Timor (song)
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| "Timor" | ||
|---|---|---|
| Song by Shakira | ||
| from the album Oral Fixation Vol. 2 | ||
| Recorded | 2004–2005 | |
| Genre | Dance-pop | |
| Length | 3:32 | |
| Label | Epic Records | |
| Writer(s) | Shakira | |
| Producer(s) | Shakira | |
| Oral Fixation Vol. 2 track listing | ||
| "Something" (10) |
"Timor" (11) |
bonus track on special editions (12) |
"Timor" is a song written and performed by Colombian singer Shakira. This track is found on her second English language studio album, Oral Fixation Vol. 2, which was released in December 2005.
Contents |
[edit] Song information
"Timor" is a pop song whose lyrics and music were written by Shakira. It can be described as a protest song for several different reasons. Some of these reasons are listed below:
- On the first lines Shakira criticizes the judiciary system: "the system never fails, the good guys are in power and the bad guys are in jail".
- Then, she goes on to criticizes politics and voting system: "It's alright just as long as we can vote, we live in a democracy and that's what we promote".
- The singer then goes on to heavily criticizes the media as shown in the lines: "It's alright if the news says half the truth, hearing what we want is the secret of eternal youth" and "It's alright, they don't show it on TV, so we won't really know it just by watching (beeped)BC". BC are the two final letters of some television networks acronyms, such as NBC, ABC, BBC and CBC, meaning "Broadcasting Company/Corporation".[citation needed]
- Shakira also criticizes teenager alienation in the lines: "It's alright if the planets split in three, 'cause I'll keep selling records and you've got your MTV".
[edit] Signification of the title
The name of the song comes after East Timor, a developing Portuguese-speaking country which received the full attention of the Western media during the time it was struggling to become independent, and now, that the country needs humanitarian help to develop (it has the lowest per capita GDP in the world), it was forgotten by the media. Because of this particular fact, Shakira says, on the song, that the East Timorese are "the people who don't matter anymore".
After the 2006 riots, the situation of the country lost stability following the the military intervention of Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand and Portugal; nations who are now trying to support the development of East Timor.
In May 2007, Australian forces failed to capture escaped rebel leader Alfredo Reinado (wanted on illegal weapons charges - amongst others) during a botched operation in the town of Same. Four East Timorese rebel soldiers were shot dead by the Australian military resulting in wide spread feelings of resentment towards foreigners across the country.
[edit] Retitle of the song in Indonesia
"Timor" was retitled "It's Alright" in the Indonesian version of Oral Fixation Vol. 2, because the East Timorese independence is still a highly controversial issue. The album cover was also changed there, as it was in other Muslim nations.[citation needed]
[edit] As a dance song
Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide reviewer, noted that "Timor" is not only the most politically motivated song of the album, but is also the most danceful one. [1]
[edit] Personnel
- Lyrics and music: Shakira
- Producer: Shakira
- Executive producer: Rick Rubin
- Co-producer: Lester Mendez for Living Stereo
- Main vocals: Shakira
- Background vocals: Shakira, Mario Inchausti
- Choir: Church of the Epiphany Chamber Choir
- Choir director: Patrick Dupré Quingley
- Bass guitar: Chris Chaney
- Keyboards: Lester Mendez, Pete Davis
- Guitar: Lyle Workman, Tony Reyes
- Programming: Pete Davis, Lester Mendez
- Recording Engineers: Rob Jacobs, Kevin Killen
- Mix Engineer: Gustavo Celis
