She's the Queen of Pop. Here she is showing racism, police abuse, interracial relationships. She was almost cancelled because of this video, the Pope excommunicated her 3 times and tried to boycott her concert tours when in Rome, Pepsi cancelled her contract for supporting her next world tour. Anyway, she won, the song was #1 all around the world, including the US and the UK, she kept the 5 million dollars from the contract and the Blonde Ambition Tour was a sold out stadium tour and set the bar for the next pop music concerts for the years to come. Today, every pop artist follow the formula she stablished more than 30 years ago. All Hail the Queen!
Madonna's encounter with controversy, particularly surrounding the "Like a Prayer" music video, did not lead to her being marginalized or "cancelled." Instead, it acted as a catalyst, further amplifying her fame and influence. The situation is akin to attempting to douse a fire with gasoline-it only served to intensify her presence in the public eye. By this point in her career, Madonna had attained such a level of stardom that she could engage in any activity, no matter how mundane, and still captivate her audience; her influence was so vast that she could have recited her shopping list in a music video, and it would have been enthusiastically received. This period marked an ascendant phase in her career, far from a decline. Although she did provoke outrage among certain religious groups and those with far-right ideologies, this was not a novel experience in her career. The mention of "Otto von Werner's 'Madonna Don't Preach'" was intended to highlight Madonna's history of engaging with controversial themes that resonate or clash with conservative viewpoints, as seen in her actual song "Papa Don't Preach" from the 1986 album "True Blue." Madonna's consistent ability to navigate through controversies without damaging her career-indeed, often using them to enhance her public image-underscores her acumen as a marketing genius. She has masterfully managed to stir and then skillfully engage with public discourse, demonstrating a profound understanding of how to maintain and grow her influence in the face of potential backlash.
There's another version of this which was a Pepsi commercial. When Pepsi saw this video they pulled the commercial and didn't want to be associated with Madonna. That's how controversial this video was back then. In fact, Pepsi FINALLY aired the commercial on their social media with a full apology to Madonna only last year!!! So sad that it took them so long. You are in for a blast with Madonna. As Carla said "controversy" is Madonna's middle name, but the more you learn about Madonna, the more you understand WHY she chooses to be controversial. And it's all surrounded in freedom of speech, freedom of expression, and artistic integrity. Not some passive aggressive need to be in the headlines. I'm so excited to continue this Madonna journey with you.
100%. Madonna bombards you with imagery and symbolism and most people just look into it on a surface level. Everything she does is very intentional and she explains a lot of it in her interviews.
The song and video was both a debate with Madonna's own strict catholic upbringing and a statement against racism like racial profiling, KKK (the burning crosses), white woman and black saint etc. The video offenended many, many people, especially fundamentalistic christians and the Vatican wanted to excommunitcate Madonna. Pepsi canceled its sponsorship for the upcoming tour and draw back the harmeless commercial used for Pepsi's advertising campaing (however Madonna could keep the 5 Mill $). One year later in 1990 Pope John Paull II called Madonnas Blond Ambition Tour "one of the most satanic shows in the history of humanity".
I'm grateful I was there in 1989.. and years before. Her best album besides Erotica. Kids today think Taylor Swift is huge. They've no idea what it was to grow up with Madonna. The looks, the artistry, the talent, the hits! Supernatural is a great b side from the LAP days.
You guys don't realize back then for a white girl to kiss a black guy that in itself was.Oh my god what is she doing!!! In a bad way like white girls didnt date black guys....
Great review - and yes, a very layered video with many interpretations. Firstly, Leon is not playing a black Jesus, he’s playing Saint Martin de Porres OP, the saint of equality. Madonna’s stance and fight has always been about equality for all. That’s what makes her who she is. She’s an absolutely brilliant artist that has stood the test of time as she still continues to be a force to be reckoned with 41 years into her career. She is a global A lister, the most successful living recording artist on the planet. She’s on a sold out world tour as we speak. I encourage you to delve more into her work. She’s a treat.
Thanks for breaking that down! I didn't realize Leon was portraying Saint Martin de Porres, but that makes a lot of sense now. Madonna's commitment to equality is one of the things that makes her stand out for sure. And hey, 41 years in the game and still on a sold-out world tour? That's seriously impressive. I'll definitely dig into more of her stuff - sounds like a ride worth taking. Appreciate the heads-up!
Great reaction! Thank you for the shoutout and for checking this video out. I'm loving your analysis so far and I look forward to seeing what else you will have for all of us on this Madonna journey. Take care and thanks again.
A woman witnesses an act of evilas well as a miscarriage of justice but she’s in fear for her own life. She seeks refuge and sanctuary in a church where she prays to a saint for guidance. She lays down on a pew and falls asleep and in her dreams realizes she must overcome her own fears and be a savior to the falsely accused man, hence the stigmata. The burning crosses represent intimidation and fear. She dances with her back to them to represent that she will triumph over them. Empowered she testifies to the man’s innocence and in doing so sets them both free. Note that the set for the church and the jail are the same sets, which is prophetic in itself. The video is genius in so many aspects. And this represented a new era in her career. Through her first three albums, she allowed the label and producers to guide her song choices, videos, how she presented herself, etc. But on the power of those albums success, she negotiated more artistic control for her fourth album and came out hot with this song and video. A lot of people thought those video would wreck her career but it actually skyrocketed her to even greater fame and notoriety. Make no mistake….she was and still is a bad ass woman and phenomenal artist.
