Preach Modern

"Papa Don't Preach" is a song by American singer Madonna from her third studio album, True Blue (1986). It was written by Brian Elliot and Madonna and produced by Madonna and Stephen Bray. "Papa Don't Preach" blends dance-pop with elements of baroque, post-disco and classical music. Its lyrics tell the story of a teenage girl who confesses her unintended pregnancy to her father, pleading for him to withhold judgment while asserting her intention to keep her child. "Papa Don't Preach" was inspired by teenage conversations Elliot overheard outside his recording studio. Originally written for a singer named Christina Dent, it was offered to Madonna after the Warner Bros. executive Michael Ostin intervened. Madonna adjusted portions of the lyrics. The music video, directed by James Foley, introduced a more muscular and mature look for Madonna, as she portrayed a conflicted young woman confronting her father, played by Danny Aiello. These scenes are intercut with shots of Madonna singing in a dark studio setting. "Papa Don't Preach" was released on June 11, 1986, in the United States and shortly after in most European countries. It received acclaim, with particular praise for Madonna's more controlled vocals. It became was Madonna's fourth number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the charts in countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The subject matter drew criticism from women's and family planning organizations, who accused Madonna of glamorizing teenage pregnancy. Conversely, pro-life groups praised it for seemingly endorsing motherhood over abortion. Madonna has performed "Papa Don't Preach" in five of her concert tours, the last being 2019–2020's Madame X Tour. During the Who's That Girl World Tour (1987), she dedicated the song to Pope John Paul II, prompting backlash from the Vatican and a call for Italian fans to boycott her concerts. In 2002, the English television personality Kelly Osbourne released a successful cover version.