Like a Virgin

Madonna

About Like a Virgin

"Like a Virgin" is a song recorded by American singer Madonna for her second studio album Like a Virgin (1984). It was released on October 31, 1984, by Sire Records as the album's lead single. The song was written by Tom Kelly and Billy Steinberg, and produced by Nile Rodgers; Steinberg said that the song was inspired by his personal experiences of romance. "Like a Virgin" was chosen for Madonna by Michael Ostin of Warner Bros. Records after listening to a demo sung by Kelly. Rodgers initially felt that the song did not have a sufficient hook, but subsequently changed his opinion after the song was stuck in his head. Musically, "Like a Virgin" is a dance-oriented song, composed of two hooks. Madonna's voice is heard in a high register while a continuous arrangement of synths are heard along the bassline. The song's lyrics are ambiguous, consisting of hidden innuendos and open to various interpretations. "Like a Virgin" received positive reviews from music critics, who frequently called it as one of the defining songs for Madonna. It became her first number-one single on the record charts in Australia, Canada, Japan, and the United States, while reaching the top ten elsewhere. 


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I made it through the wilderness
Somehow I made it through
Didn't know how lost I was
Until I found you

I was beat
Incomplete
I'd been had, I was sad and blue
But you made me feel
Yeah, you made me feel
Shiny and new

Hoo, like a virgin
Touched for the very first time
Like a virgin
When your heart beats
Next to mine

Gonna give you all my love, boy
My fear is fading fast
Been saving it all for you
'Cause only love can last

You're so fine
And you're mine
Make me strong, yeah you make me bold
Oh your love thawed out
Yeah, your love thawed out
What was scared and cold

Like a virgin, hey
Touched for the very first time
Like a virgin
With your heartbeat
Next to mine

Whoa
Whoa, ah
Whoa

You're so fine
And you're mine
I'll be yours
'Til the end of time
'Cause you made me feel
Yeah, you made me feel
I've nothing to hide

Like a virgin, hey
Touched for the very first time
Like a virgin
With your heartbeat
Next to mine

Like a virgin, ooh ooh
Like a virgin
Feels so good inside
When you hold me
And your heart beats
And you love me

Oh oh, ooh whoa
Oh oh oh whoa
Whoa oh ho, ho

Ooh baby
Yeah
Can't you hear my heart beat
For the very first time?

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Madonna

Madonna (born Madonna Louise Ciccone /tʃɪˈkoʊneɪ/ chi-KOH-nay; August 16, 1958) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, director, dancer and entrepreneur. She has sold more than 300 million records worldwide and is recognized as the best-selling female recording artist of all time by Guinness World Records. Considered to be one of the "25 Most Powerful Women of the Past Century" by Time for being an influential figure in contemporary music, she is known for continuously reinventing both her music and image, and for retaining a standard of autonomy within the recording industry. Critics have praised her diverse musical productions which have also been known to induce controversy. more »

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Written by: Billy Steinberg, Tom Kelly

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


8 facts about this song

Release and Reception
"Like a Virgin" was released in 1984 as the first single from Madonna's second album by the same name. It went on to become the singer's first #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Legacy
The song was named by Rolling Stone magazine as one of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time” in 2003, providing testimony to its enduring popularity and influence on pop music.
Lyrics and Meaning
Written by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly, the song's lyrics are often interpreted as reflecting themes of freedom, sexual independence, and identity exploration. Many consider it a key example of Madonna's skilled use of controversy and drama to engage with her audience and spark cultural conversations.
Controversies
Madonna's provocative performance of "Like a Virgin" at the first MTV Video Music Awards in 1984 caused much controversy. She wore a wedding dress and performed the song in a highly sexual manner. This was one of the first instances showcasing Madonna's knack for shock value and her distinguishing ability to combine sexuality with popular music.
Cultural Impact
Madonna’s performance of "Like a Virgin" at the MTV Video Music Awards arguably changed the course of female pop performances, setting a standard for provocativeness and boldness.
Production
The song was produced by the acclaimed music producer Nile Rodgers, who is well known for his work with artists like Chic, David Bowie, and Daft Punk. Nile Rodgers’ distinct production style can be heard in the upbeat, dance-friendly sound of "Like a Virgin".
Video
The music video, directed by Mary Lambert who also directed Madonna's "Material Girl" and "Borderline" videos, was shot in Venice and New York City. It played a pivotal role in popularizing MTV and establishing the importance of music videos in the promotion of pop songs.
Reinterpretation
Several artists have covered "Like a Virgin" over the years, ranging from heavier rock interpretations like those by Sisters of Mercy and Lords of the New Church to comedic adaptations by Weird Al Yankovic. These diverse reinterpretations reflect the song's widespread popularity and influence.

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    Like a Virgin

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1985

    Billboard #1


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