 " Si Una Vez " ( English : If I Once ) is a song recorded by American recording artist Selena for her fourth studio album , Amor Prohibido ( 1994 ) . It was written by Pete Astudillo and produced by Selena 's brother @-@ producer A.B. Quintanilla . " Si Una Vez " is a mariachi fusion song and draws influence from cumbia and Latin dance music . Lyrically , Selena questions why she ever fell in love with an abusive partner , saying she will never repeat her mistakes . The lyrics suggest unrequited love and female empowerment . 
