Madonna, the ultimate icon in the music industry, has turned 60. We could spend the whole day saluting her spirit with articles about her relevance, her influence, and every way in which she’s changed pop culture. She might not be the first, but she’s definitely the best, creating an artistic persona for herself like the world had never seen. She is a woman who has been asked to fade away with grace and poise as she ages, but refuses to. She always gets the last laugh, reminding us that she’s not going anywhere. The crown remains on the throne, and we must bow down because she still has a lot to say.
There’s a reason why we call her the Queen of Pop. In more ways than one, she set the bar for contemporary pop music. Through her lyrics and attitude, she has empowered women, minorities, and the LGBT+ community especially, to help us embrace our identity, saying that what makes us different is what makes us beautiful. She encourages everyone to embrace their body, soul, needs, and desires. And she has taught us that hard work can take you anywhere. That’s why we celebrate her birthday today by giving you the fiercest playlist (and quotes) from her 40 years as a pop diva. Work hard or go home because this is Madonna. Long live the Queen!
12. “Bitch, I’m Madonna”
“We go hard or we go home
We gon do this all night long
We get freaky if you want
Bitch I’m Madonna”
11. “What It Feels Like For A Girl”
“Girls can wear jeans and cut their hair short
Wear shirts and boots ’cause it’s okay to be a boy
But for a boy to look like a girl is degrading
‘Cause you think that being a girl is degrading
But secretly you’d love to know what it’s like wouldn’t you
What it feels like for a girl”
10. “Gang Bang”
“And I’m going straight to hell
And I’ve got a lot of friends there
And if I see that bitch in hell
I’m gonna shoot him in the head again
‘Cause I wanna see him die
Over and over”
9. “Beat Goes On”
“Say what you like
Do what you feel
You know exactly who you are
The time is right now
You got to decide
Stand in the back or be the star”
8. “Like a Virgin” (Confessions Tour)
“Gonna give you all my love, boy
My fear is fading fast
Been saving it all for you
‘Cause only love can last”
7. “Burning Up”
“Do you wanna see me down on my knees?
Or bending over backwards now would you be pleased?
Unlike the others I’d do anything
I’m not the same, I have no shame
I’m on fire”
6. “Jump”
“I’ll work and I’ll fight till I find a place of my own
It sways and it swings and it bends until you make it your own
I can make it alone”
5. “Hollywood”
“How could it hurt you when it looks so good”
4. “Die Another Day”
“For every sin, I’ll have to pay
I’ve come to work, I’ve come to play
I think I’ll find another way
It’s not my time to go”
3. “Express Yourself”
“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”
2. “Vogue” (Sticky & Sweet Tour)
“Beauty’s where you find it
Not just where you bump and grind it
Soul is in the music, oh
That’s where I feel so beautiful
Magical, life’s a ball
So get up on the dance floor”
1. “Hung Up”
“I can’t keep on waiting for you
I know that you’re still hesitating
Don’t cry for me
’cause I’ll find my way
You’ll wake up one day
But it’ll be too late”
***
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