Inspiration Behind Material Girl:
Madonna’s Material Girl was inspired by the rapid spread of materialism in the 1980’s. Although Madonna possessed an internal desire for luxury and wealth, she addresses the superficial nature of people giving expensive gifts for something in return. After graduating from high school in Rochester, Michigan, Madonna moved to New York City to follow her dreams. The success of Material Girl propelled Madonna to become a legendary female singer.
Biblical Application:
Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. 5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you,” Hebrews 13:4-5.
Exegesis of Material Girl:
Some boys kiss me, some boys hug me
I think they’re okay
If they don’t give me proper credit
I just walk away
Madonna doesn’t mind attention from the opposite sex. However, when she doesn’t receive a certain level of respect, she simply walks away.
They can beg and they can plead
But they can’t see the light, that’s right, that’s right
‘Cause the boy with the cold hard cash
Is always Mister Right
Madonna isn’t bothered by flattery or gifts. Yet someone with financial stability in his bank account is what Madonna is searching for.
‘Cause we are living in a material world
And I am a material girl
You know that we are living in a material world
And I am a material girl
Living in New York City as an aspiring singer wasn’t easy for Madonna. Subsequently, she became a material girl living in a world full of materialism.
Some boys romance, some boys slow dance
That’s alright with me
If they can’t raise my interest then I
Have to let them be
Madonna enjoys dancing and romance. However, the guy she is looking for must be impressive or else she’ll lose interest quickly.
Some boys try and some boys lie but
I don’t let them play, no way, no way
Only boys that save their pennies
Make my rainy day
Madonna doesn’t have any patience for liars and players. She is looking for prudent and shrewd individuals who possess a vision for the future.
‘Cause they are living in a material world
And I am a material girl
You know that we are living in a material world
And I am a material girl
Madonna had an intuition that material possessions would continue to climb in value, making this lifestyle hard to sustain.
Living in a material world
(Material)
Living in a material world
Living in a material world
(Material)
Living in a material world
This chorus drives home the foresight of being financially responsible.
Boys may come and boys may go
And that’s alright you see
Experience has made me rich
And now they’re after me
Life experiences have made Madonna popular and wealthy.
‘Cause everybody’s living in a material world
And I am a material girl
You know that we are living in a material world
And I am a material girl
This journey as a material girl elevated Madonna into the category of rich and famous.
Living in a material world
And I am a material girl
You know that we are living in a material world
And I am a material girl
Perhaps this repetitive chorus is meant to reinforce Madonna rise in pop culture.
A material, a material
A material, a material world
Once you reach this status of a material girl, the world expects you to stay here.
Living in a material world
(Material)
Living in a material world
Living in a material world
(Material)
Living in a material world
This became Madonna’s mindset.
Living in a material world
(Material)
Living in a material world
Living in a material world
(Material)
Living in a material world
Fame and fortune changed Madonna.
Final Thoughts:
As I entered high school, Madonna was seeking to become to next great female singer. Along the way to the top, Madonna continued to push the envelope in her lyrics and music videos. By the time I graduated from college, Madonna had gone off the deep end, losing touch with the Catholic girl growing up in Michigan. God gives human beings free will to do and live as they choose. Maybe, God willing, this prodigal daughter will come to her senses at some time before her singing career ends. As for now, Madonna has become the material girl from this song.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 