"Judas" was revealed as the name of the second single in Gaga's interview for Vogue. Gaga confirmed the release of "Judas" as the second single, on Ryan Seacrest's radio show on February 14, 2011, and also revealed RedOne as the co-producer of the song. At the 53rd Grammy Awards, RedOne told MTV News that if the previous single, the title track from Born This Way, polarized people, "Judas" was expected to shock them more. On the talk show Last Call with Carson Daly, Gaga explained to the host that "Judas" was about always falling in love with the wrong man over and over again. "'Judas' is a very, very dark song. It's rad", she added. With MSN Canada, Gaga revealed the metaphors and the meaning behind the song:
"'Judas' is a metaphor and an analogy about forgiveness and betrayal and things that haunt you in your life and how I believe that it's the darkness in your life that ultimately shines and illuminates the greater light that you have upon you. Someone once said to me, 'If you have no shadows then you're not standing in the light.' So the song is about washing the feet of both good and evil and understanding and forgiving the demons from your past in order to move into the greatness of your future. I just like really aggressive metaphorsโharder, thicker, darkerโand my fans do as well. So it is a very challenging and aggressive metaphor, but it is a metaphor."
Gaga further elaborated on the inspiration behind the song as walking towards the light force in her life and peering towards the devil in the back, while clutching onto the source of the light. "I sing about what a holy fool I am, and that although moments in my life are so cruel and relationships can be so cruel Iโm still in love with Judas. I still go back again to those evil things," she said. During her interview with Google, Gaga added to the song's meaning of honoring one's inner darkness in order to bring themselves into the light. One has to learn to forgive themselves in order to move on with their life. With Popjustice she clarified that she has a lot of things that have haunted her from her past, including her choices, men, drug abuse, being afraid to go back to New York, and confronting old romances. Hence "Judas" represented something that was not good for her, something she could not escape. Gaga said: "I keep going back and forth between the darkness and the light in order to understand who I am."
"Judas" was generally well-received by most music critics. Jonathan Van Meter from Vogue gave the song a positive review, saying the song sounded like it was written for The Ronettes, but was set to a "sledgehammering" dance beat. MTV's James Dinh noted that the song was very similar in its composition to "Bad Romance". Popjustice also compared it to "Bad Romance" describing it as "a highly evolved, Titanium-plated 'Bad Romance' from the year 2511 traveling half a millennium back in time to save music from a tidal wave of 'in the club'-obsessed pop drivel, and that's 'Judas'." Kevin O'Donnel from Spin felt that the song sounded like a rowdy, industrial-disco banger, and described Gaga's performance as "insanely over the top: She alternates between rapping, a robotic monotone, and a crow-like squawk โ before gliding into a more conventional chorus that hews closer to 'Bad Romance'." He complimented the primal energy of the music of "Judas," and felt that the breakdown was one of the weirdest moments to hit the pop music scene in 2011.[25] Slant Magazine's Eric Henderson noted that the disconnection and deviation from Gaga's previous single "Born This Way" were more pronounced with "Judas". Musically he felt that "Judas" had the same "glitter-jackhammer level as 'Born This Way', though the big anthemic chords are almost invertedโnot unlike Inner City's Big Fun vs. Good Life. It's a good twin, evil twin thing." Henderson continued that the song conjured the imagery of a disturbing vision of hell, and in a warped sense the song seemed more forward-thinking to him and less of a message, "than the 'gay = great' equation at the heart of 'Born This Way'."
Amos Barshad from New York declared that the song reminded him of being drunk and dancing in a remote discothรจque in Berlin. NME's Dan Martin was of the opinion that "Judas" was the song that Gaga should have come back with. But he understood why she did not choose it as the lead single from Born This Way, given the fact that the song was characteristic of Gaga's music. Pointing the same thing, Matthew Perpetua from Rolling Stone wrote that the song played to Gaga's established musical sensibilities. He added that although "Judas" certainly had its own charms and "at least three insanely catchy hooks it leans hard on Gaga's signature moves." Maura Johnston of The Village Voice summarized the song as a twin of "Bad Romance" describing its "instantly memorable wordless vocalizing, a pummeling beat, lyrics about a romance that is, well, bad." Digital Spy's Robert Copsey gave the song five out of five stars, commending the "blasphemously camp" chorus and comparing it to be worthy of Eurovision โ "a Scooch-meets-Lordi affair that, unsurprisingly, takes a few listens to get your head around." Mark Lepage from The Gazette praised the song and understood that as Gaga's music has progressed, so have her themes and inspirations, indicated by the conflicted relationship she has with the character Judas in the song. Rick Fulton, while writing in the Daily Record, compared it to "'Like a Prayer' on steroids" and gave it three out of five points. NME called the song "Gaga's worst single so far" in November 2011.
