If you were the Mona Lisa
You'd be hanging in the Louvre
Everyone would come to see you
You'd be impossible to move
It seems to me is what you are
A rare and priceless work of art
Stay behind your velvet rope
But I will not renounce all hope

And I'm right by your side
Like a thief in the night
I stand in front of the masterpiece
And I can't tell you why
It hurts so much
To be in love with the masterpiece
Cause after all
Nothing's indestructible

From the moment I first saw you
All the darkness turned to light
An impressionistic painting
Tiny particles of light
It seem to me is what you're like
The "look but please don't touch me" type
And honestly it can't be fun
To always be the chosen one

And I'm right by your side
Like a thief in the night
I stand in front of the masterpiece
And I can't tell you why
It hurts so much
To be in love with a masterpiece
Cause after all
Nothing's indestructible
Nothing's indestructible
Nothing's indestructible
Nothing's indestructible

And I'm right by your side
Like a thief in the night
I stand in front of the masterpiece
And I can't tell you why
It hurts so much
To be in love with a masterpiece

And I'm right by your side
Like a thief in the night
I stand in front of the masterpiece
And I can't tell you why
It hurts so much
To be in love with a masterpiece
Cause after all
Nothing's indestructible
Cause after all
Nothing's indestructible

Overall Meaning

The song "Masterpiece" by Madonna is a romantic ballad that touches on the subject of being in love with someone who is unattainable, painting the picture of standing in front of a masterpiece like the Mona Lisa that can be admired but never touched. Madonna compares the subject of love interest as a rare and priceless work of art, commanding attention and admiration from everyone. The lyrics suggest the person is always behind a velvet rope, hinting at their elusive nature and the impossibility of getting close to them. The singer admits that even though nothing is indestructible, they cannot help but be by their side, like a thief in the night, standing in awe of the masterpiece before them.

The tone of the song is poignant and heartfelt, with Madonna's voice soaring over the soft piano accompaniment. The lyrics reflect her emotions of love and longing, as she tries to understand her attraction to this unattainable masterpiece. The use of the Mona Lisa as a metaphor for someone she is in love with is apt, as it reflects the mystery and allure that surrounds the painting as well.

Line by Line Meaning

If you were the Mona Lisa
If you were a famous work of art, admired by many.

You'd be hanging in the Louvre
You would be displayed in one of the most prestigious museums in the world.

Everyone would come to see you
Your beauty and uniqueness would attract many visitors.

You'd be impossible to move
You would be considered too valuable to be relocated.

It seems to me is what you are
To me, you are also a rare and valuable work of art.

A rare and priceless work of art
You are one of a kind and your worth cannot be measured.

Stay behind your velvet rope
Remain in your exclusive place, inaccessible to most people.

But I will not renounce all hope
But I refuse to give up on the possibility of being with you.

And I'm right by your side
I am here with you, supporting you.

Like a thief in the night
Silently and secretly, without anyone noticing.

I stand in front of the masterpiece
I am standing in front of you, the beautiful work of art.

And I can't tell you why it hurts so much
I cannot explain the intense pain I feel about my love for you.

To be in love with the masterpiece
To love someone unique and unattainable.

Cause after all
Because in the end, despite the beauty and value, nothing is indestructible.

Nothing's indestructible
Everything is vulnerable to destruction, even things of great value.

From the moment I first saw you
Since the first time I have noticed and admired you.

All the darkness turned to light
You brought brightness and happiness to my life.

An impressionistic painting
You are like a painting that captures the essence of a moment rather than the details.

Tiny particles of light
You radiate light and beauty in small yet significant ways.

It seem to me is what you're like
To me, you appear to be someone who is admired but untouchable.

The 'look but please don't touch me' type
You are someone who is admired from afar but not to be interacted with.

And honestly it can't be fun
And honestly, it must not be enjoyable to always be the center of attention.

To always be the chosen one
To always be the one that is admired and coveted by many.

Cause after all
Because in the end, despite the beauty and value, nothing is indestructible.

Nothing's indestructible
Everything is vulnerable to destruction, even things of great value.

And I'm right by your side
I am here with you, supporting you.

Like a thief in the night
Silently and secretly, without anyone noticing.

I stand in front of the masterpiece
I am standing in front of you, the beautiful work of art.

And I can't tell you why it hurts so much
I cannot explain the intense pain I feel about my love for you.

To be in love with a masterpiece
To love someone unique and unattainable.

Cause after all
Because in the end, despite the beauty and value, nothing is indestructible.

Nothing's indestructible
Everything is vulnerable to destruction, even things of great value.

Cause after all
Because in the end, despite the beauty and value, nothing is indestructible.

Nothing's indestructible
Everything is vulnerable to destruction, even things of great value.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MADONNA CICCONE, JULIE FROST, JIMMY HARRY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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