“Like a Virgin” is one of Madonna’s most iconic and career-defining songs, released on October 31, 1984 as the lead single from her second studio album, also titled Like a Virgin. Written by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly, and produced by Nile Rodgers, the song became a massive commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and topping charts worldwide. The track not only cemented Madonna’s place as a pop superstar but also sparked controversy and debate over its provocative lyrics and themes.
The song was originally written by Billy Steinberg, who described the song’s lyrics as personal, inspired by his own feelings of renewal after a past relationship. Steinberg’s lyrics express the emotions of starting a new relationship that feels fresh and pure, despite past experiences. However, when Madonna took the song, its meaning was interpreted in a far more provocative way due to her image and the cultural climate of the 1980s. “Like a Virgin” is an upbeat, dance-pop track with strong synth-pop elements typical of 1980s production. Nile Rodgers’ funky guitar riffs and tight, polished production give the song a smooth, radio-friendly feel. The song’s bouncy bassline and catchy melody helped make it an instant hit in dance clubs and on the charts.
“Like a Virgin” was a commercial blockbuster for Madonna. It became her first No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for six weeks, and also topped the charts in countries like Canada, and Australia. In the UK, the single reched No. 3. The song’s success helped drive sales of the Like a Virgin album, which went on to become one of Madonna’s best-selling records, with over 21 million copies sold worldwide. The song’s massive success marked the moment Madonna transitioned from an emerging pop artist to a global superstar, and it remains one of her signature tracks.
“Like a Virgin” was met with significant controversy upon its release, primarily due to its title and perceived sexual innuendos. Many critics and conservative groups found the song provocative, accusing it of promoting a carefree attitude toward sex. Madonna’s image and public persona, which embraced sexual freedom and boundary-pushing fashion, only fueled the controversy. The song became even more provocative after Madonna’s famous performance at the 1984 MTV Video Music Awards, where she sang “Like a Virgin” while wearing a wedding dress and writhing suggestively on stage. The performance shocked audiences and solidified Madonna’s reputation as a bold, fearless artist willing to challenge societal norms about female sexuality and expression.
The music video for “Like a Virgin” was directed by Mary Lambert and features Madonna in Venice, Italy, intercut with scenes of her dancing and seducing a lion-masked man. The video was widely played on MTV and became a defining visual moment in Madonna’s career, helping her establish herself as a fashion and pop culture icon.
Despite the controversy—or perhaps because of it—”Like a Virgin” became an anthem of empowerment for many women, particularly in the context of the 1980s’ evolving discussions around gender, sexuality, and identity.