You stumbled onto a hidden gem. I feel like this song gives us a rare glimpse of the real Madonna.

@santiagohardy2728

5 ай бұрын

Agreed. 100% agree. I recall seeing the video when it first premiered on MTV, i still have it on VHS in my archives. Every time i see the video, i wonder if her father getting angry with her for playing dress up with her recently deceased Mother's personal belongings actually happened.

Props to the patron who recommended this one. It's one of my favorite Madonna songs and videos. There are two men in the video (her father when she's a child) and her husband/boyfriend when she's an adult. The father isn't physically abusive, just verbally and clearly grieving. The husband is physically abusive and while many think it's about her first husband Sean Penn, she's said he never physically abused her. But clearly it's inspired by both of those relationships, which is why she vaguely says it's about "male figures in her life." It's such a beautiful and powerful video. I understand why the song wasn't a pop hit (can you imagine hearing it on the radio??) but I think the video deserved and still deserves more attention. It's one of the best ever. David Fincher and Madonna are a match made in heaven (they even dated briefly).

@rk41gator

5 ай бұрын

There is at least a third, the Priest (Father). "Father I have sinned." We might add a fourth......God? or perhaps, religion.

@FindingMadonna

5 ай бұрын

@@rk41gator Definitely! There are always lots of layers to Madonna's writing. When people try to discredit her writing or say she doesn't write her stuff, they just don't know what they're talking about.

This is probably one of the most emotionally moving videos ever made. Stunning visuals and storytelling.

It's a sin thar this song and video are so underrated compared to her other classics. It's a masterpiece.

surprise, Madonna is an amazing songwriter and one of the best performers of all time

FYI-The synthy intro is a continuation from the previous track “Dear Jessie,” a baroque pop lullaby.

When I look back I’ll be able to say, you didn’t mean to be cruel, somebody hurt you too. This is the damaging cycle of abuse. Such a powerful lyric.

7:37 “You once had the power, I NEVER FELT SO GOOD!” 🔥💯😭 Madonna is brilliant!

One of my all time favorites of hers. This entire album is amazing.

"Why am I running away" is such an insightful question. Anyone who has been in an abusive situation, especially a child, runs away or at least feels uncomfortable when anger erupts even as an adult. They wrongly feel it is their fault ("Oh, Father I have sinned") but do not feel they have the power to correct or stop the situation. Much later in life, the fear continues and so the running away continues until the person realizes why and takes away the power. As stated in Ruiz's book "The Four Agreements", it is we who allow the abuse to become personal. We have the power to not agree with the abuser. Madonna's is such a powerful message,.

Another Madonna great ballad: "This Used to be my Playground" which was used in the movie, A League of Their Own.

This song is so emotional and amazing!!! The feels it causes is sadness and Triumph! Such a roller-coaster of emotions.

One of the most hauntingly beautiful videos ever made. Bravo to Madonna and David Fincher.

I rarely listen to Madonna but this song touches me. I recently filed for divorce after 34 years from a man who was terribly abusive to me and our kids.😢😢

@darnell49

5 ай бұрын

🙏🏿❤️🙏🏿❤️

I loved the fact you made your research to understand the background ❤

“Maybe someday, when I look back I’ll be able to say. You didn’t mean to be cruel. Somebody hurt you too.”

This is one of my Favorite ballad from Madonna. Also the lyrics is an Open interpretation; can be related to any man relationships included God . If you believe in that. Madonna has a Unique Voice that makes you believe in any character that she plays in her songs or Albums . Madonna's Personal Life in her music is so Deep and profound , Madonna is a Journey of culture & History telling .

Very interesting that you check the facts about the song, thats in part why i like following your channel and listen to your comments!

@SalvoG

5 ай бұрын

I appreciate that!