Pepsi gave her 5 million and was going to sponsor her Like A Prayer tour. Madonna filmed a commercial using this song that aired only once. Pepsi saw the video and pulled out but she kept the 5 million. This video was very controversial at the time. I was 16 when this came out. It was HUGE. She was a mega star. So famous.
the song is about her mother Madonna Louise "Donna" Fortin-Ciccone. Donna met Silvo "Tony" Ciccone in 1954 they got married in 55 and Madonna was their third child and first daugther born in 58. theyd have three more children but while pregnant with the 6th Donna was diagnosised with breast cancer and the doctors could treat the cancer and kill the baby or she could have the baby but the disease would become terminal. after consulting their parish priest and bishop they had the baby. Dec 1, 1963 at the age of 30 Madonna Fortin Ciccone died alone. Madonna was 5. in Life With My Sister Madonna, Christopher Ciccone revealed Madonna Sr wrote letters to each of her six children for Tony to give them when they turned 30. Madonna turned 30 august 1988 and the next month she began the recording sessions that became the Like A Prayer album which was dedicated to her mother who taught her how to pray. in interviews of the era she talked about how her and her siblings said prayers to their mother. she mentioned how her mother in their chapel in their house would kneel on rice, wear hair shirts and sleep on hangers. also she remembers her mother sounding like an angel. recently Madonna has talked about the letter her mom wrote and she mentioned the devoution to Catholic beliefs and undying faith and adoration of God. the intro, Life is a mystery everyone must stand alone," is her coming to terms that she outlived her mother. "I hear you call my name And it feels like home" hearing her name she hears her mothers name and feels like shes at peace. "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" this is recalling her offering prayers of intercession to her mother as child and how her mother used to pray. she sleeps with a photo of her mom on her night stand so at the midnight hour she feels her mother. "I hear your voice It's like an angel sighin' I have no choice I hear your voice Feels like flying" hearing her name reminds her of her mom's angelic voice. "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" thinking of her mom makes her think of her childhood. "Just like a muse to me (oh-oh), you are a mystery (oh-oh) Just like a dream (oh-oh), you are not what you seem Just like a prayer, no choice your voice can take me there" alot of Madonna songs are about her mom so her muse and her mom.is mystery as she has few memories of her. the intro guitar solo is prince. the video is about racism, antiblackness and follows some Catholic motifs. opens with her seeking sanctury in a parish church after seeing a crime. she sees a statue of St Martin De Porres the Patron Saint of Racial Harmony and falls asleep. and her dream follows the story of St Theresa of Alvia. She encounters God, the choir director, who then sends her to St Martin. After Martin comes alive he goes to takw the place of the falsely accused man and she suffers stigmata and we get the flash back of the crime. she dances in front of the burning crosses to symbolize fighting racism. then she and st martin share an intimate moment before she wakes up and frees the wrongly accused man
Luv your interpretation and insight into LAP and Madonna’s inspiration behind the song. When all is said and done, LAP is her spiritual anthem that’ll transcend time and generations like a masterpiece. 35 years after she released LAP, it becomes a super soundtrack for the box office smash epic film of Deadpool& Wolverine. Why? Because the film producers/director recognize the parallels in Madonna’s fearlessness and militancy in her advocacy for the marginalized/oppressed and the fictionalized heroism of the Marvel superhero film characters. In real life Madonna is a true heroine for many whose cause she has advocated and fought for throughout her career.
What most don’t realize is that no one, and I mean no one, can pull off a video like this. There is a depth to Madonna that cannot be imitated. Though thought of as controversial by those with provincial thinking, this video evokes so many emotions with its imagery and symbolism. Her performance of “Like a Prayer” during her Blond Ambition tour was nothing short of divine - starting with this song, then Live to Tell, followed by Oh Father. The story those songs told strung seamlessly together is artistry at its finest. Long live Blond Ambition!
Absolutely! Madonna's got a depth and originality that's hard to replicate. "Like a Prayer" and the whole Blond Ambition tour - pure artistry. The emotions, the symbolism, it's like a whole experience. And you're right, those songs strung together during the performance? Divine. Here's to the timeless magic of Blond Ambition! 🌟
Love your MADONNA reactions, you are one of very lil reactions on UA-cam where you are being truthful and really watching Madonna as inspiration not just for views! ❤ More Madonna And start from her beginning And watch her career go You’ll be inspired ❤
Madonna was great live in concert a few weeks ago with this song on her 80 date world tour! All kinds of controversy with this video when it came out in 1989, which I didnt understand at the time.The video is about tolerance from injustice. Leon plays dual roles as an innocent black man / Martin De Porres, the patron saint of mixed race people aka the black jesus. Madonna pissed off all those racist white people in the south, the pope and she still kept her 5 mil from Pepsi and she still embarked on her iconic Blond Ambition Tour without thier sponsorship. This concert will be the blue print for all the modern concerts of today from Gaga, Beyonce and Taylor. Great reaction guys!
Amen to all you both said, and I would add that this song, and album, were written by her from out of her childhood, and her life experiences, and were a more personal statement - according to Rolling Stone at the time, than ever before. She grew up outside of Detroit, MI. In this video she was the same age her mother was (age 30) when her mother, a very religious, Catholic woman, also named Madonna, died of breat cancer, leaving a family of children behind and 5 year old Madonna to take the helm, perhaps to take her place. She said that had created a great void in her that needed to be filled. This album was penned, and recorded right after her divorce to love of her life, actor Sean Penn. Prince added his electric guitar riffs to Like a Prayer and joined with her in a duet on Love Song
I'm in my early 50's and it took me awhile to look at this video to understand (or I think understand) it. A scene of violence against a woman, blatant racism on many levels in possibly a small town and Madonna's seemingly asking her version of a God "Why is this happening". But what the world saw and wanted only to see was Madonna dancing in front of burning crosses and faking a stigmata. And a Black Jesus. Overall it's still one of the most talked about video's from MTV's golden era and one of Madonna's most creative song's. There's a clip of her performing this live in South Africa with a huge choir and it will make you weep it is so powerful. It's just a damn good song.
Wow! That would make alot of sense. Madonna bringing in St. Martin de Porres in "Like a Prayer" is like shouting out a down-to-earth hero. St. Martin was all about helping others, no matter their background. Madonna's nod to him is like saying, "Let's be more like this guy-compassionate and real." It adds a cool layer of relatability to the whole video. Thanks for the insight and we're glad you enjoyed the reaction.
