Music video description
"Live to Tell" is a song from the repertoire of American singer Madonna, which was released as the lead single from the artist's third studio album "True Blue" in 1986. Its original composer is Patric Leonard, while the artist herself is responsible for the lyrics and subsequent work on the sound and melody. "Live to Tell" is a pop ballad whose lyrics tell of deception, distrust and a series of childhood wounds. The singer sings about the value of being strong, and reportedly thought about her relationship with her parents while writing the lyrics. The song was very well received by critics, who often insisted that it was the best in the singer's entire musical career. The song reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 list and was the first to find a place for itself on the Adult Contemporary list as well.
The music video for "Live to Tell" was directed by James Foleya. The clip depicts Madonna's metamorphosis and once again some of the shots were inspired by Marilyn Monroe. In it, the artist sports a conservative look, subtle makeup and wavy shoulder-length blonde hair. The hit song "Live to Tell" still stirs up a number of controversies today. On tour, Madonna often performs it while wearing a crown of thorns on her head, while hanging from a giant mirrored cross. A 2006 performance in Rome was blocked in all sorts of media and considered an act of hostility toward the Roman Catholic Church.