Mayores

"Mayores" (which translates to "Older Ones") is a song that operates on two distinct levels. On the surface, it is a playful and catchy reggaeton track about a woman's preference for dating older men. Becky G's lyrics express a desire for a man who is a 'caballero' (gentleman) — someone who is attentive, brings her flowers, and treats her like a lady. However, the song's deeper meaning lies in its deliberate use of provocative double entendre and its challenge to gender norms in music.

The most controversial and defining lyric, "A mí me gustan más grandes, que no me quepan en la boca... los besos que quiera darme" ("I like them bigger, so they don't fit in my mouth... the kisses he wants to give me"), is a prime example of this. The pause in the line is intentionally misleading, playing on sexual innuendo before resolving with a more innocent meaning. Becky G has stated that this was a conscious choice designed to provoke a conversation about double standards. She pointed out that male artists in the urban and reggaeton genres often use far more explicit lyrics without facing the same level of scrutiny. By using this provocative, tongue-in-cheek style, she aimed to highlight this hypocrisy and empower women to be as open about their desires as their male counterparts.

Therefore, the song's true meaning transcends a simple preference for older partners. It is a statement of female empowerment, sexual agency, and confidence. It’s about a woman owning her desires, challenging societal taboos, and subverting expectations in a male-dominated genre. It's less about the literal age of a partner and more about a preference for maturity, experience, and a specific kind of dynamic in a relationship.

The narrative unfolds from the perspective of a woman who openly expresses her preference for older, more mature men. She isn't looking for a boy who is inexperienced or uncertain; she desires a 'gentleman' who knows how to treat her like a lady. This ideal man is someone who performs classic chivalrous acts, such as opening doors for her and sending her flowers. However, this desire for traditional romance is juxtaposed with a bold and assertive sexuality. She reveals that while she appreciates being treated with courtesy and respect ('like a lady'), she also has a wild side, especially in the bedroom ('cuando estamos en la cama').

The central and most talked-about theme revolves around the repeated line, "A mí me gustan más grandes, que no me quepan en la boca... los besos que quiera darme" which translates to "I like them bigger, so they don't fit in my mouth... the kisses he wants to give me." This line is a deliberate play on words, a provocative double entendre that cleverly uses a pause to mislead the listener into a sexual interpretation before completing the thought with an innocent reference to kisses. This lyrical trick underscores the song's playful yet defiant tone. She clarifies that a few extra years don't matter and that her preference is for a man who is not only a good friend but also a skilled lover.

Bad Bunny's verse provides a male counterpoint. He addresses the woman's preferences directly, positioning himself as the exception to her rule. He acknowledges he is young but claims to have the financial stability and maturity of an older man ('Yo no soy viejo, pero tengo la cuenta como uno'). He promises to fulfill her desires for adventure and boasts about his stamina, suggesting he can offer the excitement and satisfaction she seeks, essentially arguing that age is not the only measure of a man's worth or ability to please a woman. He portrays himself as a young man who can provide the best of both worlds: youthful energy and the desirable attributes of an older, established partner.

Throughout the song, the woman reiterates her core desires: a man who is confident, established, and capable of making her feel 'loca' (crazy) with passion. The song is a celebration of female agency and sexual liberation, where the protagonist is unapologetic about her preferences, challenging traditional norms and expectations placed on women in relationships. It’s a bold statement of wanting a partner who is experienced in life and love, and not being afraid to articulate those desires, even if they are considered controversial or taboo.

"Mayores" was released on July 14, 2017, as the lead single from Becky G's debut studio album, Mala Santa (2019). The song was recorded in February 2017. The idea for the song originated as a 'joke' following the public reaction to Becky G's relationship with soccer player Sebastian Lletget, who is five years her senior. She recalled that people's perception of their age difference was so 'outrageous' that it made her think about what the reaction would be if he were significantly older. This personal experience sparked the core concept of the song.

The track was written by a team of songwriters including Servando Primera, Mario Cáceres, Patrick Ingunza, Saul Castillo (also known as Saúl Alexánder Castillo Vásquez), and Bad Bunny (Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio). The production was handled by Jorge Fonseca, with co-production from Gaby "Gaby Music" Rivera. Additional personnel included Yasmil Marrufo on guiro and engineering, Richard Bravo on percussion and engineering, Mambo Kingz on engineering, and Mike Fuller on master engineering.

