The Tracks — True Blue, 1986, Track 01
Papa Don’t Preach
I’m keeping my baby.
At a Glance
Title
Papa Don’t Preach
Record
True Blue (1986) | Track 01
Single
Second single | 11 June 1986
Writers
Brian Elliot | Madonna (additional lyrics)
Producers
Madonna | Stephen Bray
Video
Directed by James Foley
Chart peaks
US No. 1 | UK No. 1
Strings, a pleading teenager and a decision to make: the song that showed Madonna could tell a story — and start an argument.
The Song
Brian Elliot wrote “Papa Don’t Preach” and Madonna added lyrics, turning it into the story of a pregnant teenager telling her father she will keep her baby. Produced with Stephen Bray, it opens with a dramatic string introduction before the beat kicks in.
The song was debated by campaigners on both sides of the abortion argument, each reading it in their own way.
The Video
James Foley directed the video, with Madonna in a gamine crop and an “Italians Do It Better” T-shirt, and Danny Aiello as her father.
The Charts
It went to No. 1 in both the US and the UK.
LISTEN NEXT
Keep listening — headphones on, lights low.
