Q&A: Shakira

Woody Allen
I like his dark sense of humor, and I think the way his intellect moves is very attractive. I went to see him playing clarinet not too long ago in New York, at the bar where he plays every Monday. He was looking at his shoes the whole time.

San Francisco
There's some kind of freedom that you feel in the air. I would live there, but it's kind of scary for me to commit myself to live in one place. I'm a nomad - I have this gypsy soul.

Painting
It's the freedom that it gives you. Modern art just allows you to paint the first thing that comes into your head, even if it doesn't make sense. I picked this whole situation of Clinton and Lewinsky, and I painted this picture of Lewinsky eating a carrot, called Lewinsky Vegetarian. [Sony head] Tommy Mottola asked me for that painting, and he has it in his office.

Karaoke
I don't actually do it. I would die! I'd be too nervous. That takes a certain braveness that I don't have. I just like to watch the people.

The KingFisher History Encyclopedia
Right now, I'm studying the Hebrews. I love history, and I wish I knew a little more about it. I started my career very early - right out of high school - and I couldn't go to a university because I already had a contract. It has been only music since I was thirteen years old. So there's always a part of me that's still hungry.

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Song Stories

“Youth Knows No Pain”

Lykke Li | 2011

“Like on 'Youth Knows No Pain' — we are the ones that should demonstrate, because we can take it,” Likke Li said. “We can pierce ourselves, take Ecstasy, dance all night and still go to work at our McDonald's jobs.” Despite the hedonistic sentiment in the song, the Swedish singer also admitted in hindsight her youth had repercussions. “I remember when I was 18-19 and feeling that I know it all,” Li said. “I always feel that I know it all. But that song is about realizing you don’t, and reflecting, ‘Boy, if I only knew what would follow.’”

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