QUE PRETENDES Lyrics in English by J Balvin, Bad Bunny
This is a classic 'false friend' that often tricks English speakers! While it looks like the word 'pretend', pretendes actually means 'you intend' or 'what are you trying to achieve?'.
It's the key word in the song's title and fiery chorus, where J Balvin confronts his ex: "¿Qué pretendes tú llamándome a esta hora?" (What do you intend, calling me at this hour?). Learning this word is essential to understanding the song's defiant and dismissive attitude.
Ever had an ex call you late at night trying to get back together? That's exactly what's happening in this song. J Balvin and Bad Bunny team up for a reggaeton anthem about telling an ex that it's completely over. The song's title asks the big question: "¿Qué pretendes tú llamándome a esta hora?" [What are you trying to do, calling me at this hour?]. The singer knows all their ex's tricks, saying "Esa actitud la conozco ya" [I already know that attitude], but makes it clear that this time, it's not going to work. It's too late.
Bad Bunny's verse is especially blunt about how finished the relationship is. He says he's blocked her on every social media platform and, most importantly, "de mi vida te borré" [I deleted you from my life]. He's moved on and warns her that she's going to be jealous when "Me vas a ver con otra y te vas a morder" [You're going to see me with someone else and you're going to bite yourself]. The message is simple: the door is closed, locked, and the key has been thrown away.
