Live to Tell by Madonna
Artist: Madonna Weeks at #1: 1 week Chart dates: June 7, 1986
About
“Live To Tell” is a haunting, emotional ballad that served as the lead single from Madonna’s third album True Blue. Released March 26, 1986, the song was also featured in then-husband Sean Penn’s film At Close Range, which premiered April 18, 1986. The Patrick Leonard-produced song uses mostly synthesized instrumentation and features a number of dramatic, suspended pauses before its verses and choruses. It was originally intended for the film Fire with Fire but was rejected by Paramount Pictures. With its deep feeling and languid tempo, the song was played for Madonna who wrote lyrics inspired by her childhood and touches on themes of loyalty and distrust. Its music video presented a new Marilyn Monroe-inspired image for Madonna.
