Ciega, Sordomuda / El Jefe Lyrics (English Translation) – Shakira
[Verse 1: Blind, Deaf-Mute]
I run out of arguments and methodology
Every time your anatomy appears before me
Because this love no longer understands advice or reasons
It feeds on excuses and lacks pants
[Pre-Chorus: Blind, Deaf-Mute]
This love doesn’t allow me to stand
Because it has even broken my heels
Even if I get up, I will fall again
If you come closer, nothing is useful to this useless woman
[Chorus: Blind, Deaf-Mute]
Dumb, blind, deaf-mute
Clumsy, stupid, and stubborn
That’s all I’ve been
For you I have become
A thing that does nothing
But love you
I think about you day and night
And I don’t know how to forget you
[Chorus: Blind, Deaf-Mute]
Dumb, blind, deaf-mute
Clumsy, stupid, and stubborn
That’s all I’ve been
For you I have become turned
Into a thing that does nothing
But love you
I think about you day and night
And I don’t know how to forget you
[Chorus: Blind, Deaf-Mute]
Blunt, blind, deaf-mute
Clumsy, clumsy, and stubborn
That’s all I’ve ever been
For you I’ve become
Into a thing that does nothing
But love you
I think about you day and night
And I don’t know how to forget you
[Instrumental]
[Intro: The Boss]
Shakira, Shakira
Regida Force
[Verse 2: The Boss]
7:30, the alarm has gone off
I want to be in bed
But it can’t be done
I take the kids to the house at nine
The same coffee, the same kitchen
Same old thing, same old routine
Another s*itty day
Another day at the office
[Pre-Chorus: The Boss]
I have a s*itty boss who doesn’t pay me well
I walk in and He’s in a Mercedes-Benz
He’s got me as a recruit (They’ve got you as a recruit)
The son of a b!tch (The son of a b!tch)
[Chorus: The Boss]
You’re dreaming of leaving the neighborhood
You have everything to be a millionaire
Expensive tastes, the mentality
All you’re missing is the salary
[Verse 3: The Boss]
The bills are piling up, being poor is rubbish
Mom always told me that studying guarantees everything
I studied and nothing happened, damn hard life
I work harder than a ba*tard, but I fu*k less than a priest
How ironic, how crazy, this is torture
You kill yourself from dawn to dusk and you don’t even have a single deed
They say there’s no evil that lasts more than a hundred years
But there’s my ex-father-in-law who never sets foot in a grave
[Pre-Chorus: The Boss]
I have a s*itty boss who doesn’t pay me well
I arrive walking and he’s in a Mercedes-Benz
He’s got me as a recruit (They’ve got you as a recruit)
The son of a b!tch B!tch (The son of a b!tch)
[Chorus: The Boss]
You’re dreaming of leaving the neighborhood
You’ve got everything to be a millionaire
Expensive tastes, the mentality
All you’re missing is the salary
[Pre-Chorus: The Boss]
You’ve got a s*itty boss who doesn’t pay you well
You arrive walking and he drives a Mercedes-Benz
He’s got you as a recruit
The son of a b—
[Chorus: The Boss]
‘I’m dreaming of leaving the neighborhood
I’ve got everything to be a millionaire
Expensive tastes, the mentality
All I’m missing is the salary
Ciega, Sordomuda / El Jefe by Shakira
“Ciega, Sordomuda / El Jefe” is a song by Shakira, featured on her album “¿Dónde Están los Ladrones?” released in 1998. This track showcases Shakira’s unique blend of pop and rock influences, characterized by her powerful vocals and poignant lyrics.
Quick summary
The song explores the dual themes of obsessive love and the frustrations of working life, illustrating the emotional turmoil of being consumed by love and the struggles of navigating a challenging work environment.
In-depth lyrics analysis
The first part of the song, “Ciega, Sordomuda,” delves into the complexities of obsessive love. The narrator expresses feelings of helplessness, describing how love has rendered her ‘bruta, ciega, sordomuda’—a powerful metaphor for losing one’s agency and rationality in the face of overwhelming emotions. The repetition of these terms emphasizes the depth of her emotional turmoil, as she feels trapped in a cycle of longing and despair. The lyrics convey a sense of desperation, as the narrator grapples with her inability to forget the person she loves, despite her attempts to move on. This struggle is relatable to many, as it captures the essence of being consumed by love, where one’s identity and rational thought can become clouded by intense feelings.
The second part, “El Jefe,” shifts the focus to the frustrations of working life. Here, Shakira contrasts the emotional chaos of love with the monotony and challenges of a poor work environment. The lyrics highlight the disparity between the hardworking individual and their wealthy boss, reflecting a broader social commentary on economic inequality. The narrator expresses frustration with low pay and the repetitive nature of daily work, yearning for an escape from this cycle. This part of the song resonates with listeners who have experienced similar frustrations in their professional lives, making it a poignant reflection on the struggles of the working class.
Overall, the song combines these two themes—love and work—creating a rich tapestry of emotional resonance and social critique. Shakira’s energetic delivery and lyrical depth enhance the impact of the song, making it a memorable exploration of the human experience.
Cultural and historical context
Released in 1998, “Ciega, Sordomuda / El Jefe” came at a time when Shakira was establishing herself as a prominent figure in Latin pop music. The late 90s were marked by a growing interest in Latin music globally, and Shakira’s unique sound and lyrical style contributed to this trend. The song reflects the cultural context of the time, where themes of love and social issues were increasingly being addressed in popular music, resonating with a wide audience. As of March 2025, Shakira remains an influential artist, known for her ability to blend personal and social themes in her music, making her work timeless and relevant.
Frequently asked questions
The phrase ‘Ciega, Sordomuda’ translates to ‘Blind, Deaf-Mute’ in English, symbolizing the loss of agency and rationality that can occur in obsessive love.
The song explores themes of obsessive love and the frustrations of working life, highlighting emotional turmoil and social commentary.
Shakira’s style is characterized by her powerful vocals, energetic delivery, and the ability to blend personal emotions with broader social issues, which is evident in this song.
The dual structure allows Shakira to juxtapose the emotional chaos of love with the frustrations of work, creating a rich narrative that resonates with listeners on multiple levels.
While specific reception details are not available, the song has remained popular and is often cited as a significant work in Shakira’s discography, reflecting her lyrical depth and emotional resonance.
