Shakira howled while writing song

SHAKIRA has revealed that she began "howling and panting" while writing her new single.

The singer says the concept for 'She Wolf' was a sudden flash of inspiration to her which took her by surprise.

Speaking to Rolling Stone magazine, she said: "She Wolf' came to me very mysteriously. I was in the studio in a bad mood that day, then I got inspired and went to a corner and I wrote the lyrics and the melody in 10 minutes.

"The image of the she wolf just came to my head, and when I least expected it, I was howling and panting."

She also admitted she surprised herself with her improvisation during filming the video for the single, but says it is important to her to feel "physically connected" to her songs.

She added: "I am in a cage, but I am showing the desperation of being in it. I got a little carried away, hanging upside down.

"Pleasing my ears is my first commitment. I always try to connect to my music physically. I have to feel a physical reaction, because if I don't feel like I'm dancing or reacting, if I don't feel it here, in my stomach, I don't stop."