Becky G described the creation of "Mayores" as a pivotal moment marking her transition into a more mature phase of her career, calling it a 'coming-of-age moment' and the start of a 'new era'. She was actively involved in the creative process. When collaborating with Bad Bunny, whose solo work is often more explicit, she gave him specific instructions to find a 'happy medium' – to be himself but to be clever about it. This led to his creative verse where he argues a young man can still possess the desirable qualities of an older one. The song's controversial nature was intentional, aimed at making people 'shift in their seats' and think about double standards in music.

"Mayores" is built on the rhythmic foundation of reggaeton, which is central to its feel and structure.

Rhythm and Tempo:

• The song utilizes the classic dembow rhythm, a syncopated pattern that is the defining characteristic of reggaeton. This rhythm provides a constant, danceable pulse throughout the track, making it infectious and club-friendly.
• The tempo is upbeat and steady, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere that invites movement. The interplay between the driving beat and the more relaxed vocal delivery creates a sensual, swaying groove.

Rhyme Scheme and Lyrical Flow:

• The rhyme scheme is generally simple and direct, typical of pop and urban music, focusing on couplets and straightforward patterns that make the lyrics easy to follow and remember. For example, the pre-chorus uses an AABB-like structure: "A mí me gusta que me traten como dama / Aunque a veces se me olvide cuando estamos en la cama / A mí me gusta que me digan poesía al oído / Por la noche cuando hacemos groserías." (Although 'oído' and 'groserías' are assonant rather than perfect rhymes).
• The lyrical rhythm often follows the musical rhythm closely, with phrases structured to fit neatly within the measures of the dembow beat. This tight relationship between lyrics and music enhances the song's catchiness.
• Bad Bunny’s rap verse introduces a different rhythmic flow. He uses a more complex, syncopated delivery that contrasts with Becky G's melodic singing, adding variety and a conversational, trap-influenced texture to the song. His flow is confident and plays with the beat, demonstrating a technical skill that complements the song's themes of cleverness and confidence.

"Mayores" employs a range of stylistic techniques, both musically and lyrically, to achieve its provocative and catchy appeal.

Musical Techniques:

• Genre Fusion: The song is primarily a reggaeton track but incorporates elements of Latin pop and cumbia, giving it a broad appeal and a danceable groove.
• Instrumentation: The production features the characteristic dembow rhythm of reggaeton, complemented by a simple but effective chord progression in F Minor. The inclusion of live instruments like the güiro and other percussion, played by Yasmil Marrufo and Richard Bravo respectively, adds an organic texture to the electronic beat.
• Vocal Delivery: Becky G's vocal style is confident and sultry, with a playful tone that matches the song's lyrical wordplay. Bad Bunny's feature provides a textural contrast with his distinctive deep, slurry vocal delivery and trap-influenced flow, which he adapts to be clever rather than overly explicit.
• Hook and Melody: The song is built around an incredibly catchy and repetitive melodic hook in the chorus, making it highly memorable. The overall melodic and chordal structure is noted as being relatively simple, which prioritizes rhythm and vocal delivery.

Literary Techniques:

• Double Entendre: This is the central technique. The entire song, especially the chorus, is built on lyrical wordplay that suggests a sexual meaning before revealing a more innocent one.
• Narrative Voice: The song is sung from a strong, first-person perspective, giving the lyrics a direct and personal feel. This assertive female voice unapologetically states her desires, which was a significant part of its impact.
• Juxtaposition: The lyrics create a powerful contrast by placing traditional desires (a 'caballero' who brings flowers) right next to modern, assertive sexual agency ('a veces se me olvida cuando estamos en la cama' - sometimes I forget that when we're in bed). This juxtaposition creates a complex and relatable female protagonist.

"Mayores" was a massive commercial success and had a significant cultural impact, marking a turning point in Becky G's career and making a statement in the Latin music world.

Chart Performance and Popularity: The song topped the charts in numerous countries, including Spain, Mexico, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru. In the United States, it peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart and reached number 74 on the main Billboard Hot 100. The music video, released on July 13, 2017, became a viral phenomenon, accumulating over 2 billion views on YouTube, making it one of the most-watched music videos on the platform.

