(Entre Paréntesis) (part. Grupo Frontera)

Shakira's song "(Entre Paréntesis)" featuring Grupo Frontera delves into the emotional turmoil of sensing the end of a relationship that hasn't been explicitly declared. The lyrics express the protagonist's confusion and pain as they notice a stark change in their partner's behavior. The coldness and distance felt in the partner's kisses and presence in bed signal a love that has faded, leaving the protagonist longing for the warmth and passion that once was.

The repeated lines "Se nota cuando se quiere / Pero cuando no, se nota más" (It shows when there's love / But when there isn't, it shows even more) highlight the contrast between past affection and the current state of emotional detachment. The title itself, "(Entre Paréntesis)", suggests that the end of the relationship is being left unsaid, as if it's an afterthought or something to be dealt with later. This metaphor of putting the end 'in parentheses' speaks to the avoidance of a direct confrontation or acknowledgment of the relationship's demise.

The collaboration with Grupo Frontera adds a unique blend of Shakira's pop sensibilities with regional Mexican music elements, creating a poignant backdrop for the song's narrative. The emotional weight of the lyrics is matched by the intensity of the music, which helps to convey the sense of a love that's slipping away, despite the protagonist's desire to hold on or at least receive a straightforward admission of the relationship's end.