Like a Prayer Lyrics - Madonna

Info

• Release Date: March 3, 1989


• Recorded: September 1988 – January 1989


• Producers: Patrick Leonard, Madonna


• Writers: Patrick Leonard, Madonna


• Studios: Johnny Yuma Recording, Burbank, California


• Genres: Pop rock, gospel, dance-pop


• Length: 5:41


• Label: Sire, Warner Bros.


• Instruments:
  
  
  
  • Electric Guitar: David Williams, Prince, Chester Kamen, Dann Huff
  
  
  • Acoustic Guitar: Bruce Gaitsch
  
  
  • Bass: Guy Pratt
  
  
  • Clavinet: Geary Lanier Faggett
  
  
  • Drums: Jonathan Moffett
  
  
  • Percussion: Paulinho da Costa
  
  
  • Brass: Chester Kamen, Dick “Slide” Hyde
  
  
  
  


• Additional Musicians:
  
  
  
  • Background Vocals: Madonna, Donna De Lory, Niki Haris
  
  
  • Choir: The Andraé Crouch Singers
  
  
  • Drum Programmer: Guy Pratt
  
  
  
  


• Additional Production: Bill Bottrell


• Mixing Engineers: Bill Bottrell


• Assistant Recording Engineer: Dave Way


• Mastering Engineers: Ted Jensen, Bob Ludwig


• Video Director: Mary Lambert


• Photography: Herb Ritts


• Publisher: Black Lion Music, Inc., Johnny Yuma Music, Warner/Chappell, Warner Music Group


• Phonographic Copyright: Sire Records, WEA International Inc.

Exploring the Depth of Madonna's Like a Prayer

Featured:

• Patrick Leonard & Madonna

Annotations and Meaning

Madonna opens the song by referencing the state which drives her (and us) to the two entities of God and sex, which see constant interplay in the song text. The limited understanding of life and solipsistic nature of existence make us lonely and define the human experience. These two lines introduce the ambiguously dual nature of the lyrics. It’s unclear who’s calling her name, but whoever it is, is instilling a comfort and confidence that “feels like home.” Madonna is referencing the dual satisfaction that the two entities (gods?) can grant. The speaker remains ambiguous, but Madonna becomes more explicit with the sexual theme. By saying that the call is “like a little prayer,” she confirms that God isn’t the only masculine figure in the song. There’s also a sense of feminine role reversal here. Perhaps the caller is making supplication to Madonna as well. It’s worth noting that “Madonna” is a title for Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. This line is a reference to the typical position of fellatio. Madonna is comparing the imagery of the two acts and playing with the phrase “take you there” to mean both spiritual transcendence and orgasm. “Midnight hour” is often a euphemism for sex. Late at night is also a time of desperation, and Madonna is again returning to the dual meaning of sex and spirituality. She feels both the physical power of her partner and the spiritual power of God simultaneously. The Other does not need to doubt that his orgasmic prayer will be answered; his faith is absolute and founded in the Subject’s assurance, “just like a prayer.” Again, a sexual entendre. The “sighing” refers to sexual gratification. The first verse talks about mutual pleasure between Madonna and her lover. Sexual pleasure has long been described in terms of floating, flight, or falling… but in the context of spirituality, there is the unspoken notion of “a fall from grace.” Man was considered to have “fallen” after original sin (often associated with sex or loss of innocence) as well as the “fallen angel” Lucifer, who fell from the kingdom of God. Sex is associated with a spiritual connection but also seemingly contradicts religious tenets that reserve such spiritual expressions for the divine. Is it possible that the two expressions, worship and sexuality, are one and the same?

Background and Inspiration

Madonna recorded Like a Prayer for her 1989 studio album of the same name, which was released as the lead single. This track signaled a more artistic and personal approach to songwriting for Madonna, who felt the need to cater more to her adult audience. The song speaks about a passionate young girl in love with God, who becomes the only male figure in her life. The song also incorporates elements of funk, pop rock, and gospel. Madonna's inclusion of liturgical words in the song lyrics gave it dual meanings of sexual innuendo and religion.

Recording and Development

Madonna and Patrick Leonard composed Like a Prayer in about three hours, making it the first song developed for the album. Madonna introduced liturgical words but altered their context to provoke reactions from her listeners. Leonard was uncomfortable with the lyrics' sexual undertones and requested changes, but Madonna insisted on keeping them. The recording featured a gospel choir led by Andraé Crouch, who scrutinized the lyrics to ensure they were not against their religious beliefs. The song also features an unused guitar solo by Prince, adding to its distinctive sound.

Commercial Performance

The song was a global success, reaching the top of the charts in numerous countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. In the US, it became Madonna's seventh number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed at the top for three consecutive weeks. The song's success helped establish Madonna as an artist rather than just a pop star, and it was included in her greatest hits compilation albums.

Music Video

The controversial music video for Like a Prayer was directed by Mary Lambert and featured themes of racism, religion, and sexuality. The video depicts Madonna witnessing a white woman being murdered by white men while a black man is arrested for the crime. Seeking safety in a church, Madonna dreams of receiving guidance from a black saint. The video includes scenes of Madonna dancing in front of burning crosses and kissing the saint, which led to condemnation from the Vatican and protests from religious groups. Despite the controversy, the video received praise for its bold visuals and was nominated for several awards, winning the Viewer's Choice award at the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Like a Prayer is considered one of Madonna's best songs and has been ranked highly on various lists of the greatest songs of all time. The song's mix of choir and organ helped bring gospel music into the mainstream. Its impact was also seen in the parent album's success, which topped the charts upon release. The music video introduced the concept of free publicity, as the controversy surrounding it only enhanced Madonna's reputation as a shrewd businesswoman. The song and video remain iconic in pop culture, symbolizing Madonna's artistic and personal growth.