@poeticsunsetescapes

5 ай бұрын

Totally agree. It's refreshing that he takes the time to get some sense of context. I've always read who writes, plays, sings, and produces, plus chart performance and inspiration! I could totally be his music-geek friend - and I'm proud of that 😅

@sarasotarebel2445

5 ай бұрын

I really like that as well. So many other reaction channels make assumptions and ask questions, then wait for the viewers to respond afterwards. You don't see the results unless you go back and read the comments later. Who has time for that? The best thing in my opinion is to do the research up front so you can provide an informed opinion of the video and that results in a more constructive conversation with the viewers. SalvoG has the right formula for a reaction channel.

She always did the best videos back in the day.

One of my favorite songs because it relates to my own life. I grew up in an abusive household with an abusive father. So the song really hit me hard.

Madonna has always had the best videos. She really wanted to be a successful screen actress which never panned out but she truly shines when hiring the best directors of the time to make her music videos. They really are 5 min masterpieces. Her combination of music and video storytelling really made her a true artist well beyond her pop star status.

@timothysassanella272

7 күн бұрын

Just as a note - she has a Golden Globe and other awards from Evita... and she was incredible in Evita.

I'm not a huge Madonna fan, but this song and video have always choked me up. The line "If you never wanted to hurt me, why am I running away?" hits hard.

One of the most underrated singles and videos of all time. I love everything about this song.. visuals, vocals, and symbolism (the pearls dropping among others). I look forward to seeing you react to more of Madonna. She is no doubt the best story creators in her music videos

She was a genius. Still is.

The death of her mother at such a young age has always defined her. She has talked about a lot through the years. She comes from a large devout Catholic family. Have to assume her father was a repressed man so I am not surprised that he would not discuss this song.

I’m glad someone directed you to this one. Not many reactors get to this one and it’s one of her best imo

I still get chills when I hear the strings

Best song ever. Decades have past and yet this song and video still move me. Masterpiece

She had just divorced Sean Penn when the album was released. In 1989. He was an abusive alcoholic. Till Death Do Us Part is also about the failed marriage.

Please, do more Madonna reactions in the future. She's a very versatile, creative and unique artist!

MASTERPIECE !

Madonna is legendary 13 UK number singles and 12 uk number 1 albums plus 2 number 2 albums. I went to the celebration tour in london last December it was awesome

I'm Australian and madonna was my first concert here in Melbourne Australia in 1993, I was 16. I love her music it means so much.

This video and song are one of my faves. I'm not 100% certain, but I believe the same director did the Bad Girl video, and it is just as stunning. Two of my faves besides Human Nature.

@ms.b9093

5 ай бұрын

David Fincher! He did Vogue too!

@rowanmayfair9249

5 ай бұрын

@ms.b9093 YES!!! When you watch them the similarities are striking but they're still all different and beautifully shot. That photographers eye. All 3 of those videos are breathtaking.

My favourite track of hers.So sad x

It snowed last night and I woke up thinking about this song and my father, who passed away almost two years ago… still moved by this song in 2024…

This song and video always makes me cry. It's a strong theme. We can notice how hard could be her childhood. Really awesome that way you review the info related to the video, album and lyrics, in order to understand the concept. Excellent! Greetings from.Costa Rica! 🇨🇷🇨🇷🇨🇷🇨🇷🇨🇷

David Fincher directed four Madonna videos: “Express Yourself (1989),” “Oh Father (1989),” “Vogue (1990),” and “Bad Girl (1992)”.

Wow I've never seen a reactor doing such a good research about the subject during the reaction, you're good! I really hope you do more Madonna, there's a lot to dive into her music and videos❤

Thank you for reacting to this video. I think it is one of her most highly underrated songs, especially when combined with the video. This was Madonna expressing the deepest pain of her life. If you ever get the chance to watch Madonna's groundbreaking documentary, "Truth or Dare," she discusses this pain, and you get to see Madonna's father and step mother show up to one of her concerts. There was definitely some tension there, but you also can tell Madonna craves her father's love and is trying to reconcile with her dad. From what I can tell, Madonna seems to have made up with her father since then. 💙👑

I ❤the depth and detail you put into your reviews. I also ❤that you are so authentic - invested in the music and your followers. Most of all, I ❤ and appreciate your sensitivity and honest emotional reactions. You’re personality is beautiful - YOU are beautiful… and so very enjoyable to watch. It makes me happy. 😊

Madonna had many issues about men which that was the issues of her father. However, this song, along with other songs like "Papa Don't Preach, " that served as healing methods to her pains with her relationship with her father. If you want to know her issues just react to her songs. 😊😊😊

Wow, the initial traveling that goes through the bedroom window with the child playing in the snow in the background took me right to Citizen Kane (1941), it can only be a reference, wonderful.