Thank you so much for sharing this information! I always love learning about the stories and symbolism behind different statues and artworks. It's amazing to see how diverse and inclusive our history can be.
She's not an 80s icon, she's the one and only Queen of Pop, the most successful female artist of all-time, the best selling female artist of all-time, the trailbrazer
It's about racism and religion. Basically, Madonna says BLK in 1989. She's always ahead of time. Please know that she grew up in a racially ethnic neighborhood. Her father chose to live there because it was created purposely to be 1/3 white, 1/3 black, and 1/3 Latino. So grew up with these kids, she used to cry when her hair wouldn't look like the cool haircuts of the black girls. She listened to Motown, too. And as an artist she always speaks up for the less fortunate.
Thanks for breaking it down. Madonna seems to be calling out racism early on, back in '89. It makes sense knowing she grew up in a diverse neighborhood and has a personal connection with different cultures. Her advocacy for the less fortunate adds depth to her art. It's cool to see how her background and experiences shape her message.
Great reaction. Yes, I do believe the burning crosses are just that. Pointing out the racism of our history. And hypocrisy of religion perhaps and its uses. Both oppression and salvation- depends. 🤔
Y’all see how ahead of the time this is, with the racial aspect of it. The crime scene where the police arrested the black guy without proof, she is showing the injustice and the racial profiling, which exists today, this video caused so much uproar. She is the legend and the original GOAT!
How do you know he was arrested? He yes, was taken into custody, because HE was the only one there, were they just supposed to take his word for it?? That would be terrible police work..The police aren't investigators
Apparently she got in big trouble out in the country when they were filming it. Locals were horrified by the burning crosses. At the time even her being intimate with a black guy was abit controversial. Pepsi dropped her from a multi million dollar contract too.
Oh wow, I had no idea about the challenges she faced during the filming. It's disheartening to hear about the controversy surrounding her being intimate with a black man on camera. It's a shame. The impact on her career, like losing the Pepsi contract, must have been quite difficult. It's a reminder of how complex and challenging the entertainment industry can be.
Great review.Madonna (regardless how controvertial she can be. She's always pushng butons on our society at the point of risking or jepardayising her own career . She always was an allie to black people and guy communty. regardlees how much this was controversial or conproducent for her. Please don't forget that ths video came out in 1989. She was already vocing a serious crimes like police brutality and racismo. i love the fact that she play with the idea that God was a black women. brave of her and over all genius. Madoona herself found misoginy against her every choise on songs or vdeos all her carrer and here the fact that people didn't have problem with the Video Thriller from Mchael Jackson (when the dead came out to tormented they alive ones, didn't seemed to bother anyone but her message was a more positve but she still got so much criticizing from so manu ignorant racists that they threaten to boicot Pepsi (hence they dropped her out and they ddn't support her tour Blond ambition)
The burning crosses are a symbol of the KKK and the racism in America that still existed at this time. This video reflected racial profiling and unfair incarceration way before it became a hot-button topic. Some people were outraged that she chose to use the crosses, and missed the point of them. The whole video is about racism and the striving for racial harmony. Leon was not meant to portray Jesus, but St. Martin de Porres who is the patron saint of racial harmony and mixed-race people. She always pushed buttons and shocked people into having social conversations.
I don't think the police did one thing wrong..He was the only one present, and the police are not investigators, he was just taken into custody, like anyone who would have been there holding a bleeding body would have
For me, it seems that Madonna tried to show us the roots of racial discrimination are… that church institution, that’s why we can see in the video that church and police station is the same STAGE (you can read about the history of law and you’ll find its roots are in “mosaic laws”=the ten commandments… and knowing this, this video make full sense to me… that’s why I love Madonna because she has taught me so much history and taught to search for the roots of all bad things we have among society… and I realized “god” is the root of prejudices, racial discrimination, hate… that idea of “god” has caused division… and all kind of social deseases
I’m old enough where I remember when this video premiered in anticipation of her Blonde Ambition tour and I remember the controversy and backlash of her portraying a black man as Jesus Christ. To me, this is an anti-racism video. If I remember correctly, Pepsi even threatened to back out as the promoters of her tour. It was ridiculous. If you haven’t already seen them, I recommend watching her blonde ambition show and the follow up movie about the tour “Truth OrDare”. Her and Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation were ruling the charts at that time.
Black folks still don't know how much Madonna supported their people, community and culture! Sad! This was the first time a mainstream artist commented on "Black Lives Matter"!
I was born in the USSR and for me was not a surprise to black Jesus. Like: "well, it happens, it's not a big deal." I did not know what racism is and about the oppression of black people, because In our country this was not the case.
This video clip was an absolute defense of the black race and women in society and in the church of that time. He denounced how the police detained people without criteria based on their race. Showing God as a black woman was wonderful to denounce discrimination against women in the church and against black people. The crosses that are burning are clearly the ones burned by the Ku Klux Klan, they are not religious at all. This video clip made many powerful people uncomfortable, which is why they gave it a bad name. Great Madonna
As kid i seen this. "World premiere" oooon the floor. GLUED to the screen...and got it immediately. Never seen...and still no idea how nobody sees it. (Nobody. Meaning. The ppl who tryed to turn it into something bad (Very...interesting? Telling) She seems a crime. Guy being faulty accused (race.) Runs (beginning) to a church (none denominational) tooo..figure it out. What ta do? Process it? Prays to a Saint (any. Not necessarily "god" an icon) lays, passed out on the church pew(sp?) And the rest is a dream...the floating. The burning of the crosses. Him coming alive. Kiss. Stigmata....all a dream...then, up from "passing out/dream" goes to the cops. Layers. Absolutely. It's an artistic visual. But...the polt...totally simple. From the laying, to getting up... 3rd album. 1st single off it.. still basically new artist. The "noise" already was spinning, and getting louder. The- How Dare the Woman have an opinion. Be sexual. Be on top. A bring em up to bring em down vibe was Totally in effect.
