About the Song
Shakira & Rihanna Shake it Off (and On) in “Can’t Remember to Forget You”: A Scorching Anthem of Conflicted Desire
Remember those exes who haunt your dreams and linger in your every thought, even when you swear you’re over them? Shakira and Rihanna know the feeling all too well, and they turn it into a volcanic dancefloor inferno with “Can’t Remember to Forget You.” This scorching 2014 collaboration isn’t just a song; it’s a war cry for anyone trapped in the push-pull of conflicted desire.
From the opening siren-like whistle, the vibe is electric. Shakira’s powerhouse vocals and pulsating Latin rhythms collide with Rihanna’s smooth island swagger, creating a sonic cocktail as intoxicating as the memories they’re trying to forget. The lyrics are a raw confession of vulnerability, a constant battle between holding on and letting go. “Is it the fire burning bright? Or just the memory in my head?” questions Shakira, her voice wavering between longing and resignation. Rihanna echoes the sentiment, whispering, “I go back again/Fall off the train/Land in his bed/Repeat yesterday’s mistakes.”
There’s no hiding from the heat in this song. The Latin dancehall production cranks up the temperature, with sizzling percussion and flamenco-inspired guitar licks painting a backdrop for this tango of forbidden memories. Shakira and Rihanna move seamlessly between each other’s verses, mirroring the push-pull dynamic of their lyrics. One moment, they’re spitting fire, ready to burn the past to ashes, the next they’re swaying together, lost in the intoxicating haze of desire.
The brilliance of “Can’t Remember to Forget You” lies in its honesty. It doesn’t shy away from the messy reality of post-breakup angst. We’ve all been there, caught in the web of “what ifs” and “almosts,” unable to fully escape the gravitational pull of a love that lingers even after it’s faded. This song gives voice to that internal struggle, acknowledging the pain and yearning with unflinching honesty.
But amidst the emotional turmoil, there’s a defiant spark. In the end, both Shakira and Rihanna choose to dance through the fire, owning their conflicting desires and refusing to be consumed by the past. It’s a powerful message of self-acceptance, a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, we can find our own rhythm and move forward.
So crank up the volume, grab your fiercest heels, and let Shakira and Rihanna guide you through the flames. “Can’t Remember to Forget You” isn’t just a song; it’s a declaration of independence, a reminder that even when your ex lingers in your head, you can still shake it off (and maybe even shake it back!) with your head held high.
Fun Fact
A fun fact about “Can’t Remember To Forget You” is that the song’s irresistible guitar riff is played by none other than legendary guitarist Carlos Santana. His distinctive touch adds a rock edge to the track, contributing to the dynamic fusion of genres that makes the song stand out in both Shakira and Rihanna’s discographies.
About the Artists
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, better known simply as Shakira, is a Colombian heatwave in human form. Born in the sun-drenched city of Barranquilla, she mastered belly dancing by age 8 and wrote her first song at 10, her fiery spirit bursting onto the musical scene with early hits like “Pies Descalzos” and “Hips Don’t Lie.” Blending Latin rhythms with global pop, Shakira became a language-defying dancefloor queen, her infectious energy and dazzling performances conquering charts and captivating hearts worldwide.
Robyn Rihanna Fenty emerged from the lush landscapes of Barbados, her island breeze voice and smoldering gaze taking the world by storm. At 17, she signed with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, and hits like “Umbrella” and “Disturbia” solidified her as a genre-bending pop chameleon. From club bangers like “Work” to soulful ballads like “Stay,” Rihanna reinvents herself with every album, her confidence and vulnerability winning legions of fans while smashing gender norms and beauty standards along the way.
