Men in this Town

Album: She Wolf (2009)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • In this song, Shakira expresses the universal frustration of singletons that all the good catches are gone. The Colombian singer recounts a trip to California, in which she alludes to Angelina Jolie and comes to the conclusion that "Matt Damon's not meant for me."
  • Shakira told MTV News that for this song she had in mind, "friends of mine - girlfriends of mine - that I see struggling with their own romantic lives... how hard it is for girls to find the right guy."
  • Shakira explained the Matt Damon lyric to MTV News: "I know Matt Damon," she said. "I know him and his wife. It's all good. This is a song and Damon really rhymed with the other word. Matt Damon is actually a terrific dude - I'm saying it in a good way. What I'm actually saying is there aren't many great guys out there and Matt Damon is one of them. I love Matt Damon. He's so great. He's a good sport too."
  • Among the hotspots Shakira hits up while she's on the prowl is SkyBar and The Standard. The former is a trendy rooftop bar at the Mondrian hotel in West Hollywood, and the latter is a hip hotel in downtown Los Angeles that also features a rooftop lounge.
  • Shakira debuted "Men In This Town" live on August 4, 2025, at Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium during her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour. Long considered an obscure "deep cut," the track never made it into her setlists until a persistent fan campaign on social media reignited interest. After months of repeated requests, Shakira finally gave in, delivering the long-awaited performance to an ecstatic crowd.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Zakk Wylde

Zakk WyldeSongwriter Interviews

When he was playing Ozzfest with Black Label Society, a kid told Zakk he was the best Ozzy guitarist - Zakk had to correct him.

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Greg talks about writing songs of "universal truth" for King Crimson and ELP, and tells us about his most memorable stage moment (it involves fireworks).

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song Spoofs

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song SpoofsSong Writing

When singers started spoofing their own songs on Sesame Street, the results were both educational and hilarious - here are the best of them.

Christmas Songs

Christmas SongsFact or Fiction

Rudolf, Bob Dylan and the Singing Dogs all show up in this Fact or Fiction for seasonal favorites.

Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers

Bill Medley of The Righteous BrothersSongwriter Interviews

Medley looks back on "Unchained Melody" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" - his huge hits from the '60s that were later revived in movies.