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Rating: The best album by Ciccone saw the light in 1989.
After a debut marked by dance music (which, despite the fans' praise, leaves much to be desired) and after a dull second album where the singer showcases her mediocre voice and nothing else, in 1986 "True Blue" was released. In this album, Madonna showed a desire to be different, not wishing to be yet another disposable product of the record companies: for half the album, she succeeded in creating world pop gems like "La Isla Bonita" or "Live To Tell". It's a pity the other half is influenced by the low points of "The First Album" (1983) and "Like A Virgin" (1984).
"Like A Prayer" (1989) is the definitive emancipation from the record companies, the definitive consecration as an artist, and (for the time revolutionary for a pop singer) the definition of a non-MTV artist, so much so that the Times dedicated a cover highlighting her artistic independence.
The album encompasses many musical genres, from the rock of the title track (which to this day is the third best-selling single of Madonna's career and topped charts worldwide) to the cheerful funky of "Keep It Together" and "Express Yourself", passing through Ciccone's most memorable ballads, "Oh Father" and "Promise To Try".
In addition to achieving stylistic maturity, Madonna reaches a stylistic hallmark rich in notable autobiographical elements.
The album, in fact, is filled with narratives of the singer’s personal events: the pain over her mother's death ("Promise To Try") or the strained relationship with her father ("Oh Father"), including the description of the end of her marriage with Sean Penn ("'Till Death Do Us Part").
In the album, there is also room for cheerful pop ballads ("Cherish") or funky tracks ("Love Song" co-written and co-performed with Prince), as well as sweet lullabies ("Dear Jessie" written for the daughter of her collaborator on the album Pat Leonard).
A special nod goes to the splendid pop-rock ballad "Pray For Spanish Eyes", an anthem for peace set during the Spanish Civil War.
In short, Madge explores a wide array of styles, ultimately demonstrating the determination that would allow her to dominate the global pop music markets (and which she continues to do today, despite those who continually predict her end).
A key aspect to better understand this work is to focus on the videos from the album, particularly on the video for the title track "Like A Prayer".
In it, the rape by a gang of thugs against a young girl is depicted. A young black man who came to her aid is accused of the crime: Madonna had seen everything but, fearing the gang’s revenge, says nothing. After a mystical crisis, she goes to the police to condemn the real culprit. However, in the video, crosses are seen burning (symbolizing fervent faith), black saints come to life, and there is an embrace-kiss between the saint and Madonna: too much for the standards of the time, enough to get the Vatican involved. In short, Madonna understood how to cause a sensation, but moreover, she personalized the art of the music video so much as to create a trend.
The album topped the global charts and was included by Rolling Stone among the 500 greatest albums of all time.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
01 Like a Prayer (05:41)
God
Life is a mystery, everyone must stand alone
I hear you call my name
And it feels like home
When you call my name it's like a little prayer
I'm down on my knees, I wanna take you there
In the midnight hour I can feel your power
Just like a prayer you know I'll take you there
I hear your voice, it's like an angel sighing
I have no choice, I hear your voice
Feels like flying
I close my eyes, Oh God I think I'm falling
Out of the sky, I close my eyes
Heaven help me
When you call my name it's like a little prayer
I'm down on my knees, I wanna take you there
In the midnight hour I can feel your power
Just like a prayer you know I'll take you there
Like a child you whisper softly to me
You're in control just like a child
Now I'm dancing
It's like a dream, no end and no beginning
You're here with me, it's like a dream
Let the choir sing
When you call my name it's like a little prayer
I'm down on my knees, I wanna take you there
In the midnight hour I can feel your power
Just like a prayer you know I'll take you there
When you call my name it's like a little prayer
I'm down on my knees, I wanna take you there
In the midnight hour I can feel your power
Just like a prayer you know I'll take you there
Life is a mystery, everyone must stand alone
I hear you call my name
And it feels like home
Just like a prayer, your voice can take me there
Just like a muse to me, you are a mystery
Just like a dream, you are not what you seem
Just like a prayer, no choice your voice can take me there
Just like a prayer, I'll take you there
It's like a dream to me
Just like a prayer, I'll take you there
It's like a dream to me
Just like a prayer, I'll take you there
It's like a dream to me
Just like a prayer, I'll take you there
It's like a dream to me
Just like a prayer, your voice can take me there
Just like a muse to me, you are a mystery
Just like a dream, you are not what you seem
Just like a prayer, no choice your voice can take me there
02 Express Yourself (04:39)
(Spoken:)
Come on girls
Do you believe in love?