After its release to digital outlets and radio, Billboard theorized that "Judas" would need to sell between 350,000 and 400,000 copies in two and a half days, and make a large number of radio listener impressions through the end of the airplay tracking period on April 19, 2011, in order to debut at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song debuted at number 30 on the Billboard Pop Songs chart with 1,405 detections on 118 of the Pop Songs panel's 132 reporting stations, translating to an opening audience of 13.6 million. For the issue dated April 30, 2011, "Judas" debuted at number four on the Hot Digital Songs chart with 162,000 copies sold. It debuted at its peak position of number ten on the Hot 100โGaga's third debut in the top 10โand started at number 48 on the Radio Songs chart with a 26 million audience. The next week "Judas" dropped two places on the Hot 100 while selling 156,000 downloads (down 4%) in its first full week at retail. However, on Radio Songs, "Judas" jumped from number 48 to number 36 (34 million impressions, up 29%), while also moving up to number 19 on the Pop Songs chart, reaching a peak of number 15 to date. "Judas" also debuted on the Hot Dance Club Songs Chart at number 38, and on Adult Pop Songs at number 40, for the issue dated May 14, 2011. It has since reached the top of the Hot Dance Club Songs chart. According to Nielsen SoundScan, "Judas" has sold one million copies of digital downloads in the US as of February 2019.
In Canada, "Judas" debuted at number nine on the Canadian Hot 100 with three days of sales, entering the Digital Songs chart of Canada at number five with 16,000 copies sold. The next week it moved up one position to its peak of number eight while becoming the greatest gainer on the chart in terms of airplay. The song moved from number 66 to number 23 on the Canadian Hot 100 Airplay chart, with a 161% increase in audience. In the United Kingdom, "Judas" debuted at number 14 on the UK Singles Chart on April 17, 2011, with 20,729 copies. The next week it moved to number nine. The song debuted at number nine on the French Singles Chart with 5,719 copies of the single and has since reached a peak of seven. In New Zealand, "Judas" debuted at number 13 on the New Zealand Singles Chart on April 18, 2011, and also debuted at number six on the ARIA Singles Chart of Australia, which became its peak there. "Judas" was certified platinum in Australia by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), for shipment of 70,000 copies of the single.[57] In Ireland and Finland, "Judas" achieved a top-five debut at positions four and three respectively. Other top-ten debuts happened in Belgium (Wallonia), Norway and Spain. In Japan "Judas" debuted at number seven on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart. The song debuted and peaked at number 23 in the German Singles Chart, ending her consecutive top-ten placings in that chart since her debut "Just Dance".
The music video for "Judas" was filmed on April 2โ3, 2011, and was directed by Gaga and her then choreographer, Laurieann Gibson. The singer's stylist Thierry Mugler and creative director Nicola Formichetti announced on the coming Monday that the filming for the clip was over. The cast included Norman Reedus as Judas, while Gaga played the part of Mary Magdalene and Rick Gonzalez as the Jesus-like character. Gibson and Gaga wanted to make sure the video's direction was perfectโso they directed it themselves. Gibson explained that while working with Nick Knight on the music video for "Born This Way", they had felt that the ideas presented did not execute in the way they wanted. But with the music video of "Judas", the whole idea and the inspiration were clear enough. They had initially approached a director, but the dates did not work out with him, so Gaga's manager asked her and Gibson to direct the video instead. With MTV News, Gibson explained that there was a "groundbreaking" message in the clip, which might "shock" the audience.
Gibson said she took a moment before agreeing, as she had just wrapped up work on Gaga's Monster Ball HBO special but she could not resist in the end. "It's a phenomenal video: really powerful, really impactful," she added. With The Hollywood Reporter, Gibson explained that within the video they created a new Jerusalem. The team had two different views about the storyline and hence there were many debates about the content to be included. The shock value in the video was purposefully added, but ultimately the story was about oppression, and about following one's heart and the glory of being free.
With NME magazine Gaga revealed that the video involved motorbikes and a death sequence. She also described the portrayal of her character as being "beyond repentance", which evolved from the continuous media accusations towards her that "[she's] trashy. or pretentious or this and that. [The video] is my way of saying 'I've crossed the line, I won't even try to repent. Nor should I'." Forgiveness and destiny also played a part in the video, and Gaga wanted to portray a Federico Fellini-esque story with apostles being revolutionaries in modern-day Jerusalem. They are led to Jesus, by Gaga as Magdalene. Although initially reported to be premiered during an episode of the tenth season of American Idol, the music video premiered on May 5, 2011, on E! News at 7 pm.
