La Tortura Lyrics in English Shakira , Alejandro Sanz

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Below, I translated the lyrics of the song La Tortura by Shakira from Spanish to English.

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Verse 1

Oh my girl, keep the poetry

The word 'payita', from 'payo', is an informal term for non-gypsy. Here it seems to be used as a general term of endearment, such as 'sweetheart'

Keep the joy for you

Or: Keep the cheer to yourself

I don't ask that all days be sunny

I don't ask that all Fridays be a party

Nor do I ask you to come back begging for forgiveness

If you cry with dry eyes and talking about her

Bridge 1

Oh, love, it hurts so much

It hurts so much

That you left without saying where

Oh, love, it was torture to lose you

Chorus 1

I know that I haven't been a saint

But I can fix it love

Not only of bread the man lives

Or: Man cannot live on bread alone

And not from excuses I live

Or: And I cannot live off of excuses

Only from mistakes one learns

And today I know that my heart is yours

You better keep everything

That to another dog with that bone and we say goodbye

Or: Take that bone to some other dog and let's say goodbye

This is again this is again

This is again this is again no

Verse 2

I can't ask the winter to forgive a rosebush

I can't ask the elms to deliver pears

I can't ask for the eternal a mere mortal

And throwing at the pigs thousands of pearls

Bridge 2

Oh, love, it hurts so much

It hurts so much

That you don't believe anymore in my promises

Oh, love, it's torture to lose you

Chorus 2

I know that I haven't been a saint

But I can fix it love

Not only of bread the man lives

And not from excuses I live

Only from mistakes one learns

And today I know that my heart is yours

You better keep everything

That to another dog with that bone and we say goodbye

Verse 3

Don't stop, don't stop

Hey girl look, don't give up

'Mi negrita' translates directly as 'my little black/dark (girl)', but it is usually used an an endearing term for a partner, such as 'my sweetheart' or 'my baby'

From Monday to Friday you have my love

Leave the Saturday to me that is better

Or: But it's best if you leave Saturday to me

Hey my girl, don't punish me anymore

'Mi negra' translates directly as 'my black (girl)', but it is usually used an an endearing term for a partner, such as 'my sweetheart' or 'my baby'

Because out there without you I have no peace

I'm just a very regretful man

I'm like the bird that returns to its nest

Chorus 3

I know that I haven't been a saint

It's that I'm not made of cardboard

Not only of bread the man lives

And not from excuses I live

Only from mistakes one learns

And today I know that my heart is yours

Outro

Oh everything that I've done for you

It was torture to lose you

It hurts so much that it's like this

Keep crying forgiveness

I'm not going to cry today for you

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SONG MEANING

La Tortura is a fiery conversation between ex-lovers who are stuck in the push-and-pull of regret and desire. Shakira, singing from the woman’s point of view, calls out her partner’s empty apologies and broken promises, while Alejandro Sanz responds as the remorseful man who wants another chance. Their back-and-forth shows the pain of betrayal, the longing that refuses to die, and the stubborn pride that keeps them apart. The song’s title – “The Torture” – captures how love can feel like a delicious but painful trap.

Wrapped in an irresistible pop-reggaeton groove, the lyrics blend everyday sayings with poetic images: roses in winter, pearls thrown to pigs, and a heart that has learned its lessons the hard way. Shakira reminds us that “only from mistakes do we learn,” yet she refuses to live on excuses alone. Meanwhile, Alejandro pleads for just one more Saturday together. The result is a passionate duet that turns heartbreak into a dancefloor anthem, inviting listeners to move their bodies even while they feel the sting of lost love.

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Shakira La Tortura Lyrics