In the call to arms intro of her 1989 hit “Express Yourself”, Madonna exclaimed she had “something to say” about love to her female followers, but it’s just one of many topics the best-selling female recording artist of all time has turned her attention to. Sexism, racism, religion, personal belief and her own mythology have all been discussed in depth by Ms. Ciccone, with her quotes offering an intriguing insight into this astute, multi-faceted star. Confronting, confident and controversial, there are few pop artists who have blazed a music industry trail as singular or iconic. This month marks the 30th anniversary of Like A Prayer’s release, an album which has sold more than 15 million copies worldwide.
To celebrate the occasion, as well as align with International Women’s Day on March 8th, we take a look through Madonna’s most thoughtful, smart and powerful quotes.
“We all fall to the floor at some point. It's how you pick yourself up that's the real challenge.”
Confessions lyric, 2007
“It is perfectly socially acceptable for a man to find a beautiful girl who hasn’t accomplished the things that he’s accomplished, and make a life with her. Why does the man always have to be the one who makes more money?” she asked. “It’s pathetic and sexist and disgusting, and if people don’t change the way they view things – the man and woman’s place in society – nothing’s ever going to change.”
American Vogue interview, 1996
“To the doubters and naysayers and everyone who gave me hell and said I could not, that I would not, or I must not - your resistance made me stronger, made me push harder, and made me the fighter that I am today. It made me the woman that I am today. So, thank you.”
Billboard Woman Of The Year Award speech, 2016
“You try to live every single day like it's your last. And you try to be better, to yourself and to others. I don't always succeed. But I try and it's my goal."
Wowowow interview, 2009
Read more: Take The Madonna Quiz
“A woman said to me, "You have to decide whether you want to be an artist or an activist." I said, "Why can't I be both?" That's how I've always felt.”
Rolling Stone interview, 2009
“I'm so used to people slagging me off. Since the beginning of my career I've been told I have no talent, I can't sing and I'm a one-hit wonder. That was 22 years ago.”
The Guardian interview, 2005
“A lot of people are afraid to say what they want. That’s why they don’t get what they want.”
Sex, 1992
“Does somebody ask Steven Spielberg why he's still making movies? Hasn't he had enough success? Hasn't he made enough money? Hasn't he made a name for himself? Did somebody go to Pablo Picasso and say, "Okay, you're 80 years old. Haven't you painted enough paintings?" No. I'm so tired of that question. I just don't understand it. I'll stop doing everything that I do when I don't want to do it anymore.”
Harper’s Bazaar, 2017
“At the end of the day, are they going to think about how… I was naked in the newspapers, or are they going to remember Live To Tell? I think that at the end of the day, people remember authenticity. They remember what's true, and the rest falls by the wayside. They'll remember what comes from someone's heart.”
Rolling Stone interview, 2009
“I’m tough, I’m ambitious, and I know exactly what I want. If that makes me a bitch, okay.”
People interview, 1992
“Not only does society suffer from racism and sexism but it also suffers from ageism. Once you reach a certain age you're not allowed to be adventurous, you're not allowed to be sexual. I mean, is there a rule? Are you supposed to just die?"
Jonathan Ross interview, 1992
“Hollywood is about playing the game, and I can't think of any successful actresses who didn't play the game. There's a lot more renegades in the music business, from Patti Smith to Janis Joplin."
Aperture interview, 1999
"What else is there for me to conquer? Hopefully my ego. How will I know when I've succeeded? When I stop caring what anyone thinks."
Q interview, May 2008
“Why did [Sean Penn and I] want to break all the rules? Because the rules didn’t make sense, that’s why. The rules didn’t give any answer.”
Ladies Home Journal interview, 2005
“Absolutely no regrets.”
Human Nature lyrics, 1994
Madonna has acknowledged the milestone on her social media today in the tongue-in-cheek way we would expect.
“30 years ago today I released Like a Prayer and made a video that caused so much controversy because I kissed a black saint and danced in front of burning crosses! I also made a commercial with PEPSI that was banned because my video was seen as inappropriate. Happy Birthday to Me and Controversy! - Madonna"
Listen to Madonna on Spotify
Listen to Madonna on Apple Music
