There is no denying that this is one of Madonna’s greatest ballads and probably one of the best songs she’s written. Even her detractors have to admit the brilliance and power of this song. I think this was when the naysayers beagn to take her a bit more seriously and saw that she truly had some depth and range to her work and that she would probably not be the flash-in-the-pan that they initially wished her to be. This song is so hauntingly beautiful and is sung masterfully so that is stays with you long after it is done. I love that this is a song that can be interpreted in so many ways and she has never truly explained what it means and therefore leaves the meaning up to what the listener takes away from it. I think she may have alluded to it being about her childhood and the difficulties she had after her Mom’s death, but whatever it is, I think it comes from a very personal place for her and has indicated that it is one of her favorite songs on a few occasions. My favorite part has to be the bridge which brings the song to an almost chilling and mysterious climax with the beautiful harmonies and background almost ghost-like vocals. I’ve loved every performance she’s ever done in her live shows from BA to the infamous Confessions performance. This is a song I will never tire of and I consider it one of her greatest accomplishments.

What do you think of this classic ballad?