No

Shakira's song 'No' is a poignant expression of heartbreak and the resolve to move on from a toxic relationship. The lyrics convey a strong message of rejection and the pain that comes from a love that has turned harmful. Shakira uses the metaphor of poison to describe the detrimental effects of the relationship on her well-being, emphasizing that the hope and love she once felt have been overshadowed by the bitterness and anger that now weigh her down like concrete.

The song's narrative is one of empowerment, as the protagonist demands that her former lover stop making excuses and stop speaking as if they are still a unit. She insists on not being looked at or spoken to in the same way as before, highlighting the irreversible change in their dynamic. The use of the phrase 'La retórica es tu arma más letal' (Rhetoric is your most lethal weapon) suggests that the partner's words are no longer trustworthy and have become a source of pain.

Shakira's personal touch is evident in the lyrics, as she references her own age, 'Después de mis 26' (After my 26), which adds a layer of authenticity to the song. It's a reminder that with time and experience comes a diminishing patience for relationships that are draining and unfulfilling. The act of 'deshojando margaritas' (plucking daisies) symbolizes the contemplation of love's presence or absence, while the desire to provoke a reaction and closure indicates a final push towards ending the toxic cycle.