Posted April 5, 20223 yr We previously asked which Madonna album had the best lyrics. Now let's think about which specific song of hers is the best lyrically. There are so many to choose from - are you more into the metaphor imagery of Like a Prayer or the cultural references in Vogue?
April 7, 20223 yr Drowned World has to be considered. I know she added and changed this song around! Didn’t exactly write it her self but i would suggest this track.
April 10, 20223 yr In terms of storytelling and conveying imagery (which is where Madonna’s real strength is), songs like Papa Don’t Preach, Live to Tell, Promise to Try, Oh Father, Live Tried to Welcome Me, Drowned World, Mer Girl are first coming to mind. Human Nature and Where Life Begins have some great specific lines that are funny and playful. The Vogue rap is iconic, unique and irreplaceable. Too hard to pick just one!
April 14, 20223 yr Yeah... Live to Tell was my first thought, and Drowned World is a really good shout out. The rap in Vogue is incredible. I don't think the lyrics for Like a Prayer are that great - but maybe I'm missing something? Promise to Try, Till Death Do Us Part, Rebel Heart... The Erotica and Ray of Light albums are particularly good. Is Veni, Vidi, Vici clever or cringy? I really like it. Madonna isn't always the best lyricist... Why did no-one ever tell her, "Hey, Madonna... enough or time not waiting and hesitating already!"?
April 14, 20223 yr I think 'Sky Fits Heaven' is in with a good shout "Isn't everyone just travelling down their own road, watching the signs as they go? I think I'll follow my heart, it's a very good place to start" :heart:
April 15, 20223 yr Funnily I think Like a Prayer the album has some of her best lyrics but not the title track Probably my favourite is Til death do us apart, which I can only imagine is about Sean Penn Kinda sad lyrics when she sings: Our luck is running out of time You're not in love with me anymore
April 16, 20223 yr Author So many great suggestions, especially Sky Fits Heaven! My personal favourites are mostly on the Ray of Light album too but also some of her more "simpler" moments on the True Blue album shine bright too - I love the vibes of Open Your Heart and the powerful message of Papa Don't Preach. Not the most complex of lyrics but they deliver such a punch. The Power of Good-Bye needs a shoutout too: You were my lesson I had to learn I was your fortress you had to burn Pain is a warning that something's wrong I pray to God that it won't be long Beautiful <3
July 17, 20223 yr 'The Power of Good Bye'. The lyrics are just as impactful as the song itself is for me. 'Live To Tell' another one similarly.
July 17, 20223 yr Hmmmmm my initial thoughts are: Drowned World - actually relies upon the lyrics to an extent, something that Madonna tracks rarely do Live To Tell - it’s gorgeous, especially the “If I ran away I’d never have the strength to go very far” part Papa Don’t Preach - the lyrics feel very cutting edge for the period it was released, truly taking something slightly taboo but feminist and taking it smack into the mainstream ‘Til Death Do Us Part - such a vivid sense of imagery, especially the vases smashing etc
July 17, 20223 yr Candy Perfume Girl always impresses me. Young velvet porcelain boy Devour me when you're with me Blue wish window seas Speak delicious fires
