Illegal
Shakira Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Who would have thought that you could hurt me?
The way you've done it
So deliberate, so determined

Since you have been gone
I bite my nails for days and hours
And question my own questions on and on
Tell me now, tell me now
Why you're so far away
When I'm still so close

You don't even know the meaning of the words 'I'm sorry'
You said you would love me until you die
And as far as I know, you're still alive, baby

You don't even know the meaning of the words 'I'm sorry'
I'm starting to believe it should be illegal to deceive a woman's heart

I tried so hard to be attentive
To all you wanted, always supportive, always patient
What did I do wrong?
I'm wondering for days and hours
It's clear it isn't here where you belong

Anyhow, anyhow
I wish you both all of best
I hope you get along

You don't even know the meaning of the words 'I'm sorry'
You said you would love me until you die
And as far as I know, you're still alive, baby

You don't even know the meaning of the words 'I'm sorry'
I'm starting to believe it should be illegal to deceive a woman's heart

You don't even know the meaning of the words 'I'm sorry'
You said you would love me until you die
And as far as I know, you're still alive, baby

You don't even know the meaning of the words 'I'm sorry'
I'm starting to believe it should be illegal to deceive a woman's heart

Open heart, open heart
It should be illegal to deceive a woman's heart




Open heart, open heart
It should be illegal to deceive a woman's heart

Overall Meaning

The song "Illegal" by Shakira is a passionate and emotional plea from a heartbroken woman to her former lover who has hurt her deeply. In the first verse, the singer expresses her disbelief and shock at how cruelly she has been treated, and wonders why the person who caused her so much pain is now so far away from her. She is consumed with questions and self-doubt, obsessing over what she did wrong and how she could have done things differently to avoid this heartbreak.


In the chorus, Shakira delivers a powerful message about the importance of honesty and sincerity in relationships. She reminds her ex that he doesn't even know the meaning of the words "I'm sorry," and suggests that it should be illegal to deceive a woman's heart. This line is particularly powerful because it highlights the way in which women are often exploited and mistreated in relationships, with their hearts and feelings disregarded or taken for granted.


The second verse is a plea for understanding and closure, as the singer recounts her efforts to be a good partner and wonders why her former lover chose to walk away. Although she wishes them well in their new life, she cannot help feeling hurt and betrayed, and the pain of their separation continues to eat away at her.


Overall, "Illegal" is a powerful and heartfelt song that speaks to the experiences of many women who have been deceived and mistreated in relationships. Shakira's passionate vocals and emotive lyrics capture the pain and betrayal of heartbreak, while also advocating for greater honesty and respect in romantic relationships.


Line by Line Meaning

Who would have thought that you could hurt me?
I never expected you to cause me pain.


The way you've done it
Your actions were deliberate and purposeful.


So deliberate, so determined
You were intentional and certain in your hurtful behavior.


Since you have been gone
Ever since you left me,


I bite my nails for days and hours
I'm anxious and worried for periods of time.


And question my own questions on and on
I'm constantly analyzing and doubting myself.


Tell me now, tell me now
Please explain to me, right this moment,


Why you're so far away
Why you've distanced yourself from me,


When I'm still so close
Even though I'm still here, feeling close to you.


You don't even know the meaning of the words 'I'm sorry'
You don't understand the depth of apologizing for your actions.


You said you would love me until you die
You promised your love for me until death.


And as far as I know, you're still alive, baby
You are not dead, as far as I know.


I'm starting to believe it should be illegal to deceive a women's heart
Deceiving a woman's heart is morally and ethically wrong.


I tried so hard to be attentive
I made an effort to be helpful and caring.


To all you wanted, always supportive, always patient
I always tried to meet your needs and be there for you, no matter what.


What did I do wrong?
I can't figure out what mistake I made.


It's clear it isn't here where you belong
It's obvious to me that you shouldn't be here with me.


Anyhow, anyhow
Anyway, despite everything,


I wish you both all of the best
I hope you and your new partner have a happy life together.


Open heart, open heart
My loving and passionate heart


It should be illegal to deceive a woman's heart
It's unacceptable to lie to and hurt a woman who loves you wholeheartedly.


Open heart, open heart
My heart remains open and devoted.


It should be illegal to deceive a woman's heart
Lying and breaking a woman's heart is a crime.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Lester Mendez, Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@MAX-oz9um

[Verse 1: Shakira]
Who would've thought that you could hurt me?
The way you've done it
So deliberate, so determined
And since you have been gone
I bite my nails for days and hours
And question my own questions on and on

[Pre-Chorus: Shakira]
So tell me now, tell me now
Why you're so far away
When I'm still so close

[Chorus: Shakira]
You don't even know the meaning of the words "I'm sorry"
You said you would love me until you die
And as far as I know, you're still alive, baby
You don't even know the meaning of the words "I'm sorry"
I'm starting to believe it should be illegal
To deceive a woman's heart

[Verse 2: Shakira]
I tried so hard to be attentive
To all you wanted
Always supportive, always patient
What did I do wrong?
Been wondering for days and hours
It's clear, it isn't here where you belong

[Pre-Chorus: Shakira]
Anyhow, anyhow
I wish you both all the best
I hope you get along

[Chorus: Shakira]
You don't even know the meaning of the words "I'm sorry"
You said you would love me until you die
And as far as I know you're still alive, baby
You don't even know the meaning of the words "I'm sorry"
I'm starting to believe it should be illegal
To deceive a woman's heart

[Guitar Solo: Carlos Santana]

[Chorus: Shakira]
You don't even know the meaning of the words "I'm sorry"
You said you would love me until you die
And as far as I know you're still alive, baby
You don't even know the meaning of the words "I'm sorry"
I'm starting to believe it should be illegal
To deceive a woman's heart

[Outro: Shakira]
Open heart, open heart
It should be illegal to deceive a woman's heart
Open heart, open heart
It should be illegal to deceive a woman's heart



All comments from YouTube:

@Meni322

It’s a masterpiece and the video is so powerful. It’s a shame not many people know this song.

@maferomero3009

Es un crimen que está canción sea tan poco valorada. Es bellísima!

@victorialynch6119

Deberia ser ilegal bo escucharla...

@bayrongiovannyguzmanmellad3980

Lo que pasa es que esta cancion fue totalmente opacada por otro sencillo de este album esa cancion fue hips don't lie

@maosdvsf96

@@bayrongiovannyguzmanmellad3980 Realmente fue porque no se promocionó, en parte seguro por el éxito de Hips dont lie, pero estoy seguro que sí Shaki la hubiera lanzado para el mercado anglo y la hubiera promocionado, hubiera sido todo un éxito.

@dannodm2267

Lo mismo pienso

@nivesh6680

Y estamos nosotros que volamos mas alto y sentimos emociones unicas !!!

4 More Replies...

@rudypeskera6501

De las joyas ocultas de Shakira que solo los verdaderos fans hemos sabido apreciar y escuchar...... Ella nos demuestra porque es la grande, la reina, la única, que pedazo de canción espectacular junto al maestrisimo Carlos Santana, de antología Shakira

@roncordoba9353

La mejor canción de ese disco 👌🏼

@joelfuentes7117

Yo no soy fans de Shakira pero está canción al igual que don't brother son mis favoritas

More Comments

More Versions