Live @ Rafters Stage on 30/05/2014 (Opening for Gerhard Steyn)

“Like a Prayer” is a song by American singer-songwriter Madonna from her fourth studio album of the same name (1989). Sire Records released it as the album’s lead single on March 21, 1989. Written and produced by Madonna and Patrick Leonard, “Like a Prayer” denoted a more artistic and personal approach to songwriting for Madonna, who believed that she needed to cater more to her adult audience. The song is about a passionate young girl in love with God, who becomes the only male figure in her life. “Like a Prayer” is a pop rock song that incorporates elements of gospel music. A choir provides background vocals that heighten the song’s spiritual nature, while rock guitar sounds keep the music dark and mysterious. Madonna introduced liturgical words in the lyrics—which were inspired by her Catholic upbringing—but changed the context in which they were used. Thus, they had dual meanings of sexual innuendo and religion. “Like a Prayer” was positively received by critics, and was a commercial success. It became Madonna’s seventh number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, and reached the top of the singles charts in Australia, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The single is also memorable for its accompanying music video, which Mary Lambert directed. It features Madonna as a witness to a murder, as she hides in a church for safety. The clip also portrays Catholic symbols such as stigmata and burning crosses, and a dream about …