'Cause I got something to say about it
And it goes something like this
Chorus:
Don't go for second best baby
Put your love to the test
You know, you know, you've got to
Make him express how he feels
And maybe then you'll know your love is real
You don't need diamond rings
Or eighteen karat gold
Fancy cars that go very fast
You know they never last, no, no
What you need is a big strong hand
To lift you to your higher ground
Make you feel like a queen on a throne
Make him love you till you can't come down
[You'll never come down]
(chorus)
Long stem roses are the way to your heart
But he needs to start with your head
Satin sheets are very romantic
What happens when you're not in bed
You deserve the best in life
So if the time isn't right then move on
Second best is never enough
You'll do much better baby on your own
[Baby on your own]
(chorus)
Express yourself
[You've got to make him]
Express himself
Hey, hey, hey, hey
So if you want it right now, make him show you how
Express what he's got, oh baby ready or not
Intermediate:
And when you're gone he might regret it
Think about the love he once had
Try to carry on, but he just won't get it
He'll be back on his knees
To express himself
[You've got to make him]
Express himself
Hey hey
What you need is a big strong hand
To lift you to your higher ground
Make you feel like a queen on a throne
Make him love you till you can't come down
[You'll never come down]
(intermediate)
So please
(chorus)
Express yourself
[You've got to make him]
Express himself
Hey, hey, hey, hey
So if you want it right now, make him show you how
Express what he's got, oh baby ready or not
Express yourself
[You've got to make him]
So you can respect yourself
Hey, hey
So if you want it right now, then make him show you how
Express what he's got, oh baby ready or not
04 Till Death Do Us Part (05:18)
Chorus:
Our luck is running out of time
You're not in love with me anymore
I wish that it would change, but it won't, if you don't
Our luck is running out of time
You're not in love with me anymore
I wish that it would change, but it won't
'Cause you don't love me no more
You need so much but not from me
Turn your back in my hour of need
Something's wrong but you pretend you don't see
I think I interrupt your life
When you laugh it cuts me just like a knife
I'm not your friend, I'm just your little wife
(chorus)
They never laugh, not like before
She takes the keys, he breaks the door
She cannot stay here anymore
He's not in love with her anymore
The bruises they will fade away
You hit so hard with the things you say
I will not stay to watch your hate as it grows
You're not in love with someone else
You don't even love yourself
Still I wish you'd ask me not to go
(chorus)
He takes a drink, she goes inside
He starts to scream, the vases fly
He wishes that she wouldn't cry
He's not in move with her anymore
He makes demands, she draws the line
He starts the fight, she starts the lie
But what is truth when something dies
He's not in love with her anymore
You're not in love with someone else
You don't even love yourself
Still I wish you'd ask me not to go
(chorus)
She's had enough, she says the end
But she'll come back, she knows it then
A chance to start it all again
Till death do us part
05 Promise to Try (03:38)
Little girl don't you forget her face
Laughing away your tears
When she was the one who felt all the pain
Little girl never forget her eyes
Keep them alive inside
I promise to try -- it's not the same
Keep your head held high -- ride like the wind
Never look behind, life isn't fair
That's what you said, so I try not to care
Little girl don't run away so fast
I think you forgot to kiss -- kiss her goodbye
Will she see me cry when I stumble and fall
Does she hear my voice in the night when I call
Wipe away all your tears, it's gonna be all right
I fought to be so strong, I guess you knew
I was afraid you'd go away, too
Little girl you've got to forget the past
And learn to forgive me
I promise to try -- but it feels like a lie
Don't let memory play games with your mind
She's a faded smile frozen in time
I'm still hanging on -- but I'm doing it wrong
Can't kiss her goodbye -- but I promise to try
06 Cherish (05:03)
So tired of broken hearts and losing at this game
Before I start this dance
I'll take a chance in telling you
I want more than just romance
You are my destiny
I can't let go -- baby, can't you see?
