"Like a Prayer" is a song by American singer Madonna from her 1989 fourth studio album of the same name. It was released as the album's lead single on March 3, 1989, by Sire Records. Written and produced by both Madonna and Patrick Leonard, the song heralded an artistic and personal approach to songwriting for Madonna, who believed that she needed to cater more to her adult audience. Thematically, the song speaks about a passionate young girl in love with God, who becomes the only male figure in her life.
Andraé Crouch and his choir were signed for adding background vocals to "Like a Prayer". Crouch studied the song's lyrics to make sure that it was not against their religious beliefs.
During the 2004 Re-Invention World Tour, "Like a Prayer" was given a gospel treatment, with Madonna asking the audience to sing along with her.
Madonna performing a remixed version of "Like a Prayer" during the Amsterdam stop of her Sticky & Sweet Tour on September 2, 2008
Leon Robinson was hired to play the role of a saint inspired by Martin de Porres, the patron saint of mixed-race people.
Like a Prayer is the fourth studio album by American singer-songwriter Madonna, released on March 21, 1989, by Sire Records. It saw the singer reunited with Patrick Leonard and Stephen Bray, with whom she had worked collaborated on her previous studio album True Blue (1986), and the soundtrack to the 1987 film Who's That Girl; artist Prince also collaborated on the record, co-writing and co-producing one of the tracks alongside Madonna. Her most introspective release at the time, Like a Prayer is a pop record with elements of rock and dance pop. Its lyrics deal with personal themes she had been too afraid to approach up at that point: her Catholic upbringing, her troubled marriage to actor Sean Penn, the death of her mother, and her relationship with her father.
Prince (pictured) collaborated with Madonna on the composition and production of "Love Song".
Madonna opening the Blond Ambition World Tour with a performance of second single "Express Yourself".
Madonna singing title track and lead single "Like a Prayer" on the Celebration Tour (2023–2024). It reached the first spot of the Billboard Hot 100, becoming her seventh number one there.
Fine Young Cannibals' The Raw & the Cooked kept Like a Prayer from reaching the first position of RPM's Albums chart.