Madonna

Lyrics

[Verse 1: Madonna & Babyface]
Take a bow, the night is over
This masquerade is getting older
Lights are low, the curtains down
There's no one here
(There's no one here, there's no one in the crowd)
Say your lines, but do you feel them?
Do you mean what you say when there's no one around?
(No one around)
Watching you, watching me, one lonely star
(One lonely star, you don't know who you are)

[Chorus: Madonna, Babyface, Both]
I've always been in love with you (Always with you)
I guess you've always known it's true (You know it's true)
You took my love for granted, why, oh, why?
The show is over, say good-bye
Say good-bye (Bye-bye)
Say good-bye

[Verse 2: Madonna & Babyface]
Make them laugh, it comes so easy
When you get to the part where you're breaking my heart
(Breaking my heart)
Hide behind your smile, all the world loves a clown
(Just make them smile the whole world loves a clown)
Wish you well, I cannot stay
You deserve an award for the role that you played
(Role that you played)
No more masquerade, you're one lonely star
(One lonely star and you don't know who you are)
[Chorus: Madonna, Babyface, Both]
I've always been in love with you (Always with you)
I guess you've always known it's true (You know it's true)
You took my love for granted, why, oh, why?
The show is over, say good-bye

I've always been in love with you (Always with you)
I guess you've always known it's true (You know it's true)
You took my love for granted, why, oh, why?
The show is over, say good-bye
Say good-bye (Bye-bye)
Say good-bye

[Bridge: Madonna & Babyface]
All the world is a stage (World is a stage)
And everyone has their part (Has their part)
But how was I to know which way the story’d go?
How was I to know you'd break (You'd break, you'd break, you'd break)
You'd break my heart?

[Chorus: Madonna, Babyface, Both]
I've always been in love with you
(I've always been in love with you)
I guess you've always known
You took my love for granted, why, oh, why?
The show is over, say good-bye
I've always been in love with you (Always with you)
I guess you've always known it's true (You know it's true)
You took my love for granted, why, oh, why?
The show is over, say good-bye
Say good-bye (Bye-bye)
Say good-bye
[Outro: Madonna]
Say good-bye

If there's a song that has been part of the soundtrack of the 90s, that would be "Take a Bow" by Madonna. This pop ballad has defined a generation of music lovers with its unforgettable melody, touching lyrics, and impeccable vocal delivery from the Queen of Pop herself. It's no wonder why it became one of the biggest hits of her career, hitting the top spot of the Billboard Hot 100 and catapulting her to even greater heights.

In this article, we'll dive deeper into the world of "Take a Bow" and explore what makes it a standout among the countless hits of the 90s. We'll uncover the interesting backstory behind its creation, learn about the song's key elements, and appreciate the artistry that Madonna and her collaborators put into crafting this classic.

About Take a Bow

Released in October 1994 as the second single from Madonna's sixth studio album Bedtime Stories, "Take a Bow" is a mid-tempo ballad that showcases the vocalist's emotions and vulnerability. The song was written and produced by Madonna herself in collaboration with Grammy-winning musician Babyface, who also lent his voice to the background vocals. Its melancholy melody and haunting, string-dominated arrangement are complemented by Madonna's soulful singing, making for a timeless classic that stands the test of time.

One of the key factors that set "Take a Bow" apart from other songs of its era is its lyrics. The song tells the story of a doomed romance, with Madonna singing from the perspective of a lover who knows that her partner will eventually leave her. The words are touching, poignant, and relatable, which is why they struck a chord with listeners of all ages and backgrounds. The song's chorus, "Take a bow, the night is over / This masquerade is getting older", has become an iconic phrase that encapsulates the bittersweet feeling of letting go of someone you love.

Another important aspect of "Take a Bow" is its commercial success. Upon its release, the song immediately resonated with fans, who helped it climb the charts and eventually reach the number one spot of the Billboard Hot 100. It stayed there for a total of seven weeks, making it Madonna's longest-running number-one hit in the US. The song was also a hit in other countries, reaching the top 10 in Australia, Canada, and many European nations.

But beyond its chart-topping success, "Take a Bow" has left a lasting legacy in the pop music world. It has been covered by numerous artists, including Rihanna, who performed a snippet of it during her 2016 Anti World Tour. The song's music video, directed by Michael Haussman, is also famous for featuring a Spanish bullfighter and capturing the song's themes of love and sacrifice. In 2019, Madonna herself paid tribute to the song by using an image of a matador on her Madame X Tour.

All in all, "Take a Bow" is a song that continues to inspire and move listeners, even after more than two decades since its release. Its timeless melody, poignant lyrics, and Madonna's incredible vocal performance make it a standout track in her illustrious career and a testament to the power of pop music.

• Release Date: October 25, 1994
• Artist: Madonna