"Live to Tell" is a song by American singer Madonna from her third studio album True Blue (1986). It was released as the lead single from True Blue on March 26, 1986, by Sire Records. Originally composed by Patrick Leonard for the score of the film Fire with Fire, the instrumental was shown to Madonna, who decided to use it for then-husband Sean Penn's film At Close Range. Madonna wrote all the lyrics, co-composed the melodies and co-produced it with Leonard. The song later appeared remixed on the compilation album The Immaculate Collection (1990), and in its original form on the compilation albums Something to Remember (1995) and Celebration (2009).
A pop ballad, the song includes instrumentation from guitars, keyboards, drums and a synthesizer, and its lyrics deal with deceit, mistrust and childhood scars. It is also about being strong, which Madonna recalled in an interview that she thought about her relationship with her parents while writing the lyrics. The music video, directed by James Foley, shows Madonna's first image makeover, featuring her with a cleaner look, shoulder-length wavy golden blond hair, conservative wardrobe and subtle make-up. This toned down blond appearance was inspired by Marilyn Monroe, an actress and singer Madonna had previously been influenced by.
"Live to Tell" was generally well received by music critics, who frequently referred to it as the best ballad of her discography. The song was also a commercial success, becoming Madonna's third number-one single on the US Billboard Hot 100 and her first number-one on the Adult Contemporary chart. In 2006, Madonna faced controversy when she performed it on her Confessions Tour wearing a crown of thorns while hanging on a giant mirrored cross. The performance at Rome's Olympic Stadium was condemned as an act of hostility toward the Roman Catholic Church by religious leaders.
Last Updated: June 12, 2021
