Despedida (Shakira song)

"Despedida" (English: "Farewell") is a song recorded by Colombian singer Shakira for the extended play (EP) and soundtrack Love in the Time of Cholera (2008). The song was written by her and Pedro Aznar originally for the Mike Newell-directed 2007 movie adaptation of Colombian writer Gabriel García Márquez's 1985 novel Love in the Time of Cholera. Antônio Pinto handled its composition and production. Shakira was initially offered a role by the producers of the movie to take part as the main protagonist. However, she refused the offer and accepted to collaborate with the musical team due to her friendship with García Márquez. Musically, "Despedida" is a folk song which discusses nostalgic love sentiments towards a person the protagonist lost.

Although the movie received unfavorable reviews from critics, "Despedida" was praised by music reviewers for depicting the novel's spirit. "Despedida" was nominated for a Golden Globe Award in the category for Best Original Song at the award ceremony held in 2008. The song managed to appear on the Billboard Latin Digital Songs charts due to digital downloads following its release on the EP. Shakira performed it live during the screening of the movie and at the stops of her The Sun Comes Out World Tour (2010–11) where she sang it as a medley with "Nothing Else Matters" (1992) by American band Metallica. The National Symphony Orchestra of Colombia performed the song live during a homage following García Márquez's death in 2014.