Song and video both masterpieces!

Salvo! Maddona is a homegirl - she was born in Bay City, and called Detroit her home. Her local shows have been the best of show... ever. I worked for Ticketmaster for several years and saw most of the greats. Her shows... are the tops, so much better than you might expect.

David Fincher outdid himself on this video.

Promise to try is even more beautiful. Such a gem. A very very sad song. I hope you will react to it ❤

"Oh father, you never wanted to live that way, you never wanted to hurt me why am I running away". hits me a lot

It's interesting that you picked that particular line from the song "you didn't mean to be cruel, somebody hurt you too". After this line, the song actually transforms in a slightly different direction. This is when the electric guitars join the fray, and although the song still maintains its grieving retrospective nature, the tone shifts ever so slightly to a more uplifted approach, almost as if she is still hurting but now starting to heal - so musically we are on the upswing, and lyrically, she's hit a realisation. This song truly is magnificently crafted!

@DeanTailor

5 ай бұрын

That Chester Kamen overdub was the last run of that tape, as it were. The first time was with the musicians while Madonna sang the vocal in the booth. The second time, she came about and gave everyone notes, did it again, and that's the take. They just overdubbed that guitar. Real music played by real musicians in the moment is why this sounds so good.

This one is on her Immaculate Conception collection of videos. An amazing counterpoint from the same collection is "Cherish", which hardly ever gets reacted to...but it's beautiful, truly beautiful, and will make you fall in love with Madonna. "Papa Don't Preach" (with Danny Aiello) is another great counterpoint from the same album.

@marcoizaguirre8099

5 ай бұрын

Papa don’t preach is from True Blue. Cherish and this song are from Like a Prayer.

Madonna ❤

Beautiful song and beautiful video. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Stunning song and video. Thank you for reacting to it. I appreciate that you take the extra time to learn and understand.

AMAZINGGGG REACTION 🌟 THANK YOU 👑

All of the publicity around Madonna is about her controversial aspects but when you look a little deeper she’s extremely poignant in her work. I often resist watching this video because of the emotional aspect and symbolism. It’s so moving. She’s an amazing artist.

love this song and madonna music

A genius, a strong and emotional video, Madonna has this dramatic side, telling her own story! You don't see videos like this, only Madonna, the QUEEN of POP culture

Very good reaction. I'm glad you appreciated the track and video. 👍🏻

Maybe you know this, its directed by David Fincher- Fight Club, Girl Gone. Se7en, etc. He directed 4 of her videos and they were involved for a while. After directing Express Yourself, the most expensive video of the time, he wanted to film Oh Father. Later, she said “You wanted to make this video for the song and no one liked the song and I went to bat for you and now I have to make a video by Tuesday.” As Fincher explained, “I said, ‘What’s the song called?’ She said, ‘Vogue.’” Only a weekend to film the video that became one of her most known hits. I totally request/recommend you react to the last Madonna video he directed - Bad Girl

One of her best ballads and a top 3 video of hers.

My favorite Madonna song

This video was directed by David Fincher, who later went on to direct the films, Alien 3, Seven, The Game, Fight Club, Panic Room, Zodiac, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo among other movies. He also directed Express Yourself & Vogue by Madonna, Janie’s Got a Gun by Aerosmith, Cradle of Love & LA Woman by Billy Idol, Freedom 90 by George Michael, Roll with It by Steve Winwood & Say You Will by Foreigner.

