Don't Be Shy
by Tiesto (featuring Karol G)

Album: Drive (2021)
Charted: 124
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song finds Tiësto working with Colombian singer Karol G. It marks the Netherlands-born producer's first time working with a Latin pop artist, and for Karol G, it's her first time singing entirely in English.
  • Because Tiesto isn't fluent in Karol G's native Spanish, it was very hard for him to come up with the right vibe. By singing the lyrics in English, Karol G helped him connect with the song.
  • Karol G portrays a seductress, daring her love interest to approach her. But for Tiësto, "Don't Be Shy" is a more universal call to action. "During the pandemic, everybody isolated themselves from everything and everybody," he told Billboard. "Nobody talks to each other anymore - nobody greets each other on the street. In the clubs even, you don't really talk to each other because you're scared... 'Don't Be Shy' is a message for people to come back together in the future when everything is safe. Don't be shy, talk to each other, hug each other."
  • The music video finds comedian Blake Webber playing a museum janitor. Director Christian Breslauer (Tiesto's "The Business," Lil Nas X's "Industry Baby") modeled the clip on the 2006 film Night at the Museum.
  • A Cuban-American songwriter named Rene Lorente brought legal action against Tiësto and Karol G, claiming "Don't Be Shy" copied his 2000 song "Algo Diferente."

    A Miami federal judge dismissed the lawsuit on July 9, 2025. The judge ruled that Lorente's expert witness was unqualified, and his analysis relied on generic musical elements that aren't protected by copyright. Additionally, the court found no evidence that Karol G or Tiësto had access to Lorente's song, a crucial component for proving copyright infringement.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"They're Playing My Song

Chris and his wife Tina were the rhythm section for Talking Heads when they formed The Tom Tom Club. "Genius of Love" was their blockbuster, but David Byrne only mentioned it once.

Dean Pitchford

Dean PitchfordSongwriter Interviews

Dean wrote the screenplay and lyrics to all the songs in Footloose. His other hits include "Fame" and "All The Man That I Need."

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

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.