Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53

Bizarrap , Shakira

A pulsating electropop track fueled by raw defiance, painting a vivid picture of a woman reclaiming her power after betrayal.

Song Information

Release Date January 11, 2023
Duration 03:34
Album Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53
Language ES
Popularity 80/100

Song Meaning

"Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53" is a multi-layered diss track and empowerment anthem that chronicles Shakira's emotional state following her highly publicized separation from footballer Gerard Piqué. The song is a direct and unfiltered expression of betrayal, anger, and eventual self-reclamation. Lyrically, Shakira doesn't hold back, making explicit references to Piqué and his new partner, Clara Chía. The central message is one of empowerment, encapsulated in the now-famous line, "Las mujeres ya no lloran, las mujeres facturan" ("Women don't cry anymore, they cash in"). This line transforms the narrative of a scorned woman into one of financial and emotional independence. The song's meaning transcends personal revenge, becoming a broader statement against infidelity and a celebration of female strength and resilience in the face of adversity. Shakira uses the song as a form of "catharsis and a way to let go," turning her personal pain into a global anthem of empowerment that has resonated with millions.

Lyrics Analysis

The song is a powerful and direct confrontation of a past lover, delivered with unapologetic confidence and wit. The narrative begins with the singer declaring she has moved on and won't be returning to a relationship that brought her disappointment. She acknowledges her ex-partner's self-proclaimed champion status but points out that he showed his worst side when she needed him most. There's a clear sense of self-worth as she states a 'she-wolf' like her isn't meant for a 'rookie'.

The singer wants her message to be unmistakable, a truth for her ex to 'chew and swallow'. She makes it clear that no amount of crying or begging will bring her back. A pivotal moment comes when she absolves herself of blame for the public criticism he's facing, cleverly stating, 'I only make music, sorry that it splashes you,' with a pointed emphasis on the word 'salpique,' a direct nod to his last name. She recounts the difficult situation he left her in, with his mother as a neighbor, the press at her door, and a significant tax debt. However, she asserts that this experience didn't break her but made her stronger. This leads to the iconic declaration: 'Women don't cry anymore, they cash in'.

The song continues to dissect the ex-partner's new relationship, using sharp metaphors to highlight the downgrade. She compares herself to a Ferrari and a Rolex, while labeling the new partner a Twingo and a Casio, respectively. This isn't just about material value but about a perceived difference in quality and class. She also takes a jab at his intelligence, suggesting that while he spends a lot of time at the gym, he should also work out his brain. Throughout the track, she plays with words, using 'claramente' (clearly) to hint at the new girlfriend's name, Clara. The recurring theme is one of being 'too big' for him, which is why he is now with someone 'just like him.' The song is a journey from heartbreak to empowerment, a cathartic release of anger and a celebration of her own resilience and value.

History of Creation

The creation of "Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53" was a collaborative process born out of Shakira's desire to express the intense emotions following her breakup with Gerard Piqué. The collaboration was first rumored in August 2022 when Shakira wished the Argentine producer Bizarrap a happy birthday on social media. It was officially confirmed on January 10, 2023. The song was recorded in August 2022 in Barcelona. Shakira worked with Latin songwriter Keityn, with whom she had collaborated on her previous singles "Te Felicito" and "Monotonía". According to Keityn, Shakira came to the studio with a clear vision and a list of things she wanted to say. He stated, "Shakira was the songwriter. I merely helped her to make rhymes." The creative process reportedly took three weeks. Shakira herself revealed in an interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon that the dark, electronic undertones of the track were inspired by the English band Depeche Mode. The song was released on January 11, 2023, and became an instant global phenomenon.

Symbolism and Metaphors

"Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53" is rich with symbolism and direct metaphors that serve to critique Shakira's ex-partner, Gerard Piqué, and his new relationship. The most prominent metaphors are the comparisons between luxury and economy brands to represent her perceived value versus that of his new partner. The lyrics "Cambiaste un Ferrari por un Twingo / Cambiaste un Rolex por un Casio" ("You traded a Ferrari for a Twingo / You traded a Rolex for a Casio") directly position Shakira as a high-value, luxury item in contrast to the more common, less valuable alternatives. This is not just a statement of wealth but of class, quality, and worth.

Another significant lyrical device is the use of wordplay that directly alludes to Piqué and Clara Chía. The line "perdón que te salpique" uses a pause to emphasize "pique," while "claramente no es como suena" similarly highlights "Clara." This clever wordplay allows her to name them without explicitly doing so, adding a layer of wit to the diss. Furthermore, the reference to herself as a "loba" (she-wolf) is a powerful callback to her 2009 hit single, reclaiming a symbol of her own wild, untamable nature and power.

Emotional Background

The emotional landscape of "Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53" is a turbulent but ultimately triumphant journey from heartbreak and betrayal to anger and empowerment. The song is undeniably fueled by negative emotions, functioning as a "well-thought-out exorcism of toxic emotions." The predominant tone is one of defiance and anger, a direct response to the infidelity and public nature of her separation from Gerard Piqué. This is not the sorrow of a victim but the righteous fury of someone who has been wronged and is reclaiming her narrative.

