Papa Don't Preach

"Papa Don't Preach"
Song
B-side	"Ain't No Big Deal"

"Papa Don't Preach" is a song by Madonna and the second single from her third studio album True Blue (1986). It was released in summer 1986 (see 1986 in music) and reached number one in the United States, Australia and the UK, where it was the eighth biggest seller of the year.

Song information

"Papa Don't Preach" is sung from the perspective of a teenage girl who admits to her father that not only is she pregnant, but she plans to keep and raise the child. Typical for Madonna, the single caused some controversy because of its somewhat taboo subject matter. It was criticised by Planned Parenthood and others who saw the song as condoning teenage pregnancy. Madonna has always flatly denied these criticisms, stating that the song aims to illustrate the real-life experience of young girls who fall in love.

The song also earned Madonna her first praise from former critics from across the political spectrum. Tipper Gore, who just a year earlier had denounced Madonna and her single "Dress You Up" as "vulgar" and had led a campaign against vulgar music, commended Madonna for speaking candidly about such a relevant and important social issue. Conservatives also supported Madonna's message that she was choosing to keep her unborn child rather than undergoing an abortion.

Some music experts agree that "Papa Don't Preach" has a similar sound and structure to Sam Harris' 1984 song "Sugar Don't Bite". Harris never pursued legal action against Madonna for copyright infringement.

The violin intro of the track was sampled as the backing for a UK and Ireland top-ten dance music track by Progress in 1999.

The song, in a harder rock style, was covered in 2002 by Kelly Osbourne and members of Incubus for Osbourne's debut album Shut Up. Her version was released as her debut single and reached number three in the UK and Australia, and number five in Finland.

"Papa Don't Preach"
Song

Track listings

• Madonna

European 12" single & CD single

1. "Papa Don't Preach" (extended version)
2. "Ain't No Big Deal" (previously unreleased)
3. "Papa Don't Preach" (LP version)

U.S. 12" maxi single

1. "Papa Don't Preach" (extended remix)
2. "Pretender" (LP version)

International CD video single

1. "Papa Don't Preach" (extended remix)
2. "Papa Don't Preach" (LP version)
3. "Pretender" (LP version)
4. "Papa Don't Preach" (video)

• Kelly Osbourne

1. "Papa Don't Preach" (album version)
2. "Papa Don't Preach" (karaoke version)
3. "Papa Don't Preach" (instrumental version)
4. "Papa Don't Preach" (music video)