Brb just crying my eyes out

This is a hidden gem

Thanks so much for that Patreon request! A b-side song so important to me! When I was 11a I listened to it the first time. Same year I found out, that my father suffering from addiction wasn’t even my Father. My biological father also just didn’t give a fuck-Until he died! So this song and this album meant the world to me, made me feel understood and not alone! So even though I am not a big Madonna Fan, I will always love her for saving my ass from drowning!

My favorite

Please do Madonna's FROZEN vid...

More Madonna!

Keep the Madonna reactions coming.

G'day it's Steven from down under A beautiful and poignant song It's great that younger generations are enjoying the artistry of Madonna. ALL HAIL THE QUEEN OF POP!

What’s so moving about the beginning, and the music, is that the little Madonna is playing outside and inside he mother dies. That’s when the music changes. It IS directed as how her father’s drinking made him more abusive. The direction of this is BRILLIANT!!!!

It was written just after her divorce from first husband Sean Penn. She has said that Penn looked like her father to her, if she were to squint her eyes. It was a Passionate and volatile relationship. Her father, on the other hand was strict, had to work, which left Madonna feeling abandoned in her grief and loss of her mother. His getting remarried was yet another hard pill to swallow. Somehow because of art it all ties in in this video. hopes my input helps to shed more light

Promise To Try, about still trying to deal with her mother's death, also has a powerful video.

@jluebs

5 ай бұрын

Promise to Try is in my top ten fave Madonna songs.... but for the record she didn't release the song or make a music video for it... the video you'll find is an excerpt from her Truth or Dare movie.

Y’all realize Madonna collaborated with the great director David Finch. Google his movies. He also did Vogue . She helped him get into movies

It should be noted that she and her father have had a very good relationship for many years now. As for never discussing this song/video with her....from what she has said they never really talk about her work or success. I doesn't seem like she's resentful of this in any way, but rather finds it grounding. She's one of 8 kids so I think he just never wants to be thought of as singling her out. He's always attended her concerts. Even this week, although he's in declining health, she posted a picture of them together at her show in Detroit.

That was great 👍

Also this song is my childhood with my stepdad

A trailblazer. Truly one of the last living musical legends (the 6th best-selling artist of all time; the top female), and that is why she is still to this day the best-selling female musical recording artist in history.

@PDC1987

Ай бұрын

She is the fourth best selling artist of all time, behind only the Beatles, MJ and Elvis. Please don’t tell me you’re using that ridiculous chartmasters website as a source. It is complete fiction and not related to a single charts company or certification house anywhere in the world.

Wow, I forgot about this song❤

❤

When Madonna released this song, I knew she no longer cared about her commercial success, not in a bad way. This song was clearly a deep, emotional song that wasn't a conventional ballad. This song, coupled with Promise To Try on the Like A Prayer album were so, so powerfully emotional. I love your reactions as you delve into more about the songs and the artist than surface level commentary.

Madonna is…and will always be a genuine, legendary diva - singer, dancer, actress (despite not being so great & all the bad reviews). This song & video are extremely moving and powerful. Sadly, I can personally relate… except my terrible relationship was with my mother.

Please do more Madonna reactions!

nice to see that someone whos not a fan got toched by this song too :)

Never heard this one from her. Different, interesting & you learn something about her too.

Oh, man, once you start reacting and analyzing Madonna's videos, you will never stop. She has a lot, A LOT, of great videos that tell amazing stories. She usually references classic films, paintings and even books in her videos. She does her homework. I saw you reacted to Like a Prayer (one of the best videos ever made). I can also suggest Frozen, Bedtime Story and This used to be my playground, just to start.

Never heard this one before. Learned something new about her. An interesting song and video. We learn something new too at times. Later

Thx, the deepest, the best Madonna song, it seems to me, she did so much shit.

