Eighties Archive Song Number
Highest Chart Position
Date Released
Date Of UK Top 40 Entry
Genre
Label
Catalogue Number
Story Behind The Song
Madonna’s “Papa Don’t Preach” marked a significant moment in her musical evolution, combining polished pop production with a storyline that tackled a controversial subject. Released in 1986, the song was written by Brian Elliot, with additional contributions to its development from Madonna and producer Stephen Bray.
Built around a distinctive string introduction, a driving bassline and crisp percussion, the track blends dance-pop energy with elements of dramatic storytelling. Madonna adopts the voice of a young woman addressing her father after discovering she is pregnant. Rather than asking for permission to end the relationship with her boyfriend, she insists that she intends to keep the baby and seeks her father’s understanding and support.
The song attracted considerable attention because of its subject matter, prompting debate about teenage pregnancy, personal responsibility and the role of parental guidance. Madonna maintained that the narrative should not be interpreted as a straightforward political statement, explaining that she was drawn to the emotional conflict at the heart of the story.
The accompanying music video, directed by James Foley, reinforces the song’s themes through scenes of family tension, romance and reconciliation. Its more mature visual style also reflected Madonna’s changing public image during this period.
With its memorable melody and emotionally charged narrative, “Papa Don’t Preach” remains one of Madonna’s most distinctive recordings of the 1980s.
The song peaked at No. 01 in the UK singles chart on 12th July 1986.
UK 7'' SLEEVE COVERS
Shown below are the picture sleeve covers (front and back) for the UK release of this single. If no cover sleeve was issued in the UK, we will display another country’s picture sleeve.
UK 7'' TRACK LISTING
| A-Side | Papa Don’t Preach (4:09) (Elliot, Madonna) Produced By Madonna, Stephen Bray |
| B-Side | Ain’t No Big Deal (4:28) (Bray) Produced By Reggie Lucas |
CHART PERFORMANCE
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [11 Weeks] – 28th June 1986 – 6th September 1986 |
OFFICIALLY RELEASED VERSIONS
All officially released versions that appeared in the 80s:-
- Papa Don’t Preach (Single Version) (4:09)
- Papa Don’t Preach (Extended Remix) (5:42)
- Papa Don’t Preach (Album Version) (4:28)
To hear the FULL version of the songs below, you will need an active Spotify account (Free one). Just log in on your desktop/tablet or phone to hear the FULL versions.
OFFICIAL VIDEO
SONG LYRICS
Papa, I know you’re going to be upset
‘Cause I was always your little girl
But you should know by now
I’m not a baby
You always taught me right from wrong
I need your help, daddy, please be strong
I may be young at heart
But I know what I’m saying
The one you warned me all about
The one you said I could do without
We’re in an awful mess
And I don’t mean maybe, please
Papa, don’t preach, I’m in trouble, deep
Papa, don’t preach, I’ve been losing sleep
But I made up my mind, I’m
Keeping my baby, ooh
I’m gonna keep my baby, mm
He says that he’s going to marry me
And we can raise a little family
Maybe we’ll be all right
It’s a sacrifice
But my friends keep telling me to give it up
Saying I’m too young, I ought to live it up
What I need right now
Is some good advice, please
Papa, don’t preach, I’m in trouble, deep
Papa, don’t preach, I’ve been losing sleep
But I made up my mind, I’m
Keeping my baby, ooh
I’m gonna keep my baby, ooh, ooh
Daddy, daddy if you could only see
Just how good he’s been treating me
You’d give us your blessing right now
‘Cause we are in love
We are in love (In love), so, please (So)
Papa, don’t preach, I’m in trouble, deep
Papa, don’t preach, I’ve been losing sleep
But I made up my mind, I’m
Keeping my baby, ooh
I’m gonna keep my baby, ooh, ooh
Papa, don’t preach, I’m in trouble, deep
Papa, don’t preach, I’ve been losing sleep
Papa, don’t preach, I’m in trouble, deep
Papa, don’t preach, I’ve been losing sleep
Papa, don’t preach (Oh, I’m gonna keep my baby)
Papa, don’t preach (Ooh)
Papa, don’t preach (Don’t you stop loving me, daddy)
Papa, don’t preach (I know I’m keeping my baby)
Written By Brian Elliot, Madonna
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