THe burning crosses represent the ongoing burning racism in this country. At least that's what they represent to me. Amazing video and very controversial!
Madonna was talking about racism and hate even before the world went to shit and Like A Prayer was made back in 1989 and she did a song called Death Do Us Part and she talked about Domestic Volience as well if you listen to the lyrics. Madonna has always been the queen of pop and she even talked about School Shootings and Shootings at a Night Club in Madame X the song is called GOD CONTROL**** Madonna was a woman ahead of her time and she had something... Its 2024 now and her Like A Virgin Album is 40 yrs old today. It came out in 1984. I wonder if Madonna will do some new music she is the Queen Of Pop for a reason and she started in 1983-2024 and now ending her Celebration World Tour .. I wonder what Madonna will do next she is 65 yrs old.. Maybe she should retire and relax... but I dont' think she is going too.
If you comment art you should be a more rounded on history, symbolism, iconography. This video was so ahead of its time and yet little has changed. Underwhelmed by your comments.
Madonna has just witnessed the murder of a woman and the perpetrators see her as well. She sees a black man come to the rescue after and is wrongfully accused and arrested. Madonna flees to a nearby church for sanctuary and seeks guidance for what she should do. Remember, she could be killed for having witnessed this. Should she stay silent or stand up and do the right thing. She falls asleep and has a dream sequence where she kisses a black saint who comes to life. He helps her come to the decision. In the end she goes to the police and comes to the defense of the man who was wrongly accused. Madonna is making a statement about social injustice and how prevalent it is. By innocently kissing a black man she triggered so many hypocrites. Madonna has said that in her art she has wanted to put a mirror up to society. All of the people usually offended is because of their own prejudice or hangups.
Wow, that's quite a story Madonna's weaving! It's heavy stuff, witnessing a murder and all. But I guess it's cool that she's using her art to shed light on social injustice. The dream sequence with the black saint is wild, but I guess it's a way for her to find her courage. Standing up against wrongful accusations and prejudice is no joke, especially when it's a matter of life and death. Props to Madonna for trying to make people think and reflect through her art. It's like she's holding up a mirror to society, like she said. Can't deny that it's got people talking, even if some get all worked up about it.
the video was very controversial when it came out mainly because of the burning crosses. She had just signed a big deal with Pepsi but after the pepsi big wigs saw this video she was dropped as their spoke person.
STORY LINE: Madonna witnessed a crime committed by white guys but a black man was wrongly arrested. She feels conflicted as to what to do, so she runs to church to seek guidance. She feels guilty for not finding the courage to fight against racism. (That's what the burning crosses behind her represent. A Guilty conscience "burning" inside) She encounters the statue of a black catholic saint known as "Martin of Porres" from Peru. (It's not a black Jesus) She has a religious experience that helps her find the courage and peace she needs to do the right thing.
He was NOT wrongly arrested, the police are NOT investigators, they simply took him into custody, I mean he was the only one there. You just want them to let him go?? How dumb would the police have to be?
It was also about the profiling of black people in America, hence Jesus being behind bars, which symbolizes the black guy’s innocence or wrong conviction. The crosses were probably a regency to the KKK and racism in America. And I think the choir was more of a black/minority representation. With love from Botswana 🇧🇼 Africa
He was not convicted was he?? He was just in custody, the police are not investigators, they would have been foolish just let him walk away, he was at the crime scene alone....
That was a Black Jesus for us all in Europe and we were all into Madonna and Madonna changed social perceptions for all of us to a point of no return. I was a little boys then and I was frightened by this video. I got the many meanings of it later 💚🤍❤️
She's the Queen of Pop. Here she is showing racism, police abuse, interracial relationships. She was almost cancelled because of this video, the Pope excommunicated her 3 times and tried to boycott her concert tours when in Rome, Pepsi cancelled her contract for supporting her next world tour. Anyway, she won, the song was #1 all around the world, including the US and the UK, she kept the 5 million dollars from the contract and the Blonde Ambition Tour was a sold out stadium tour and set the bar for the next pop music concerts for the years to come. Today, every pop artist follow the formula she stablished more than 30 years ago. All Hail the Queen!
Madonna's encounter with controversy, particularly surrounding the "Like a Prayer" music video, did not lead to her being marginalized or "cancelled." Instead, it acted as a catalyst, further amplifying her fame and influence. The situation is akin to attempting to douse a fire with gasoline-it only served to intensify her presence in the public eye. By this point in her career, Madonna had attained such a level of stardom that she could engage in any activity, no matter how mundane, and still captivate her audience; her influence was so vast that she could have recited her shopping list in a music video, and it would have been enthusiastically received.
This period marked an ascendant phase in her career, far from a decline. Although she did provoke outrage among certain religious groups and those with far-right ideologies, this was not a novel experience in her career. The mention of "Otto von Werner's 'Madonna Don't Preach'" was intended to highlight Madonna's history of engaging with controversial themes that resonate or clash with conservative viewpoints, as seen in her actual song "Papa Don't Preach" from the 1986 album "True Blue."
Madonna's consistent ability to navigate through controversies without damaging her career-indeed, often using them to enhance her public image-underscores her acumen as a marketing genius. She has masterfully managed to stir and then skillfully engage with public discourse, demonstrating a profound understanding of how to maintain and grow her influence in the face of potential backlash.
why was it police abuse?? He was the only one present, they did'nt rough him up they just took him into custody, I say great job by the police!
@@MrViking842000you're right she made sure the right people were brought to justice not letting him take the blame
for the crime they committed
greetings to the only queen!!!!!
Could not have said it better!
You see a lots of black / African American on Madonna's videos and concerts. Madonna has always support the black / African American community.
There's another version of this which was a Pepsi commercial. When Pepsi saw this video they pulled the commercial and didn't want to be associated with Madonna. That's how controversial this video was back then. In fact, Pepsi FINALLY aired the commercial on their social media with a full apology to Madonna only last year!!! So sad that it took them so long.