This emotional intensity is created through a combination of elements. Shakira's vocal performance is sharp and biting, especially in the verses where she adopts a rap-like cadence. The lyrics are confrontational and unapologetic, using direct insults and clever wordplay to express her disdain. Bizarrap's production, with its dark, driving electropop beat, provides a relentless and energetic backdrop that amplifies the song's defiant mood. While the song is born from a place of pain, its overarching feeling is one of catharsis and liberation, celebrating the strength found in overcoming adversity.

Cultural Influence

"Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53" achieved unprecedented cultural and commercial success, shattering records and dominating global conversations upon its release. The song broke 14 Guinness World Records, including the most streamed Latin track on Spotify in 24 hours (over 14 million) and in one week (over 80 million), and the most viewed Latin track on YouTube in 24 hours (63 million). It became Shakira's first top-ten single on the US Billboard Hot 100 in over 15 years and the first all-Spanish track by a female artist to achieve this.

The song's impact was so significant that it was described as having "broke the internet." Its raw honesty and empowering message resonated with a global audience, particularly women who saw it as an anthem of resilience. The track sparked countless discussions, memes, and reactions across social media platforms. It also had a measurable impact on the brands mentioned in the lyrics, with Casio and Renault (maker of the Twingo) responding to the song. The song was performed live for the first time on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, a performance that itself went viral. It has been hailed as a pivotal moment in Latin music, solidifying Shakira's status as a global icon and demonstrating the immense power of Spanish-language music.

Rhyme and Rhythm

"Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53" is built on a foundation of a driving, electronic dance rhythm that is characteristic of Bizarrap's productions. The tempo is upbeat and steady, creating a sense of forward momentum that mirrors the song's message of moving on and not looking back. The song is set in the key of D Minor. The rhyme scheme is not strictly rigid, but it features consistent rhymes, particularly at the end of lines, which contributes to its catchy and memorable quality. For instance, in the verse, "mortifique'" rhymes with "mastique'" and "suplique'" with "critiquen" and "salpique."

The rhythmic structure of the lyrics is particularly noteworthy. Shakira's delivery alternates between melodic singing in the pre-chorus and chorus and a more staccato, almost rapped, cadence in the verses. This contrast enhances the emotional texture of the song, with the sung parts feeling more anthemic and the rapped sections conveying a more direct and confrontational tone. The interplay between the lyrical rhythm and the insistent electronic beat creates a powerful, hypnotic effect that has made the song a global dance floor and streaming success.

Stylistic Techniques

The song masterfully blends literary and musical techniques to create its impactful message. Musically, it's an electropop and EDM track with a synth-pop beat produced by Bizarrap, known for his signature style. Shakira's vocal delivery is a key stylistic element; she shifts from a melodic, sung chorus to a more rhythmic, rap-like delivery in the verses, conveying a spectrum of emotions from hurt to anger and defiance. The instrumental backing, inspired by Depeche Mode, provides a dark and driving electronic soundscape.

Literarily, the song is a prime example of a diss track, utilizing direct address and pointed accusations. Shakira employs sharp wordplay and puns, such as the strategic pauses in "sal-pique" and "Clara-mente," to directly target her ex and his new partner. The lyrics are filled with vivid and often biting metaphors, comparing herself to a Rolex and a Ferrari and the new partner to a Casio and a Twingo. The use of rhetorical questions and a declarative, confident tone throughout reinforces the song's theme of empowerment. The narrative voice is strong and unwavering, charting a clear emotional journey from pain to power.

Emotions

anger triumph tension excitement

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning behind Shakira's Bzrp Music Session Vol. 53?

The song is a diss track aimed at Shakira's ex-partner, Gerard Piqué, following their public breakup. It's a powerful anthem about female empowerment, resilience, and turning personal pain into strength and financial success.

What do the brand comparisons in 'Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53' mean?

Shakira compares herself to a Ferrari and a Rolex, and her ex's new partner to a Twingo and a Casio. This metaphor highlights her perceived higher value, class, and quality in contrast to the 'downgrade' she feels he made.

What are the hidden messages in the lyrics of Shakira's song with Bizarrap?

Shakira uses clever wordplay to reference her ex and his new girlfriend. She intentionally pauses during the word 'salpique' to emphasize 'Piqué' and in 'claramente' (clearly) to hint at the name 'Clara'.

When was 'Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53' released?

The song was released on January 11, 2023, and quickly became a global phenomenon, breaking numerous streaming and viewing records.

What records did 'Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53' break?

The song broke 14 Guinness World Records, including the most-streamed Latin track on Spotify in 24 hours and one week, and the most-viewed Latin track on YouTube in 24 hours.

What is the significance of the line 'women don't cry anymore, they cash in'?

This iconic line, 'Las mujeres ya no lloran, las mujeres facturan,' is the core message of the song. It signifies a shift from sorrow to empowerment, emphasizing financial independence and the ability to profit from a negative experience.

Who co-wrote the lyrics for 'Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53' with Shakira?

Shakira worked on the lyrics with Colombian songwriter Keityn, who helped her structure her ideas and rhymes for the track. However, Keityn has emphasized that Shakira was the primary songwriter with a clear vision for the song's message.

What musical genre is Shakira's Bizarrap session?

The song is primarily categorized as electropop and electronic dance music (EDM), with a distinct synth-pop influence characteristic of Bizarrap's production style.

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