“Like a Virgin,” released in 1984, is one of Madonna’s most iconic and career-defining songs. As the lead single from her second studio album of the same name, the song catapulted her to international stardom, solidifying her image as a provocative and bold artist. With its catchy pop melody, provocative lyrics, and unforgettable music video, “Like a Virgin” became a cultural phenomenon that redefined the boundaries of pop music.

About The Song

• Chart Success: “Like a Virgin” was a massive commercial success, becoming Madonna’s first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for six consecutive weeks. The song also topped the charts in multiple countries, including Canada, Australia, and Japan. Its success helped make the Like a Virgin album a multi-platinum seller and established Madonna as one of the leading figures in 1980s pop music.
• Production Details: Produced by Nile Rodgers, “Like a Virgin” features a clean, polished production style that incorporates synthesizers, bass, and drums to create a dance-pop sound. Rodgers, known for his work with Chic and other artists, brought a distinctive groove to the song, blending disco influences with contemporary pop, which was key to its crossover appeal and wide-ranging success on the dance floors and pop charts.
• Visual Elements (Music Video or Film Appearances): The music video for “Like a Virgin,” directed by Mary Lambert, is one of Madonna’s most memorable. Set in Venice, Italy, it features Madonna in a wedding dress, dancing provocatively and singing while evoking both innocence and sensuality. The video’s mix of religious imagery, sensual themes, and fashion-forward style helped cement Madonna’s reputation as a groundbreaking and controversial artist, influencing the visual language of pop music videos for years to come.
• Cultural Impact: “Like a Virgin” sparked significant controversy due to its provocative title and lyrics, which many interpreted as challenging conventional ideas about sexuality and morality. The song became a flashpoint for discussions about sexual expression in popular music, making Madonna a symbol of female empowerment and sexual liberation. Its impact extended beyond music, influencing fashion, attitudes, and the broader culture of the 1980s.
• Live Performances: Madonna’s performances of “Like a Virgin” have been some of the most iconic moments of her career. Her performance of the song at the first-ever MTV Video Music Awards in 1984, where she appeared on stage in a wedding dress and performed suggestively, is considered one of the most memorable moments in live music television history. This performance solidified her reputation for pushing boundaries and set the tone for her career as a live performer known for her theatricality and boldness.

“Like a Virgin” remains one of Madonna’s signature songs, celebrated for its infectious melody, daring lyrics, and bold visual presentation. Its legacy endures as a defining moment in pop music history, showcasing Madonna’s unique ability to combine commercial appeal with cultural commentary.

Video

Lyric

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’ve been had, I was sad and blue
But you made me feel
Yeah, you made me feel
Shiny and new
Oh, 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, oh
Like a virgin
Feels so good inside
When you hold me
And your heart beats
And you love me
Oh-oh, oh, oh
Oh-oh, oh, oh