Some in popular culture would dismiss this song as a parody of the Lord's Prayer. Given Shakira's background that conclusion would be wrong. I think Shakira is a "good girl" who is very spiritually grounded and working hard to change the world for good in subtle ways. This song is much like a Psalm that reflects our questioning of God, why evil exists, why innocents die, etc. Notice she doesn't dismiss God. Notice she openly expresses anger at the way the world is and the way human free will is often brutal to innocent people. The concluding song on the same album is about genocide. She quite rightly wonders why would God allow such things. The "How Do You Do" song also questions the need for the three major religions to collide in violent ways. The questions she asks "do you feel our hunger" is answered by God sending Christ who felt our pain, felt hunger (40 days in desert without food) and ultimately (through death and resurrection) opened the door for us to have a relationship with God. The first step to a relationship with God is to acknowledge your feelings about Him/Her. Those feelings may be anger, but that is ok as a start.
Here is some interesting trivia about Shakira:
*Dad is Lebanese Christian | Mom Catholic
*IQ = 140 (base level genius) (Bill Clinton is 137 and Bill Gates is 160, Michael Jackson was 115)
*attended private school taught by nuns
*completed school couple years early
*speaks three languages fluently
*first two music CDs failed (were soft folk style with subtle religious influences)
*third album 1996 was commercial success: Album = Pés Descalços = Barefoot
*Music video "Pés Descalços / Barefoot" is brutal in its use of symbols: begins with camera in an upper class masquerade ball with rich people just standing; camera moves through a closed door to show Shakira singing outdoors (she and musicians are barefoot); camera angle widens and garden scene is outside Garden of Eden; huge overweight woman dressed as Eve is cramming apples into mouth; in garden mannequins are buried face down with feet sticking up dressed with fancy shoes. Shoes are symbol of decadent choices. Song is soft rock style. Words to song are simple: you were a race of bare feet and without clothes, you bit apple, you renounced paradise, you became like a serpent, now all you do is pursue your own happiness ...
*Forms Barefoot Foundation 1996 after first album success
*Risque' in music videos, but flatly refused part in major movie recently because part called for nudity.
*In interviews she will not refer to God (probably too offensive for worldwide audience), but carefully says "in life we must all serve the cause of love". Says "my home community nurtured me like a mother, now I give back"
*Donated large chunk of proceeds from recent world concert tour (estimated about $36 million) to Barefoot Foundation to build schools (already built 5 worth about $6-10 million)
*The song "Se quiere, se mata (it's wanted, it's killed)" also on the Barefoot album, is a sweet sounding song, but it warns youth away from pre-marital sex and abortion
*Oldest sister is a surgeon in Columbia (Shakira paid for med school).
*Brother is a lawyer in Columbia.
*Mom read Bible to her each day.
*Took classes in modeling to learn how to walk gracefully.
*Took classes in modern dance and body movement.
*Prays and meditates daily at rehearsals and before shows with the people in her show.
*She draws her energy for show from God.
*Shakira is Arabic for "grateful" or "full of grace."