You are in for a blast with Madonna. As Carla said "controversy" is Madonna's middle name, but the more you learn about Madonna, the more you understand WHY she chooses to be controversial. And it's all surrounded in freedom of speech, freedom of expression, and artistic integrity. Not some passive aggressive need to be in the headlines. I'm so excited to continue this Madonna journey with you.
100%. Madonna bombards you with imagery and symbolism and most people just look into it on a surface level. Everything she does is very intentional and she explains a lot of it in her interviews.
The song and video was both a debate with Madonna's own strict catholic upbringing and a statement against racism like racial profiling, KKK (the burning crosses), white woman and black saint etc. The video offenended many, many people, especially fundamentalistic christians and the Vatican wanted to excommunitcate Madonna. Pepsi canceled its sponsorship for the upcoming tour and draw back the harmeless commercial used for Pepsi's advertising campaing (however Madonna could keep the 5 Mill $). One year later in 1990 Pope John Paull II called Madonnas Blond Ambition Tour "one of the most satanic shows in the history of humanity".
Madonna is an ICON❤
This was Madonna's statement on racism. She was pointing out discrimination and prejudice when few artists were doing so.
how were you
Loved this reaction, she’s the ultimate true queen of pop.
I'm grateful I was there in 1989.. and years before. Her best album besides Erotica. Kids today think Taylor Swift is huge. They've no idea what it was to grow up with Madonna. The looks, the artistry, the talent, the hits! Supernatural is a great b side from the LAP days.
Madonna was part of the Holy Trinity: Madonna, Prince and Michael Jackson. No bigger artists back then.
@@guillermovilla9517 correct. Never will be.
Yessssss i was 12 or 13 this came on mtv and radio
You guys don't realize back then for a white girl to kiss a black guy that in itself was.Oh my god what is she doing!!! In a bad way like white girls didnt date black guys....
She said she was comparing religious passion with the hatred of blacks("passion")..listen to her old MTV interviews about this song
Great review - and yes, a very layered video with many interpretations. Firstly, Leon is not playing a black Jesus, he’s playing Saint Martin de Porres OP, the saint of equality. Madonna’s stance and fight has always been about equality for all. That’s what makes her who she is. She’s an absolutely brilliant artist that has stood the test of time as she still continues to be a force to be reckoned with 41 years into her career. She is a global A lister, the most successful living recording artist on the planet. She’s on a sold out world tour as we speak. I encourage you to delve more into her work. She’s a treat.
Thanks for breaking that down! I didn't realize Leon was portraying Saint Martin de Porres, but that makes a lot of sense now. Madonna's commitment to equality is one of the things that makes her stand out for sure. And hey, 41 years in the game and still on a sold-out world tour? That's seriously impressive. I'll definitely dig into more of her stuff - sounds like a ride worth taking. Appreciate the heads-up!
Wow. Well said.
Great reaction! Thank you for the shoutout and for checking this video out. I'm loving your analysis so far and I look forward to seeing what else you will have for all of us on this Madonna journey. Take care and thanks again.
A woman witnesses an act of evilas well as a miscarriage of justice but she’s in fear for her own life.
She seeks refuge and sanctuary in a church where she prays to a saint for guidance.
She lays down on a pew and falls asleep and in her dreams realizes she must overcome her own fears and be a savior to the falsely accused man, hence the stigmata.
The burning crosses represent intimidation and fear. She dances with her back to them to represent that she will triumph over them.
Empowered she testifies to the man’s innocence and in doing so sets them both free.
Note that the set for the church and the jail are the same sets, which is prophetic in itself.
The video is genius in so many aspects.
And this represented a new era in her career. Through her first three albums, she allowed the label and producers to guide her song choices, videos, how she presented herself, etc. But on the power of those albums success, she negotiated more artistic control for her fourth album and came out hot with this song and video.
A lot of people thought those video would wreck her career but it actually skyrocketed her to even greater fame and notoriety.
Make no mistake….she was and still is a bad ass woman and phenomenal artist.
its a gem, its controversy , its pop . its a masterpiece .
I'm a M fan for 40 years. I so appreciated your reaction to this literal globe changing artist. She called out BLM long forever it was cool to do so
Queen of Pop 👑
Pepsi gave her 5 million and was going to sponsor her Like A Prayer tour. Madonna filmed a commercial using this song that aired only once. Pepsi saw the video and pulled out but she kept the 5 million. This video was very controversial at the time. I was 16 when this came out. It was HUGE. She was a mega star. So famous.
You definitely nailed it for your 1st watch 🎉
The song and the video are so powerful and overwhelming. Thanks Madonna
the song is about her mother Madonna Louise "Donna" Fortin-Ciccone. Donna met Silvo "Tony" Ciccone in 1954 they got married in 55 and Madonna was their third child and first daugther born in 58. theyd have three more children but while pregnant with the 6th Donna was diagnosised with breast cancer and the doctors could treat the cancer and kill the baby or she could have the baby but the disease would become terminal. after consulting their parish priest and bishop they had the baby. Dec 1, 1963 at the age of 30 Madonna Fortin Ciccone died alone. Madonna was 5. in Life With My Sister Madonna, Christopher Ciccone revealed Madonna Sr wrote letters to each of her six children for Tony to give them when they turned 30. Madonna turned 30 august 1988 and the next month she began the recording sessions that became the Like A Prayer album which was dedicated to her mother who taught her how to pray. in interviews of the era she talked about how her and her siblings said prayers to their mother. she mentioned how her mother in their chapel in their house would kneel on rice, wear hair shirts and sleep on hangers. also she remembers her mother sounding like an angel. recently Madonna has talked about the letter her mom wrote and she mentioned the devoution to Catholic beliefs and undying faith and adoration of God.
the intro, Life is a mystery everyone must stand alone," is her coming to terms that she outlived her mother.
"I hear you call my name
And it feels like home" hearing her name she hears her mothers name and feels like shes at peace.
