Antes de Las Seis

Shakira's song 'Antes de Las Seis' is a poignant ballad that delves into the emotional turmoil following a separation or the impending end of a relationship. The lyrics express vulnerability and a deep sense of loss, as the singer grapples with the absence of a loved one and the impact it has on her perception of time and self.

The opening lines of the song reveal a confrontation with change, as Shakira describes someone acting cold and distant, 'hard as a rock.' She reflects on the intimacy they shared, exposing parts of herself that were previously untouched, both physically and emotionally. The mention of 'lunares' (moles or freckles) that she didn't even know of herself symbolizes the deep personal insights gained through the relationship. The reference to her 'talón de Aquiles' (Achilles' heel) and her poetry signifies the sharing of her most vulnerable and creative aspects with her partner.

The chorus is particularly evocative, with Shakira noting how the night seems to arrive 'mucho antes de las seis' (much before six o'clock) since her partner left. This metaphor suggests that darkness and loneliness encroach upon her life earlier than natural, disrupting the normal cycle of day and night. The imagery of leaving the ship before setting sail to an 'isla desierta' (deserted island) could represent abandoning the relationship before it has fully run its course, leaving her to wonder what could have been. Throughout the song, Shakira questions what will happen next, both for herself and the relationship, highlighting the uncertainty that accompanies heartbreak.