Learn these words as a start and grab yourself some delish smelling soap and go to town. Together, with Selena, we can overcome.
Bidi Bidi Bom Bom
Just how many bidi bidis does it take to wash the bom bom out of the coronavirus? 38. In 38 bidis and 22 boms, you can confidently walk (or dance) around the city feeling cleaner than ever. But watch those hips, they might not stop when you walk away from the sink. Sing it twice for the full 20 seconds of recommended handwashing.
Bidi bidi bom bom (bidi bidi bom bom)
Bidi bidi bom bom (bidi bidi bom bom)
Bidi bidi bidi bidi bidi bom bom
Bidi bidi bidi bidi bidi bidi bom
Amor Prohibido
I’ve basically been singing this song in the mirror for the past 20 years. It’s a solid choice for any occasion of handwashing but does extremely well as a “bathroom break at the bar while I stare at myself in the mirror and think I look good” handwashing sesh. It’s good loud, it’s good in the shower and now, it’s good at any sink in your house… Ohhh, Ohhh, Baby!
Amor prohibido murmuran por las calles
Porque somos de distintas sociedades
Amor prohibido nos dice todo el mundo
El dinero no importa en ti ni en mi
Ni en el corazon oh, oh baby
I Could Fall in Love
Ever felt the need to wash your hands in unison with your beloved? Cleaning your hands together while swaying to the beat of the music with a sweet rose foam wash? Here’s your chance. Selena maps it out in 7 simple words (sung slowly and seductively for full effect). It’s obviously a very perfect choice for a killer hand wash. So, go out there, virus-free, and make uncomfortable eye contact with clean hands.
I could fall in love with you (x2 for good measure)
Si Una Vez
So for this one, I see two very specific options. The first is the amazing chorus, which is typed down below. It puts you right at about 22 seconds of germ-free scrubbing. It’s fast, it’s great to dance to, and the words are powerful and easy to belt. Basically its a #sorrynotsorry #idontloveyouanymore situation and it just feels so darn good to sing.
The second option is basically to sing Yo into the mirror for 20 seconds in your most sultry, “stick it to them” face, perfecting the dramatic singing that Selena was so good at. Up to you. I do it both ways and really, I’m excellent at both. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, you need to know quickly. It’s a great one.
Si una vez dije que te amaba, hoy me arrepiento
Si una vez dije que te amaba
No sé en lo que pensé, estaba loca
Si una vez dije que te amaba
Y que por ti la vida daba
Si una vez dije que te amaba, no lo vuelvo a hacer
Ese error es cosa de ayer
El Chico del Apartamento 512
A classic in my book and one that can really get you sweating while all the while practicing your Spanish, germ-free. In all honesty, if you can sing this perfectly, it will only take you 18 seconds. For me, I’m getting a solid 30 out of this one because I’m better at dancing to it than singing. BUT, that makes this one all the better for a post-diaper change or jalapeño cutting sesh if you’re slow with the words.
El chico del apartamento 512
El que hace a mi pobre corazon saltar
Es a quien le hago cartas noche y dia
que no puedo entregar
El chico del apartamento 512
Es el quien me hace tartamuda y mas
Es en quien yo pienso y sueño noche y dia,
El, solo el
Dreaming of You
This is for all those lovers out there just wanting to combine a power ballad with their desire for cleanliness. Sing it loud, sing it proud. I can almost promise you that if you’re in a public place and start belting this out, you’re going to get some backup singers almost immediately. So feel the love, snuggle up to your loved ones (but not too close until you washed your hands), and enjoy the romance of a solid 90’s high school slow-dance.
‘Cause I’m dreaming of you tonight
‘Til tomorrow, I’ll be holding you tight
And there’s nowhere in the world I’d rather be
Than here in my room dreaming about you and me
Techno Cumbia
Can you really be a Selena fan without knowing this song? If you don’t know it, don’t admit it to anyone. Just learn it. Added bonus if you break out with some cumbia dance moves at the sink.
Baila, baila sin parar
No hay tiempo de descansar
Este baile es para ti
Quiero verte hasta sudar
Le mueves pa’ca, le mueves pa’lla
Este el nuevo baile de la techno cumbia
Le mueves pa’ca, le mueves pa’lla
Es el nuevo baile de la techno, techno cumbia