Madonna's mother Madonna Louise Fortin-Ciccone(whom Madonna was named after) was diagonsised with breast cancer when she was pregnant with her 6th child. Madonna and Silvo "Tony" Ciccone were told they could treat the cancer and kill the fetus or have the child but the cancer would progress and become terminal. after consulting their parish priest and bishop and elected to have the baby. Madonna Sr wrote a letter to each of her six children for them to read at the age of 30, the age Madonna Sr died. Madonna's 30th was aug 1988 the same time her marriage to Sean Penn ended. Madonna was moved by tje letter which inspired the recoeding sessions that became Like A Prayer dedicated to her mother who taught her how to pray. Madonna was 5 when her mother died. the scenes of her as a child are from her memory. she says her father was emotionally distant as all men in the 60s and strict were but not abusive some of the song is dramatic purpose. but the video handles the cycle of abuse with abused children often having abusive partners as it was rumored Sean Penn was abusive. the autobiographical is her mother's lips swen shut. the breaking of the pearls. Madonna and her father get along really well and in Life With My Sister, Madonna -Christopher Ciccone her younger gay brother said their father wasnt abusive but old school.

If you read the rest of the song description it explains the video more. It's all right there on original page you looked at, if you just kept scrolling another paragraph or two.

Beauty and the Beast reaction!

When you ignore the hype and negative press surrounding Madonna the mega star and deep dive into her catalog and see her as bonifide singer and musician. Respect! Request? Madonna live Hung Up/ A New Level. Pantera cover 2008 please!

Salvo - Yes that one was fairly heavy and many layered.

Oh man this song always makes me freakin break down **Beautiful** & course **LUV** the album cover **Thank YOU** **PixieHugz&LuvzALL** **Edit** yep **Ethereal**

@FindingMadonna

5 ай бұрын

I can't not get choked up. Every time. Especially when you see the shadows on the wall and Madonna walks/runs out.

@CosmicVagabondPixie

5 ай бұрын

@@FindingMadonna Aww indeed both song & video **Exquisite**

This is a great video to react to and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Thanks. Madonna Ciccone (pronounced "chick" "oh" "knee") had abuse (emotional and physical) from authorititive figures in her life, and at the time writing the song, had just divorced husband Sean Penn, who was reportedly violent and angry. I like how the video switches the word "father" from priest to paternal parent. The scene near the start where young Madonna is wearing mom's pearls and make up - and then dad comes in angry, ripping the peal necklace off - shows that dad wasn't trying to be mean, but was dealing with his wife's death and his daughter's actions were just a reminder "too soon" after. And then finally, near the end, Madonna exclaims, "you never wanted to hurt me," and "you didn't mean to be cruel." Lyrically, the song is so powerful. Thank you again. Another deep video to watch (in similar narrative) is "Bad Girl." You won't be disappointed.

One of my fave Madonna tracks

thank you for reviewing this vid/song. I say review because you seem to be relying on info about the song rather than actually providing you're own reaction. Wikipedia is great! However, it seems to be a substitute for your own reaction. Has SalvoG become a read Wikipedia reaction channel rather than your own reactions channel?

Powerful song and video about abuse (directed by "Oppenheimer"s David Fincher some 34 years ago now. Wow.)

@chartbreakers999

5 ай бұрын

Christopher Nolan directed “Oppenheimer”.

You should really watch her Bad Girl video. It will leave you speechless. Added bonus - Christopher Walkon

@FindingMadonna

5 ай бұрын

The David Fincher videos are all great. So much going on in them.

The video is stunning. I’ve never loved the song, though the lyrics are outstanding. I’d say the video is about the innocence of youth and cycle of abuse this young girl faced as her father takes out his rage and pain at losing his wife on their daughter… which affects her self esteem and she winds up with an abusive partner, whom she eventually has the strength to leave and break the cycle of abuse. It’s also hinting at the patriarchy that’s represented and reinforced by the Catholic Church, which tells women to be subservient to their fathers and husbands. Note she’s the one going to confession out of misguided guilt and confusion, the men don’t seem to feel compelled to confess their sins. If we are hurt as children we are hurt adults, and seek out patterns of abuse that can be generational unwittingly.