In Chantaje, Shakira explores the complexities of a relationship between two people who are constantly playing a game of give and take. The lyrics describe a situation in which one person is trying to manipulate the other, while the other is trying to remain independent and free. The song speaks to the power dynamics of relationships, and how one person can be both a masochist and an egoist in the same relationship. Ultimately, the song suggests that no matter how hard one person tries to control the other, the other will always remain free.
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When you're well, you walk away from me
You feel alone and I'm always there
It's a war of give and take
Then give me what you have there
Hey baby don't be bad
Don't leave me with these desires
It's heard on the street that you don't want me anymore
Come and tell me to my face
Prechorus 1
Ask whoever you want
Life, I swear that it's not like this
I never had a bad intention
I never wanted to make fun of you
With me you see, you never know
One day I say no and another yes
I'm a masochist
With my body, an egoist
Chorus 1
You are pure, pure blackmail, pure, pure blackmail
It's always your way
I want you even if I don't want to
You are pure, pure blackmail, pure, pure blackmail
You're free like the air
I'm not yours nor anyones
Verse 2
How you tempt me when you move
That sexy move always entertains me
You know how to manipulate me well with your hips
I don't know why you have me on the waiting list
They tell you out there what I'm doing and undoing
That I go out every night, that I have you there suffering
That in this relationship I'm the one who commands
Don’t pay attention to all that bad propaganda
Why tell you anything, they brainwash you
Don't go to straighten what hasn't been twisted
And like a madman I continue after you, dying for you
Tell me what is there for me, babe, what?
Prechorus 2
Ask whoever you want
Life, I swear that it's not like this
I never had a bad intention
I never wanted to make fun of you
With me you see, you never know
One day I say no and another yes
I'm a masochist
With my body, an egoist
Chorus 2
You are pure, pure blackmail, pure, pure blackmail
It's always your way
I want you even if I don't want to
You are pure, pure blackmail, pure, pure blackmail
You're free like the air
I'm not yours nor anyones
With my body, an egoist
You are pure, pure blackmail, pure, pure blackmail
It's always your way
I want you even if I don't want to
You are pure, pure blackmail, pure, pure blackmail
You're free like the air
I'm not yours nor anyones
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