"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" this is recalling her offering prayers of intercession to her mother as child and how her mother used to pray. she sleeps with a photo of her mom on her night stand so at the midnight hour she feels her mother.
"I hear your voice
It's like an angel sighin'
I have no choice
I hear your voice
Feels like flying" hearing her name reminds her of her mom's angelic voice.
"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" thinking of her mom makes her think of her childhood.
"Just like a muse to me (oh-oh), you are a mystery (oh-oh)
Just like a dream (oh-oh), you are not what you seem
Just like a prayer, no choice your voice can take me there" alot of Madonna songs are about her mom so her muse and her mom.is mystery as she has few memories of her.
the intro guitar solo is prince.
the video is about racism, antiblackness and follows some Catholic motifs. opens with her seeking sanctury in a parish church after seeing a crime. she sees a statue of St Martin De Porres the Patron Saint of Racial Harmony and falls asleep. and her dream follows the story of St Theresa of Alvia. She encounters God, the choir director, who then sends her to St Martin. After Martin comes alive he goes to takw the place of the falsely accused man and she suffers stigmata and we get the flash back of the crime. she dances in front of the burning crosses to symbolize fighting racism. then she and st martin share an intimate moment before she wakes up and frees the wrongly accused man
Luv your interpretation and insight into LAP and Madonna’s inspiration behind the song. When all is said and done, LAP is her spiritual anthem that’ll transcend time and generations like a masterpiece. 35 years after she released LAP, it becomes a super soundtrack for the box office smash epic film of Deadpool& Wolverine. Why? Because the film producers/director recognize the parallels in Madonna’s fearlessness and militancy in her advocacy for the marginalized/oppressed and the fictionalized heroism of the Marvel superhero film characters. In real life Madonna is a true heroine for many whose cause she has advocated and fought for throughout her career.
What most don’t realize is that no one, and I mean no one, can pull off a video like this. There is a depth to Madonna that cannot be imitated. Though thought of as controversial by those with provincial thinking, this video evokes so many emotions with its imagery and symbolism. Her performance of “Like a Prayer” during her Blond Ambition tour was nothing short of divine - starting with this song, then Live to Tell, followed by Oh Father. The story those songs told strung seamlessly together is artistry at its finest. Long live Blond Ambition!
Absolutely! Madonna's got a depth and originality that's hard to replicate. "Like a Prayer" and the whole Blond Ambition tour - pure artistry. The emotions, the symbolism, it's like a whole experience. And you're right, those songs strung together during the performance? Divine. Here's to the timeless magic of Blond Ambition! 🌟
The Queen of Pop!
The ultimate icon. The last living legend
Love your MADONNA reactions, you are one of very lil reactions on UA-cam where you are being truthful and really watching Madonna as inspiration not just for views!
❤
More Madonna
And start from her beginning
And watch her career go
You’ll be inspired ❤
“Your in control just like a child.” Speak your mind when we see inequality happening to anyone.
Such an important message 🙌
Spring 1988, and my favorite Madonna song. Oh and he's a Saint.
When this video came out there was an uproar. Even Pepsi, which had just shot a commercial with Madonna, pulled it out for fear of being boycotted
Ahh yeah. I appreciate this classic treasure. I hope yall will enjoy.
THE EMPRESS OF THE UNIVERSE MADONNA 👑👑👑👑👑
Thank you I never saw that in it ❤❤
Madonna said, the most controversial thing she’s ever done was to stick around.
the intro guitar was performed by the late Prince.
If u see something say something help save someone from injustice❤
My fave song is ever
Madonna was great live in concert a few weeks ago with this song on her 80 date world tour! All kinds of controversy with this video when it came out in 1989, which I didnt understand at the time.The video is about tolerance from injustice. Leon plays dual roles as an innocent black man / Martin De Porres, the patron saint of mixed race people aka the black jesus. Madonna pissed off all those racist white people in the south, the pope and she still kept her 5 mil from Pepsi and she still embarked on her iconic Blond Ambition Tour without thier sponsorship. This concert will be the blue print for all the modern concerts of today from Gaga, Beyonce and Taylor. Great reaction guys!
Amen to all you both said, and I would add that this song, and album, were written by her from out of her childhood, and her life experiences, and were a more personal statement - according to Rolling Stone at the time, than ever before. She grew up outside of Detroit, MI. In this video she was the same age her mother was (age 30) when her mother, a very religious, Catholic woman, also named Madonna, died of breat cancer, leaving a family of children behind and 5 year old Madonna to take the helm, perhaps to take her place. She said that had created a great void in her that needed to be filled. This album was penned, and recorded right after her divorce to love of her life, actor Sean Penn.
Prince added his electric guitar riffs to Like a Prayer and joined with her in a duet on Love Song
I'm in my early 50's and it took me awhile to look at this video to understand (or I think understand) it. A scene of violence against a woman, blatant racism on many levels in possibly a small town and Madonna's seemingly asking her version of a God "Why is this happening".
But what the world saw and wanted only to see was Madonna dancing in front of burning crosses and faking a stigmata. And a Black Jesus.
Overall it's still one of the most talked about video's from MTV's golden era and one of Madonna's most creative song's. There's a clip of her performing this live in South Africa with a huge choir and it will make you weep it is so powerful. It's just a damn good song.
The statue may’ve been St. Martin de Porres. Great reaction.
Wow! That would make alot of sense. Madonna bringing in St. Martin de Porres in "Like a Prayer" is like shouting out a down-to-earth hero. St. Martin was all about helping others, no matter their background. Madonna's nod to him is like saying, "Let's be more like this guy-compassionate and real." It adds a cool layer of relatability to the whole video. Thanks for the insight and we're glad you enjoyed the reaction.
Keep madonna coming ❤
Will do!
Madonna took seven barrels of shit with this song. In the UK and Ireland, We loved it South America, Canada , Japan Australis.
loved it.
The statue is probably a representation of Saint Martin de Porres, who is the patron saint of mixed race people.
