Bad Girl

Album: Erotica (1992)
Charted: 10 36
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song is about a woman who can't avoid drugs, cigarettes, one-night stands, and questionable people. In the video, directed by David Fincher, Christopher Walken plays her "guardian angel."

    Fincher also directed the music videos for Madonna's "Express Yourself," "Oh, Father" and "Vogue."
  • This song was written by Madonna and Shep Pettibone, and Madonna produced it with Tony Shimkin. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Keely - Bronx, NY, for above 2
  • "The song 'Bad Girl' is about a girl who gets drunk by six and smokes too many cigarettes," Pettibone explained in a 1992 NME interview. "That's the chorus but it goes a lot deeper than that. It's about friends of hers that have died of AIDS. It's about trying to bring an awareness to a situation that some people still don't think is real, but it's everywhere."

Comments: 7

  • Nancy Moore from Denver, Cothis song and video were so expertly done! Top of the line work here. Feelings were felt and dropped into. Madonna does excellent work! She is a smart cookie!
  • Leo from Westminster 1, MdAnother Madonna ballad artwork I was moved and touched by, Bad Girl is a song that Madonna cries and sings with absolute sadness. If you like your Evita Ciccone on the hurting and sad side, give Bad Girl a listen and your full attention. Lady Madonna will thank you for it! Brilliant and sad Madonna ballad performance, this one!
  • Barry from Sauquoit, NyTwo completely different versions of "Bad Girl" have reached the Top 100; in 1959 The Miracles' "Bad Girl" peaked at #93. Then in 1963 Neil Sedaka's version of "Bad Girl" topped out at #33!!!
  • Rusputtin from Atlanta, GaShe looked so elegant on this vdo...reminds me of my high school years. Of course critics for some weird reason hammered this whole Erotica album, but I personally feel this is one of the BEST Madonna album....has 6/7 luvly tracks!
  • Theresa from Murfreesboro, TnGreat video - contains some of Madonna's best acting.
  • Reza from Shiraz, Iranlove this song. listened 2 it so many times.still catchy
  • Tanya from La Verne, Caone of her best slower-paced tunes.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Producer Ron Nevison

Producer Ron NevisonSong Writing

Ron Nevison explains in very clear terms the Quadrophenia concept and how Heart staged their resurgence after being dropped by their record company.

Black Sabbath

Black SabbathFact or Fiction

Dwarfs on stage with an oversize Stonehenge set? Dabbling in Satanism? Find out which Spinal Tap-moments were true for Black Sabbath.

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.

Al Kooper

Al KooperSongwriter Interviews

Kooper produced Lynyrd Skynyrd, played with Dylan and the Stones, and formed BS&T.

Bob Daisley

Bob DaisleySongwriter Interviews

Bob was the bass player and lyricist for the first two Ozzy Osbourne albums. Here's how he wrote songs like "Crazy Train" and "Mr. Crowley" with Ozzy and Randy Rhoads.