Along with "Vogue," "Like A Prayer" stands as one of only two Madonna singles to top all five major US charts and the UK chart.  It is also one of her four platinum singles in the United States.  If those sheer chart numbers were not enough, the incredible impact that "Like A Prayer" had on society, the critics, and the singer's own career certainly add up to one of Madonna's most important and successful singles.  "Like A Prayer" is considered to be one of her best songs, brilliantly written and produced, combining pop, rock, dance and even gospel music.  The video was a career landmark, as well.  While it explored many deeply significant issues, it also courted controversy.  While Madonna was not the only person to speak out against racial prejudices, she was the only person with enough courage to do it while dancing in front of burning crosses.  This was her last video that was directed by Mary Lambert, and it showed the singer in a church watching as a black Jesus statue cried, only to see it later come to life.  Later on in the plot line, she witnesses some white men attacking a woman, and the same man who portrayed the black Jesus comes to the woman's aid, just as the police arrive.  Seeing a black man with a wounded white woman, the police immediately jump to conclusions and arrest him.  However, Madonna comes to his defense.  The video includes scenes in which Madonna kisses the black man on an altar, combining about as many taboo subjects as possible-interracial love, the link between religion and sexuality, not to mention the religious significance of the singer's own name.  In all respects, "Like A Prayer" stands as one of Madonna's biggest masterpieces, finally earning respect from critics and record buyers alike. 

EXTRA INFO   The controversy that surrounded the 'Like A Prayer' video was enough to affect a $5 million deal she had to advertise with Pepsi.  She filmed a commercial using "Like A Prayer" as the music, but, shortly after receiving threatened boycotts from users who had seen the music video, Pepsi pulled the plug on the ad campaign.  While the commercial only aired once, Madonna still became $5 million richer.

AWARDS WON   1989 MTV Video Music Awards-Viewer's Choice

LYRICS

Life is a mystery, everyone must stand alone I hear you call my name And it feels like home When you call my name it's like a little prayer I'm down on my knees, I wanna take you there In the midnight hour I can feel your power Just like a prayer you know I'll take you there I hear your voice it's like an angel sighing I have no choice, I hear your voice Feels like flying I close my eyes, oh God I think I'm falling Out of the sky, I close my eyes Heaven help me Like a child you whisper softly to me You're in control just like a child Now I'm dancing It's like a dream, no end and no beginning You're here with me, it's like a dream Let the choir sing Just like a prayer, your voice can take me there Just like a muse to me, you are a mystery Just like a dream, you are not what you seem Just like a prayer, no choice your voice can take me there Just like a prayer, I'll take you there It's like a dream to me

(written by Madonna and Patrick Leonard)