Thank you so much for sharing this information! I always love learning about the stories and symbolism behind different statues and artworks. It's amazing to see how diverse and inclusive our history can be.
She's not an 80s icon, she's the one and only Queen of Pop, the most successful female artist of all-time, the best selling female artist of all-time, the trailbrazer
The purpose of burning crosses is her choosing the right choice, should she speak up or stay silent letting the innocent guy get convicted.
It's about racism and religion. Basically, Madonna says BLK in 1989. She's always ahead of time.
Please know that she grew up in a racially ethnic neighborhood. Her father chose to live there because it was created purposely to be 1/3 white, 1/3 black, and 1/3 Latino. So grew up with these kids, she used to cry when her hair wouldn't look like the cool haircuts of the black girls. She listened to Motown, too.
And as an artist she always speaks up for the less fortunate.
Thanks for breaking it down. Madonna seems to be calling out racism early on, back in '89. It makes sense knowing she grew up in a diverse neighborhood and has a personal connection with different cultures. Her advocacy for the less fortunate adds depth to her art. It's cool to see how her background and experiences shape her message.
Great reaction. Yes, I do believe the burning crosses are just that. Pointing out the racism of our history. And hypocrisy of religion perhaps and its uses. Both oppression and salvation- depends. 🤔
Yes, I agree. Great observation.
Y’all see how ahead of the time this is, with the racial aspect of it. The crime scene where the police arrested the black guy without proof, she is showing the injustice and the racial profiling, which exists today, this video caused so much uproar. She is the legend and the original GOAT!
How do you know he was arrested? He yes, was taken into custody, because HE was the only one there, were they just supposed to take his word for it?? That would be terrible police work..The police aren't investigators
She so iconic for this. Protestants, Catholics & many others were furious because she used Klan imagery & did it with the black Jesus.
the statue is of saint martin de porres. st. martin is known as the patron saint of racial harmony in catholicism…
Apparently she got in big trouble out in the country when they were filming it. Locals were horrified by the burning crosses. At the time even her being intimate with a black guy was abit controversial. Pepsi dropped her from a multi million dollar contract too.
Oh wow, I had no idea about the challenges she faced during the filming. It's disheartening to hear about the controversy surrounding her being intimate with a black man on camera. It's a shame. The impact on her career, like losing the Pepsi contract, must have been quite difficult. It's a reminder of how complex and challenging the entertainment industry can be.
Great review.Madonna (regardless how controvertial she can be. She's always pushng butons on our society at the point of risking or jepardayising her own career . She always was an allie to black people and guy communty. regardlees how much this was controversial or conproducent for her. Please don't forget that ths video came out in 1989. She was already vocing a serious crimes like police brutality and racismo.
i love the fact that she play with the idea that God was a black women. brave of her and over all genius. Madoona herself found misoginy against her every choise on songs or vdeos all her carrer and here the fact that people didn't have problem with the Video Thriller from Mchael Jackson (when the dead came out to tormented they alive ones, didn't seemed to bother anyone but her message was a more positve but she still got so much criticizing from so manu ignorant racists that they threaten to boicot Pepsi (hence they dropped her out and they ddn't support her tour Blond ambition)
Don’t even know your name… But you, my lady are a very intelligent and insightful woman.
Good lord so many stops!! LOL
The burning crosses are basically calling out the Catholic church’s hypocrisy and wrongs
The burning crosses are a symbol of the KKK and the racism in America that still existed at this time. This video reflected racial profiling and unfair incarceration way before it became a hot-button topic. Some people were outraged that she chose to use the crosses, and missed the point of them. The whole video is about racism and the striving for racial harmony. Leon was not meant to portray Jesus, but St. Martin de Porres who is the patron saint of racial harmony and mixed-race people. She always pushed buttons and shocked people into having social conversations.
💯👍
I don't think the police did one thing wrong..He was the only one present, and the police are not investigators, he was just taken into custody, like anyone who would have been there holding a bleeding body would have
For me, it seems that Madonna tried to show us the roots of racial discrimination are… that church institution, that’s why we can see in the video that church and police station is the same STAGE (you can read about the history of law and you’ll find its roots are in “mosaic laws”=the ten commandments… and knowing this, this video make full sense to me… that’s why I love Madonna because she has taught me so much history and taught to search for the roots of all bad things we have among society… and I realized “god” is the root of prejudices, racial discrimination, hate… that idea of “god” has caused division… and all kind of social deseases
"LARGA VIDA A LA REINA"...!!!!
Carla your speaking voice reminds me of Erykah Badu 🌸
Hey, REALLY?! That's a huge compliment-I love Erykah Badu's vibe. If even a bit of that comes through in my speaking, I'm honored. 🌸
I’m old enough where I remember when this video premiered in anticipation of her Blonde Ambition tour and I remember the controversy and backlash of her portraying a black man as Jesus Christ. To me, this is an anti-racism video. If I remember correctly, Pepsi even threatened to back out as the promoters of her tour. It was ridiculous. If you haven’t already seen them, I recommend watching her blonde ambition show and the follow up movie about the tour “Truth OrDare”. Her and Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation were ruling the charts at that time.
❤👍🏻✌🏻❤️
Black folks still don't know how much Madonna supported their people, community and culture!
Sad!
This was the first time a mainstream artist commented on "Black Lives Matter"!
Nice reaction! Subscribing for more Madonna! ❤
I was born in the USSR and for me was not a surprise to black Jesus. Like: "well, it happens, it's not a big deal." I did not know what racism is and about the oppression of black people, because In our country this was not the case.
It seems like Madonna is not catholic, her family’s culture is catholic, but she is not. She stated that in American Life song
Bad Girl by Madonna is one of the best videos ever made, you should react to it and maybe I'll fully understand what happened in the video.
