Tortura by Shakira Lyrics Meaning – Unveiling the Heartache and Redemption
Lyrics
No pido que todos los viernes sean de fiesta
Tampoco te pido que vuelvas rogando perdón
Si lloras con los ojos secos
Y hablando de ella
Ay amor me duele tanto
Me duele tanto
Que te fueras sin decir a donde
Ay amor, fue una tortura perderte
Yo sé que no he sido un santo
Pero lo puedo arreglar amor
No solo de pan vive el hombre
Y no de excusas vivo yo
Solo de errores se aprende
Y hoy sé que es tuyo mi corazón
Mejor te guardas todo eso
A otro perro con ese hueso
Y nos decimos adiós
Esto es otra vez esto es otra vez no
No puedo pedir que el invierno perdone a un rosal
No puedo pedir a los olmos que entreguen peras
No puedo pedirle lo eterno a un simple mortal
Y andar arrojando a los cerdos miles de perlas
Ay amor me duele tanto
Me duele tanto
Que no creas más en mis promesas
Ay amor
Es una tortura
Perderte
Yo sé que no he sido un santo
Pero lo puedo arreglar amor
No solo de pan vive el hombre
Y no de excusas vivo yo
Solo de errores se aprende
Y hoy sé que es tuyo mi corazón
Mejor te guardas todo eso
A otro perro con ese hueso
Y nos decimos adiós
Oye negrita mira
Tiene mi amor
Oye mi negra, ay
Yo solo soy un hombre arrepentido
Yo sé que no he sido un santo
Y es que no estoy hecho de cartón
No solo de pan vive el hombre
Y no de excusas vivo yo
Solo de errores se aprende
Y hoy sé que es tuyo mi corazón
Ay ay ay ay ay
Ay, todo lo que he hecho por ti
Una tortura perderte
Me duele tanto que sea así
Sigue llorando perdón
Yo, ya no voy
A llorar por ti
Shakira’s ‘Tortura’ is not just another Latin pop track; it’s a profound narrative woven with the threads of heartbreak, guilt, and the arduous journey towards forgiveness. The Colombian singer-songwriter, known for her emotional transparency and sultry rhythms, takes listeners through an odyssey of love’s complexities, laying bare the soul of a sinner seeking redemption.
Beyond the catchy hooks and melodious blend of reggaeton with traditional instrumentation lies a tapestry of metaphors and introspective confessions that reveal a universal truth about human fallibility and the pursuit of reconciliation. In ‘Tortura,’ we excavate beneath the surface to discover the nuanced layers of meaning that have resonated with listeners worldwide.
Anatomy of Regret – A Sinner’s Confession
The crux of ‘Tortura’ is a raw admission of wrongdoing. The protagonist, voiced by Shakira, is not blind to her own imperfections, openly acknowledging that she has not lived like a saint. However, there’s a glimmer of hope that undercuts the remorse as she insists on the possibility of mending the fractures caused by her mistakes.
Through her poetic license, Shakira paints a picture of a complex individual who understands that life and love are not sustained by mere excuses but through learning from errors and actively seeking to repair the damages inflicted upon the heart’s canvas.
The Power of Nature’s Metaphors
Shakira’s artistry shines in her use of nature to articulate the impossibility of certain desires. By juxtaposing the expectancy of unnatural events—like a rosebush seeking pardon from winter, or elm trees bearing pears—she emphasizes the futility in asking for eternal attributes from mortal companions.
These vivid images not only conjure a sense of the absurdity some requests might hold but also ground her acceptance that certain aspects of love and life are inherently unchangeable. It’s a lesson in recognizing the limitations within relationships and self-imposed expectations.
A Rejective Anthem: ‘A Otro Perro Con Ese Hueso’
A standout moment in the song comes from the dismissal of continued deceit, encapsulated in the line ‘A otro perro con ese hueso.’ Literally translating to ‘to another dog with that bone,’ the phrase is a cultural idiom signifying that the speaker is too wise to fall for the same trickery.
Here, Shakira’s lyrics embody the firm decision to move on from toxic patterns, reflecting an empowerment to rise above past manipulations. It’s a declaration of newfound strength and the determination to no longer be placated by hollow promises.
Unearthing the Hidden Meaning: Love’s Torturous Path
The Spanish word ‘tortura,’ which means ‘torture,’ is more than a mere mention—it’s the thematic lifeline of the song. Love, in its most tormenting form, has the capacity to become an instrument of both pain and pleasure. It’s about the excruciating process of letting go and the agony of unrequited trust and broken commitments.
Yet, there’s a deeper subtext to the pain; it’s a cathartic release and a transformative process that leads to personal growth and the eventual healing of emotional scars. Shakira doesn’t merely focus on suffering; she subtly implants the message that survival through torturous love is a test of resilience and self-worth.
Delivering Emotion: The Lines That Echo The Soul
Throughout ‘Tortura,’ a number of lines capture the listener’s soul, but few do it quite like ‘Ay amor, fue una tortura perderte’ (‘Oh love, it was a torture to lose you’). This refrain is a plea, a confession, and an acknowledgment of the profound sense of loss that comes with the end of a deep connection.
Each iteration of the phrase pierces deeper, embodying the cyclical nature of grief and the pervasive ache that accompanies the memory of what was once held dear. The craftsmanship of these words lies in their ability to resonate on a visceral level, encapsulating the universal experience of love’s most severe trial.
