Music has always played a pivotal role in social movements throughout history. Its ability to unite people and create a sense of community and solidarity among protesters cannot be underestimated. Shakira understands this very well, as is evident from her latest single ‘El Jefe’ with Fuerza Regida, which highlights a pressing social crisis.
Recently, after the release of ‘El Jefe’, fans reminisced about Shakira’s performance with mariachis. She has cleverly used her music not just to entertain but also to raise her voice for various communities and societal issues.
One of Shakira’s notable works is Pies descalzos, sueños blancos (1995), where she delves into the roots of humanity and the exclusion that individuals face for not adhering to societal norms.
“You created a world of perfect precision and order, where every detail has its place and time. Meanwhile, I am a chaotic mess, unable to make sense of the entrances, exits, names, and measurements that surround me.” This quote is from Shakira’s song “Se Quiere, Se Mata” (1997), in which she tackles the controversial issue of abortion. Despite its legalization in many countries, there are still those who condemn women who choose to undergo the procedure. The lyrics depict a scenario in which a woman seeks an abortion but must keep it a secret from her family and neighbors. While her neighbor goes about her daily routine, the woman is buried underground, a tragic consequence of the societal stigma surrounding abortion.
Do you know who Lili Melgar is? She was mentioned by Shakira in her song ‘El Jefe’ from the album ¿Dónde están los ladrones? (1998). Through this song, Shakira raises her voice against corruption and condemns those who misuse their power for personal gain. Melgar appears to be someone who holds strong values and principles when it comes to standing up against corruption.
Have you ever noticed how those in power are always on the covers of magazines, with their powdered noses and dressed either in ties or blue jeans? That’s what the lyrics of Octavo dÃa (1999) talk about. It mentions the biblical creation story of the world being made in seven days but questions what happens on the eighth day – the day where the elites exercise their control over society. While the world continues to spin and spin without any sign of stopping, only a select few have the power to move us around like chess pieces.
Shakira’s “Poem to a Horse” (2004) contains allusions to addictions. The song highlights the difficulties of battling against addictions and how they can impact one’s life. Shakira employs metaphors and symbolism to effectively convey this idea.
In the lyrics, she sings about quitting before even trying, filling one’s mind with drugs, and indulging in self-destructive behavior. She likens this to being trapped in a “shell” and unable to break free from the cycle of addiction. Despite her appreciation for the individual, Shakira ultimately acknowledges that she must part ways.
Overall, “Poem to a Horse” serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by those battling addictions. Through her use of language and imagery, Shakira powerfully communicates the challenges and complexities of this issue.
In the song “How do you do” from 2005, there’s a mention of God in the lyrics. The artist asks some deep and thought-provoking questions about this entity, questioning the purpose of our existence and why we experience certain events in life. For example, the lyrics ponder on whether our paths have been pre-determined by God and if so, why do we still face conflicts and struggles.