Gordita (feat. Calle 13)
Shakira
Exploring the Playful Banter and Raw Attraction in Shakira's 'Gordita'
Shakira's 'Gordita,' featuring Calle 13, is a song that delves into the themes of raw attraction, playful teasing, and the celebration of a partner's physical and personal traits that may not conform to conventional standards of beauty. The song's title, 'Gordita,' which translates to 'little chubby girl' in English, is used affectionately to address a loved one in a way that embraces body positivity and the idea that love and attraction go beyond physical appearances.
The lyrics of 'Gordita' are a back-and-forth exchange between Shakira and her counterpart, where they express their mutual attraction and the ways in which they drive each other wild. Shakira mentions that she doesn't desire a scholar or a millionaire, but rather someone like her partner, whose raw and unfiltered language captivates her. The song's verses are filled with metaphors and imagery that suggest a primal, animalistic passion between the two, as they refer to each other as hunter and prey, and talk about losing their manners and behaving like animals.
Calle 13's contribution to the song adds a layer of playful banter, as they reminisce about Shakira's past image when she was 'gordita,' with dark hair and a round face, and a bit of a rocker vibe. The song celebrates Shakira's transformation while also acknowledging a fondness for her previous look. The lyrics also touch on the idea of embracing one's unrefined side, enjoying the raw and 'obscene' aspects of each other, which are equated with authenticity and genuine pleasure. Overall, 'Gordita' is a celebration of love that is unapologetic, passionate, and accepting of one's true self, imperfections and all.