Controversy and Dialogue: The song's provocative lyrics and double entendres sparked considerable debate. Critics and audiences discussed whether the lyrics were inappropriate, while many others praised the song for its cleverness and for challenging the double standards faced by female artists. Becky G herself used the controversy to advocate for feminism in music, highlighting the hypocrisy that male artists rarely face for much more explicit content. This discussion elevated the song from a simple hit to a cultural talking point about sexism and female empowerment in the music industry.

Awards and Recognition: The song's success was recognized with several accolades. It won Favorite Urban Song at the 2018 Latin American Music Awards and was nominated for Song of the Year. It also received a nomination for Top Latin Song at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards. The album it was featured on, Mala Santa, was certified 8X Platinum (Latin) in the US.

Legacy: "Mayores" solidified Becky G's status as a major star in the Latin urban music scene. It showcased her transition from a teen pop singer to a mature, confident female artist and established her signature style of blending pop sensibilities with reggaeton rhythms and empowered, sometimes provocative, lyrical themes.

The most prominent literary device in "Mayores" is the central double entendre, which functions as the song's primary symbol and metaphor.

• The "Bigger Kisses" Metaphor: The line "A mí me gustan más grandes, que no me quepan en la boca... los besos que quiera darme" is the song's core symbol. On a literal level, it refers to large, all-encompassing kisses. Metaphorically, however, it represents a desire for an all-consuming, mature, and experienced love. The deliberate pause before "los besos" (the kisses) creates an ambiguity that points towards oral sex, making the eventual reveal a clever subversion of expectations. This symbolizes the song's theme of challenging listeners' preconceptions and highlighting the double standards applied to female sexuality in music. Becky G uses this to say something provocative and then playfully reveal a tamer meaning, putting the 'dirty' interpretation on the listener.
• 'Mayores' (Older Ones) as a Symbol of Maturity: The term 'mayores' itself is symbolic. While it literally means older, in the context of the song it symbolizes more than just age. It represents experience, stability, confidence, and emotional maturity. Becky G isn't just singing about a chronological number; she's using age as a stand-in for a set of desired qualities in a partner—someone who is past the indecisive stages of youth and knows what they want.
• The 'Caballero' (Gentleman) Archetype: The desire for a 'caballero que sea interesante' (a gentleman who is interesting) who brings flowers and opens doors is a symbol of traditional romance. By juxtaposing this classic archetype with bold, modern sexual confidence, the song symbolizes the contemporary woman who can desire and embody both tradition and liberation simultaneously. She wants the respectful treatment of a 'lady' and the passionate connection of a 'freak'.

"Mayores" is structured around several highly effective recurring phrases and motifs that are key to its meaning and memorability.

• The Main Hook: "A mí me gustan mayores"
  This phrase, meaning "I like older ones," is the central thesis of the song and is repeated frequently in the chorus. Its recurrence drills the song's main theme into the listener's head, making it the most recognizable part of the track. It acts as both the title and the primary lyrical motif.
• The Double Entendre Line: "Que no me quepan en la boca... los besos que quiera darme"
  This line, always following the main hook, is the song's most famous and provocative motif. Its repetition is crucial; it reinforces the playful, tongue-in-cheek nature of the song. Each time it's repeated, it solidifies the song's identity as a clever and daring piece of wordplay.
• The "Caballero" Motif: "De esos que llaman señores / De los que te abren la puerta y te mandan flores"
  This recurring description of the desired 'older man' as a gentleman ('señor') who performs traditional acts of chivalry (opening doors, sending flowers) serves as a crucial counterpoint to the song's sexual undertones. It's repeated in every chorus to emphasize that the singer's desires are not purely physical but are also tied to a want for respect, romance, and maturity.
• Bad Bunny's Rebuttal Motif: "Yo no soy viejo, pero..."
  In his verse, Bad Bunny introduces the motif of being young but having the attributes of an older man ("Yo no soy viejo, pero tengo la cuenta como uno" - "I'm not old, but I have the bank account like one"). This theme of youthful energy combined with mature assets is his unique contribution and serves as a clever response to Becky G's stated preferences.