Anis is the Spanish word for "anise", a spice known for its distinct, licorice-like flavor.
In the song, Shakira sings of saying goodbye to a "boca de anis" (anise-flavored mouth). This is a beautifully poetic and unusual metaphor for a kiss, suggesting something that might be sweet at first but leaves a sharp, lingering, and perhaps even unpleasant aftertaste, perfectly capturing the bittersweet feeling of leaving a lover behind.
Have you ever felt like you needed to leave a place, or a person, to save yourself? In her pop-rock anthem "Te Dejo Madrid" (which means I'm Leaving You, Madrid), Colombian superstar Shakira sings about exactly that. The song is a powerful declaration of independence and self-respect after a painful breakup.
Shakira uses the city of Madrid as a metaphor for a relationship that has become superficial and suffocating. She sings about hiding her pain but knows she'll be okay, comparing herself to a cat that always lands on its feet: "Los gatos, como yo / Caen de pie" (Cats, like me / Land on their feet). She's tired of a partner she calls a coward, someone with "skin-deep routines" and a constant "desire to flee." This song is all about choosing to walk away from something that hurts you, even if it's difficult, and finding the strength to start over.
Shakira (born Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll in 1977, Barranquilla, Colombia) is a celebrated Colombian singer-songwriter known worldwide as the Queen of Latin Music. With a career spanning over three decades, she has mastered a blend of Latin pop, dance, reggaeton, and rock influences, captivating audiences across the globe.
Shakira rose to fame with hits like Estoy Aquà and Hips Don't Lie, and has earned multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards. Beyond her musical talents, she is renowned for her distinctive voice, mesmerizing dance moves, and her role in popularizing Hispanic music internationally. An advocate for education and children’s rights, Shakira also leads the Barefoot Foundation to empower underprivileged youth. Her impressive legacy bridges cultures and languages, making her one of the best-selling and most influential Latin artists of all time.