Madonna, Erotica | Controversial Songs

In the third edition of Controversial Songs (2025), we explore the controversy behind the “Erotica” by iconic pop artist Madonna.

Bring on the controversy! Controversial Songs is a column that provides background information and insight into songs that raised eyebrows, stirred the pot, or were banned. The more censorship censor$hit, the better! The records that grace Controversial Songs are old and new alike, with all genres of music welcome.  In the third edition of Controversial Songs (2025), we explore the controversy behind the “Erotica” by Madonna.

“Erotica, romance / My name is Dita, I’ll be your mistress tonight / I’d like to put you in a trance.” Madonna and controversy are nearly synonymous.  The pop icon courted a couple of controversies with “Erotica”, the opening track from her fifth studio album, Erotica, released in 1992. The title informs even the most naïve listeners that S-E-X is the modus operandi.  Indeed, Madge ventures into the world of S&M 😈. “Erotica” samples “Jungle Boogie” by Kool & the Gang (1973) and “El Yom ‘Ulliqa ‘Ala Khashaba” by Lebanese musician Fairuz.  The latter sample is controversial.  It is an Easter chant, so, Fairuz is singing about the crucifixion of Jesus.  Madonna gives the lyrics a sexual perspective with Fairuz’s voice 😳. Oh, the sacrilege! It’s not only sacrilege, but it also cost Madge some money – Fairuz sued Madonna in 1993. Ooh-wee!

Madonna and Shep Pettibone produced “Erotica.” As another successful single for Madge, “Erotica” peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100. It was certified gold by the RIAA.  It isn’t far-fetched that the song was successful despite controversy.  It features an infectious groove.  Madonna is effective with her spoken word vocals and naughty lyrics. Besides merely spitting sex, she introduces us to Dita Parlo. But, how about examining a few of those naughty lyrics?  “If I take you from behind, push myself into your mind,” she asserts in the first verse, continuing, “When you least expect it, will you try and reject it /… Will you let yourself go wild, let my mouth go where it wants to?” Gotta love an anal reference! In the second verse, she sings, “Once you put your hand in the flame, you can never be the same / There’s a certain satisfaction, in a little bit of pain / …I only hurt the ones I love.”  Ah, there’s the S&M.  She confirms pleasure and pain in the pre-chorus, singing, “I’ll give you love, I’ll hit you like a truck.”  Damn! On the bridge, she informs her ‘victim’ I mean lover, “I don’t think you know what pain is /… I could bring you so much pleasure /… I’m not gonna hurt you / Just close your eyes.”

With lots of sexy spoken word, Madonna sings the chorus: “Erotic, erotic, put your hands all over my body.” The album Erotica accompanies Madge’s infamous Sex book. Besides thematic and plagiaristic controversies, the music video for “Erotica” also earned controversy.  It was banned on MTV for being too sexual and aimed at a mature (aka adult) audience. More than 30 years later, “Erotica” is undoubtedly a classic from Madonna. Music is far more explicit today but the sex remains potent.

Madonna // Erotica // Sire // 1992

Madonna, Erotica: Controversial Songs No. 3 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Sire; Andrea Mosti from Pexels; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay; christian buehner on Unsplash]