It took me several times to pick up all of the important nuances
This video clip was an absolute defense of the black race and women in society and in the church of that time. He denounced how the police detained people without criteria based on their race. Showing God as a black woman was wonderful to denounce discrimination against women in the church and against black people. The crosses that are burning are clearly the ones burned by the Ku Klux Klan, they are not religious at all. This video clip made many powerful people uncomfortable, which is why they gave it a bad name. Great Madonna
As kid i seen this. "World premiere" oooon the floor. GLUED to the screen...and got it immediately. Never seen...and still no idea how nobody sees it. (Nobody. Meaning. The ppl who tryed to turn it into something bad (Very...interesting? Telling)
She seems a crime. Guy being faulty accused (race.) Runs (beginning) to a church (none denominational) tooo..figure it out. What ta do? Process it? Prays to a Saint (any. Not necessarily "god" an icon) lays, passed out on the church pew(sp?) And the rest is a dream...the floating. The burning of the crosses. Him coming alive. Kiss. Stigmata....all a dream...then, up from "passing out/dream" goes to the cops. Layers. Absolutely. It's an artistic visual. But...the polt...totally simple. From the laying, to getting up...
3rd album. 1st single off it.. still basically new artist.
The "noise" already was spinning, and getting louder. The- How Dare the Woman have an opinion. Be sexual. Be on top. A bring em up to bring em down vibe was Totally in effect.
THe burning crosses represent the ongoing burning racism in this country. At least that's what they represent to me. Amazing video and very controversial!
Madonna was talking about racism and hate even before the world went to shit and Like A Prayer was made back in 1989 and she did a song called Death Do Us Part and she talked about Domestic Volience as well if you listen to the lyrics. Madonna has always been the queen of pop and she even talked about School Shootings and Shootings at a Night Club in Madame X
the song is called GOD CONTROL**** Madonna was a woman ahead of her time and she had something... Its 2024 now and her Like A Virgin Album is 40 yrs old today. It came out in 1984. I wonder if Madonna will do some new music she is the Queen Of Pop for a reason and she started in 1983-2024 and now ending her Celebration World Tour .. I wonder what Madonna will do next she is 65 yrs old.. Maybe she should retire and relax... but I dont' think she is going too.
madonna was chalinging the chalotic church
1989/1990
Google Madonna like a prayer Pepsi video for some interesting info
Would love to see you react to her video SECRET. This was the album she worked on with Babyface.
If you comment art you should be a more rounded on history, symbolism, iconography. This video was so ahead of its time and yet little has changed. Underwhelmed by your comments.
Madonna has just witnessed the murder of a woman and the perpetrators see her as well. She sees a black man come to the rescue after and is wrongfully accused and arrested. Madonna flees to a nearby church for sanctuary and seeks guidance for what she should do. Remember, she could be killed for having witnessed this. Should she stay silent or stand up and do the right thing. She falls asleep and has a dream sequence where she kisses a black saint who comes to life. He helps her come to the decision. In the end she goes to the police and comes to the defense of the man who was wrongly accused. Madonna is making a statement about social injustice and how prevalent it is. By innocently kissing a black man she triggered so many hypocrites. Madonna has said that in her art she has wanted to put a mirror up to society.
All of the people usually offended is because of their own prejudice or hangups.
Wow, that's quite a story Madonna's weaving! It's heavy stuff, witnessing a murder and all. But I guess it's cool that she's using her art to shed light on social injustice. The dream sequence with the black saint is wild, but I guess it's a way for her to find her courage. Standing up against wrongful accusations and prejudice is no joke, especially when it's a matter of life and death. Props to Madonna for trying to make people think and reflect through her art. It's like she's holding up a mirror to society, like she said. Can't deny that it's got people talking, even if some get all worked up about it.
He was not wrongly accused, he was the only one present at the crime scene, he was merely detained
whether or not a Madonna fan - The main theme is racial injustice
Can you please react to
You can't deny it by Lisa stansfield, live performance please ❤❤❤
A classic by an underrated diva: Lisa! Taylor Dayne is another underrated legend.
It’s about themes of religion, race, love, injustice, class, crime & punishment. The burning crosses unite many of these themes.
Thats right for God and stand up to bigotry and leave it back in history
The Black woman that caught her in heaven and threw her back up was God, not an angel.
This is about Police treatment on black People !!!
the video was very controversial when it came out mainly because of the burning crosses. She had just signed a big deal with Pepsi but after the pepsi big wigs saw this video she was dropped as their spoke person.
Just discovered y’all. Hope you also check out her my top album. Erotica, Ray of Light, Confessions on a Dancefloor, and Music.
STORY LINE:
Madonna witnessed a crime committed by white guys but a black man was wrongly arrested.
She feels conflicted as to what to do, so she runs to church to seek guidance.
She feels guilty for not finding the courage to fight against racism.
(That's what the burning crosses behind her represent. A Guilty conscience "burning" inside)
She encounters the statue of a black catholic saint known as "Martin of Porres" from Peru. (It's not a black Jesus)
She has a religious experience that helps her find the courage and peace she needs to do the right thing.
He was NOT wrongly arrested, the police are NOT investigators, they simply took him into custody, I mean he was the only one there. You just want them to let him go?? How dumb would the police have to be?
It was also about the profiling of black people in America, hence Jesus being behind bars, which symbolizes the black guy’s innocence or wrong conviction. The crosses were probably a regency to the KKK and racism in America. And I think the choir was more of a black/minority representation. With love from Botswana 🇧🇼 Africa
He was not convicted was he?? He was just in custody, the police are not investigators, they would have been foolish just let him walk away, he was at the crime scene alone....
Who else would they take into custody? He was the only one there, it doesn't mean he was arrested because he was black
Ten seconds in and you pause video… FAIL… just watch the damn video and react without pausing
Chill. That was a good reaction.
@thevalyrie8 UA-cam is wide open! Let us know when you post your first reaction video.✌🏽
That was a Black Jesus for us all in Europe and we were all into Madonna and Madonna changed social perceptions for all of us to a point of no return. I was a little boys then and I was frightened by this video. I got the many meanings of it later 💚🤍❤️