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"Express Yourself" is a song by Madonna from fourth studio album Like a Prayer. It was released as the second single from the album on May 9, 1989.
Background
The song was written and produced by Stephen Bray and Madonna. Bray originally met Madonna during her pre-stardom when she attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor to study dance. The pair went to New York together and became part of the band The Breakfast Club. Madonna soon left but Bray continued as their drummer and in 1987 they had a hit with "Right On Track". When Madonna obtained her recording contract with Sire Records, she continued collaborating with Bray and they wrote some of the Material Girl's biggest hits of the 1980s including "Into the Groove" and "True Blue".
Composition
The song begins with the sound of brass tinkling along, as Madonna chimes the opening line. Handclaps and drum beats start as Madonna moves into the chorus of the song, with a thick vocal texture and high-pitched background singing. The chorus is aided by instrumentation from a saxophone and percussion.
Cross references
- "Express Yourself" is referenced in "Human Nature" and "Veni Vidi Vici"
Music Video
| Music Video | Information | |
|---|---|---|
|
Released | May 17, 1989 |
| Length | 5:02 | |
| Director | David Fincher | |
| Production Co | Gregg Fienberg | |
| Choreographer | N/A | |
| Filmed | N/A | |
| Location | N/A | |
| VEVO views | 7+ Millon Views | |
Lyrics
Come on girls
Do you believe in love?
'Cause I got something to say about it
And it goes something like this
Don't go for second best baby
Put your love to the test
You know, you know, you've got to
Make him express how he feels
And maybe then you'll know your love is real
You don't need diamond rings
Or eighteen karat gold
Fancy cars that go very fast
You know they never last, no, no
What you need is a big strong hand
To lift you to your higher ground
Make you feel like a queen on a throne
Make him love you till you can't come down
Don't go for second best baby
Put your love to the test
You know, you know, you've got to
Make him express how he feels
And maybe then you'll know your love is real
Long stem roses are the way to your heart
But he needs to start with your head
Satin sheets are very romantic
What happens when you're not in bed
You deserve the best in life
So if the time isn't right then move on
Second best is never enough
You'll do much better baby on your own
Don't go for second best baby
Put your love to the test
You know, you know, you've got to
Make him express how he feels
And maybe then you'll know your love is real
Express yourself
You've got to make him
Express himself
Hey, hey, hey, hey
So if you want it right now
Make him show you how
Express what he's got
Oh, baby ready or not
And when you're gone he might regret it
Think about the love he once had
Try to carry on but he just won't get it
He'll be back on his knees
To express himself
You've got to make him
Express himself
Hey, hey
Don't go for second best baby
Put your love to the test
You know, you know, you've got to
Make him express how he feels
And maybe then you'll know your love is real
Express yourself
You've got to make him
Express himself
Hey, hey, hey, hey
So if you want it right now
Make him show you how
Express what he's got
Baby ready or not
Express yourself
Respect yourself
Hey, hey
(So if you want it right now)
(Then make him show you how)
Express what he's got
Oh, baby ready or not
Express yourself
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