Objection (Tango) by Shakira Lyrics Meaning – The Tango of Twisted Love and Liberation

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Shakira's Objection (Tango) at Lyrics.org.

Lyrics

It’s not her fault that she’s so irresistible
But all the damage she’s caused isn’t fixable
Every twenty seconds you repeat her name
But when it comes to me you don’t care
If I’m alive or dead.

No-o Objection I don’t wanna be the exception
To get a bit of your attention
I love you for free and I’m not your mother
But you don’t even bother
Objection I’m tired of this triangle
Got dizzy dancing tango
I’m falling apart in your hands again
No way I’ve got to get away

Next to her cheap silicone I look minimal
That’s why in front of your eyes I’m invisible
But you gotta know small things also count
You better put your feet on the ground
And see what it’s about.

So objection, I don’t want to be the exception
To get a bit of your attention
I love you for free and I’m not your mother
But you don’t even bother
Attention the angles of this triangle
Got dizzy dancing tango
I’m falling apart in your hands again
No way, no no no no.

I wish there was a chance for you and me
I wish you couldn’t find a place to be
Away from here……

This is pathetic and sardonic
It’s sadistic and psychotic
Tango is not for three
Was never meant to be
But you can try it
Rehearse it
Or train like a horse
But don’t you count on me
Oh don’t you count on me boy

Objection I don’t want to be exception
To get a bit of your attention
I love you for free and I’m not your mother
But you don’t even bother
Objection I’m tired of this triangle
Got dizzy dancing tango
I’m falling apart in your hands again
No way I’ve got to get away.

Get away.. get away hey hey hey get away
Uh huh uh huh hooooooo
uh huh uh huh… Uh huh oooooo
Oh Im falling apart in Your hands again.
get away hey hey hey.
Im falling apart in your hands again.
Get away…… Get away

In an enchanting blend of Latin beats and English prose, Shakira’s ‘Objection (Tango)’ weaves a narrative of love, jealousy, and assertiveness. The song pulsates with the heart of traditional Argentine tango, while its lyrics convey a modern story of a woman entangled in a toxic love triangle, reflecting universal experiences of despair and desire for autonomy.

The multi-layered song doesn’t just flirt with the conventional tropes of romantic rivalry and passionate discourse, it dances through them with the kind of stiletto-sharp wit and candor that have become hallmarks of Shakira’s songwriting. Let’s delve into the profound depths of ‘Objection (Tango)’ and uncover the true essence behind its rhythmic facade.

A Dance of Discontent: Contrasting Personalities in Love’s Triangle

Shakira’s protagonist is caught in a disparaging comparison with another woman, rendered ‘invisible’ in the light of cheap allure. It’s a stark exposition of modern relationships’ superficial values, where physical appeal often trumps emotional connectivity. The tango appears as a metaphor for the repetitive, dizzying pattern of her affections being overlooked.

The contrast between silicone and minimalism, the visible and the unseen, points to a deeper commentary on self-worth and society’s skewed standards. It beseeches the listener to look past the surface and to recognize the ‘small things’ – a plea for the substance over the facade in romantic pursuits.

The Liberating Strike: Rejecting the Role of Second Fiddle

Rebellion simmers at the core of the song as Shakira’s voice veils no desperation, only a firm objection. She refuses to be the ‘exception,’ exposing the inequity in her lover’s distribution of attention and care. This is the rallying cry of a woman examining the ledger of love and finding the balance sorely wanting.

There’s a liberating quality to this outcry, a sentiment that rejects the mundane martyrdom that society often expects of women—particularly in their roles as lovers or caregivers. Shakira, through her music, dispels the myth that such inequity should be endured silently.

Beneath the Steamy Tango: Parsing the Song’s Hidden Meaning

Beyond the drama, ‘Objection (Tango)’ points to the pervasive sense of alienation that can occur even in close relationships. It speaks volumes about the identity crisis one might face when love turns into an obstacle course of validation.

Shakira uses the analogy of dancing the tango to unravel the complexities of shared emotions that are out of sync. In a tango for two, a third person is not just a crowd but an aberration. The song cleverly casts romantic entanglement and personal integrity as strange but inevitable dance partners.

Unforgettable Lyrics That Echo the Collective Heartbreak

Lines like ‘Every twenty seconds you repeat her name / But when it comes to me you don’t care / If I’m alive or dead’ etch a vivid picture of neglect. The sentiment resonates far beyond the individual, encompassing the universal ache of unreciprocated love.

The memorably biting phrase, ‘Tango is not for three / Was never meant to be,’ delivers a verdict on the absurdity of the situation with the punch of a seasoned poet. It’s a line that stings, drawing a boundary that demands respect and recognition under the spotlight.

Empowerment Anthems: Shakira’s Signature on Musical Liberation

Shakira has long established herself not just as a musician but as a harbinger of empowerment through her expressive lyrics. ‘Objection (Tango)’ serves as a significant example of this, veering from the pathos of rejection to the triumph of self-assertion.

As the song surges towards the finale with ‘No way I’ve got to get away,’ there’s an unmistakable essence of freedom. Shakira’s message is unequivocal: true love should never compromise one’s integrity, and sometimes the most passionate step in the dance of love is to walk away.