Cupid please take your aim at me
Cherish the thought
Of always having you here by my side
(Oh baby I) cherish the joy
You keep bringing it into my life (I'm always singing it)
Cherish your strength
You got the power to make me feel good
(And baby I) perish the thought
Of ever leaving, I never would
I was never satisfied with casual encounters
I can't hide my need for two hearts that bleed with burning love
That's the way it's got to be
Romeo and Juliet, they never felt this way I bet
So don't underestimate my point of view
Cherish the thought
Of always having you here by my side
(Oh baby I) cherish the joy
You keep bringing it into my life (I'm always singing it)
Cherish your strength
You got the power to make me feel good
(And baby I) perish the thought
Of ever leaving, I never would
Who? You! Can't get away I won't let you
Who? You! I could never forget to
Cherish is the word I use to remind me of your love
Keep giving it, keep giving it to me
Boy keep giving me all, all of your joy
Give me faith -- I will always cherish you
Romeo and Juliet, they never felt this way I bet
So don't underestimate my point of view
Who? You! Can't get away I won't let you
Who? You! I could never forget to
Cherish is the word I use to remind me of your love
Cherish the thought
Of always having you here by my side
(Oh baby I) cherish the joy
You keep bringing it into my life (I'm always singing it)
Cherish your strength
You got the power to make me feel good
(And baby I) perish the thought
Of ever leaving, I never would
Give me faith, give me joy, my boy
I will always cherish you
07 Dear Jessie (04:22)
Baby face don't grow so fast
Make a special wish that will always last
Rub this magic lantern
He will make your dreams come true for you
Ride the rainbow to the other side
Catch a falling star and then take a ride
To the river that sings and the clover that
Brings good luck to you, it's all true
Chorus:
Pink elephants and lemonade, dear Jessie
Hear the laughter running through the love parade
Candy kisses and a sunny day, dear Jessie
See the roses raining on the love parade
If the land of make believe
Is inside your heart it will never leave
There's a golden gate where the fairies all wait
And dancing moons, for you
Close your eyes and you'll be there
Where the mermaids sing as they comb their hair
Like a fountain of gold you can never grow old
Where dreams are made, your love parade
(chorus)
Your dreams are made inside the love parade
It's a holiday inside the love parade
On the merry-go-round of lovers and white turtle doves
Leprechauns floating by, this is your lullaby
Sugarplum fingertips kissing your honey lips
Close your eyes sleepy head, is it time for your bed
Never forget what I said, hang on you're already there
Close your eyes and you'll be there
Where the mermaids sing as they comb their hair
Like a fountain of gold you can never grow old
Where dreams are made, your love parade
(chorus)
08 Oh Father (04:59)
It's funny that way, you can get used
To the tears and the pain
What a child will believe
You never loved me
Chorus:
You can't hurt me now
I got away from you, I never thought I would
You can't make me cry, you once had the power
I never felt so good about myself
Seems like yesterday
I lay down next to your boots and I prayed
For your anger to end
Oh Father I have sinned
(chorus)
Oh Father, if you never wanted to live that way
if you never wanted to hurt me
Why am I running away?
(repeat)
Maybe someday
When I look back I'll be able to say
You didn't mean to be cruel
Somebody hurt you too
(chorus)
10 Spanish Eyes (05:18)
I know for sure his heart is here with me
Though I wish him back, I know he cannot see
My hands trembling, I know he hears me sing
Chorus:
I light this candle and watch it throw
Tears on my pillow
And if there is a Christ, he'll come tonight
To pray for Spanish eyes
And if I have nothing left to show
Tears on my pillow
What kind of life is this if God exists
Then help me pray for Spanish eyes
He had to fight like all the rest
In the barrio all the streets are paved with fear
I don't understand; at least he was a man
(chorus)
Intermediate:
How many lives will they have to take?
How much heartache?
How many suns will they have to burn?
Spanish eyes
When will they ever learn?
You were not the Maravilla in our minds
We were proud to fight but we cannot win this blind
Stand your guns against the wall
Who's next in line to fall
(chorus)
(Spoken:)
Tus lagrimas de tristeza
No me dejan olvidarte
Your tears of sadness
Will not let me forget you
(intermediate)
11 Act of Contrition (02:19)
(Whispered:)
For thou art the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory
Forever and ever. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee,
Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy...
(Spoken:)
Oh my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee
And I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishment
But most of all, because I have offended Thee, oh my God
Who art all good and deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace
To confess my sins, to do penance, to amend my life,
And to avoid the temptations of evil.
Oh my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee
And I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishment
But most of all, because my God, I have offended Thee
Who art all good
Like I knew you would
And deserving of all my love
I reserve, I reserve, I reserve
I reserve, I resolve
I have a reservation
I have a reservation!
What do you mean it's not in the computer??!!
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