Madonna

Lyrics

[Intro]
(Hoo!)
(Hoo!)
Come on, girls!
Do you believe in love?
'Cause I got something to say about it
And it goes something like this

[Chorus]
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

[Verse 1]
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 'til you can't come down
(You'll never come down)
[Chorus]
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

[Verse 2]
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
(Baby, on your own)

[Chorus]
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
[Bridge]
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

[Verse 3]
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 'til you can't come down
(You'll never come down)

[Bridge]
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, so please

[Chorus]
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

Express yourself
(You've got to make him) So you can respect yourself
Hey, hey
So if you want it right now, make him show you how
Express what he's got, oh baby, ready or not
Express yourself

Madonna, the iconic pop queen, released "Express Yourself" as the second single from her album "Like a Prayer." This anthemic ode to female empowerment pays homage to the 1970s funk-soul sound of Sly & The Family Stone and The Staples Singers. With its infectious energy and empowering lyrics, "Express Yourself" quickly became a worldwide hit, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, #5 on the UK singles chart, and #1 on the Billboard Dance chart.

About Express Yourself

"Express Yourself" is a song that embodies the spirit of feminism and empowerment. Madonna took inspiration from the song "Respect Yourself" by The Staples Singers, which was originally meant to empower the African-American community during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. Madonna reworked the themes of the song, flipping it to create an anthem for female empowerment. This transformation marked a turning point in 1980s feminism, with Madonna leading the charge.

One of the standout elements of "Express Yourself" is its sonic homage to the funk-soul sound of Sly & The Family Stone and The Staples Singers. This influence can be heard in the original version of the song, which features groovy basslines, funky guitar riffs, and soulful backing vocals. Madonna wanted to capture the energy and spirit of the '70s funk-soul era and infuse it with her own pop sensibilities.

For the radio and dance clubs, "Express Yourself" underwent a now-legendary remix by Shep Pettibone. This remix transformed the song into an electronic-pop banger that instantly captivated listeners. The remix became so popular that a version of it was included on Madonna's 1990 greatest hits package, "The Immaculate Collection." It showcased Madonna's ability to adapt her music to different genres while retaining her signature style.

The impact of "Express Yourself" was not only felt on the charts but also in Madonna's live performances. The song became a staple in her live sets, captivating audiences with its empowering message and energetic performance. Madonna's elaborate music video for "Express Yourself," directed by David Fincher, further contributed to the song's success. The visually stunning video showcased Madonna's artistry and showcased her as a true pop icon.

Through "Express Yourself," Madonna solidified her position as a pioneer of female empowerment in the music industry. The song challenged societal norms and encouraged women to express themselves unapologetically. Madonna's ability to fuse different musical influences and create a powerful anthem for feminism is a testament to her artistry and impact.

Ultimately, "Express Yourself" stands as a timeless testament to the power of self-expression and empowerment. Its energetic sound, empowering lyrics, and Madonna's iconic performance make it a song that resonates with listeners even decades after its release. It serves as a reminder for individuals to embrace their true selves and to never be afraid to express who they are.

• Release Date: March 21, 1989
• Artist: Madonna