In the ’80s, no one knew how to push pop boundaries like Madonna, and “Like a Prayer” is a great example of how the former Catholic girl delighted in raising eyebrows.

Fun Facts

• The Vatican banned the music video for “Like a Prayer” because of its portrayal of immoral people and images inside of the church. The Pope at the time, John Paul II, also told his followers that they boycott the star’s performances in Italy.
• Ironically, the song is said to be about a young girl who falls in love with the idea of God because he is the only reliable male figure in her life. This is why the song is a blend of pop-rock and gospel.
• Despite its controversy, the song shot to number one stayed there for three weeks. It also hit number one in numerous countries and was named in Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
• After the music video’s release, the boycott and outrage of Christians forced Pepsi to cancel their commercial contract with the pop star, but she was allowed to keep her payment.
• Musical historians often consider “Like a Prayer” to be the pivotal moment in her career when she moved into the field of artist and out of the industry of being just another young pop tart.
• Madonna’s influence on the world of music was enough to get her nominated for a star on the Hollywood walk of fame, but she turned it down.
• While Madonna is well into her 60’s today, she still looks pretty good, which is likely due to the strict vegetarian diet that she has upheld since she was 15.

Lyrics

(musixmatch)

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

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

Your voice can take me there

Like a prayer

Just like a prayer

Just like a prayer, your voice can take me there

Just like a prayer

Just like a prayer, your voice can take me there