Judas
Lady Gaga Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm in love with Juda-as, Juda-as
Whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa
I'm in love with Juda-as, Juda-as
Judas, Juda-ah-ah
Judas, Juda-ah-ah
Judas, Juda-ah-ah
Judas, Gaga
Judas, Juda-ah-ah
Judas, Juda-ah-ah
Judas, Juda-ah-ah
Judas, Gaga
When he calls to me, I am ready
I'll wash his feet with my hair if he needs
Forgive him when his tongue lies through his brain
Even after three times, he betrays me
(Ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah)
I'll bring him down, bring him down, down
(Ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah)
A king with no crown, king with no crown
I'm just a Holy Fool, oh, baby, it's so cruel
But I'm still in love with Judas, baby
I'm just a Holy Fool, oh, baby, it's so cruel
But I'm still in love with Judas, baby
Whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa
I'm in love with Juda-as, Juda-as
Whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa
I'm in love with Juda-as, Juda-as
Judas, Juda-ah-ahJudas, Juda-ah-ah
Judas, Juda-ah-ah
Judas, Gaga
I couldn't love a man so purely
Even prophets forgave his goofy way
I've learned love is like a brick, you can
Build a house or sink a dead body
(Ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah)
I'll bring him down, bring him down, down
(Ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah)
A king with no crown, king with no crown
I'm just a Holy Fool, oh, baby, it's so cruel
But I'm still in love with Judas, baby
I'm just a Holy Fool, oh, baby, it's so cruel
But I'm still in love with Judas, baby
Whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa
I'm in love with Juda-as, Juda-as
Whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa
I'm in love with Juda-as, Juda-as
Ew
In the most Biblical sense (ew)
I am beyond repentance
Fame, hooker, prostitute, wench
Vomits her mind
But in the cultural sense
I just speak in future tense
Judas, kiss me, if offenced
Or wear ear condom next time
I wanna love you
But something's pulling me away from you
Jesus is my virtue
And Judas is the demon I cling to
I cling to
Just a Holy Fool, oh, baby, it's so cruel
But I'm still in love with Judas, baby
I'm just a Holy Fool, oh, baby, it's so cruel (just a Holy Fool, whoa-oh-oh)
But I'm still in love with Judas, baby
Whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa (whoa)
I'm in love with Juda-as, Juda-as (Juda-a-as)
Whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa (whoa)
I'm in love with Juda-as, Juda-as (Juda-a-as)
Judas, Juda-ah-ah
Judas, Juda-ah-ah
Judas, Juda-ah-ah
Judas, Gaga
Lady Gaga's song "Judas" is a complex exploration of religious themes and a personal struggle with love and morality. The song is structured around the repeated refrain "Whoa, I'm in love with Judas," which itself plays with the idea of loving and betraying those we hold most dear. The first verse describes a willingness to forgive and submit to Judas, even after he has betrayed the singer multiple times. She declares her love for him despite his flaws, comparing love to the process of building or destroying a house with a brick. The chorus repeats the refrain, emphasizing the singer's devotion to Judas even as she acknowledges the cruel irony.
In the second verse, the lyrics become more explicit in their religious imagery. The singer describes herself as a "Holy Fool" and contrasts the purity of Jesus with the "demon" of Judas that she clings to. She claims to be beyond repentance, highlighting the tension between her love for Judas and her faith. The bridge of the song introduces a more playful tone, using humor and wordplay to contrast the Biblical references with modern slang. Gaga declares herself a "fame hooker" and "prostitute wench," suggesting that her own experiences with betrayal and love are just as relevant as the stories of ancient prophets.
Overall, "Judas" is a powerful and thought-provoking song that explores complex themes of love, betrayal, and morality. It combines religious imagery with modern slang and personal experience, creating a unique and memorable piece of music.
Line by Line Meaning
Whoa, I'm in love with Juda-ah-as, Juda-ah-as
The singer expresses her love for Judas multiple times.
Judas, Juda-ah-as, Judas, Juda-ah-as
The singer repeats Judas' name in affirmation of her love for him.
When he calls to me, I am ready
The singer is willing to answer Judas' call for her love.
I'll wash his feet with my hair if he needs
The artist is willing to do anything for Judas, even if it means washing his feet with her own hair.
Forgive him when his tongue lies through his brain
The artist acknowledges that Judas may have a tendency to lie, but she is willing to forgive him for it.
Even after three times he betrays me
The singer is aware of the biblical story of Judas betraying Jesus three times, but she is still in love with him.
Ahh-oh, ahh-oh, I'll bring him down, bring him down, down
The singer is willing to bring Judas down if necessary to protect her love for him.
Ahh-oh, ahh-oh, a king with no crown, king with no crown
Judas is referred to as a king, but he has no crown - implying he is not perfect or all-powerful.
I'm just a Holy Fool
The artist acknowledges that she may be viewed as foolish for her love of Judas.
Oh, baby, it's so cruel
The love of Judas comes at a cost for the artist.
But I'm still in love with Judas, baby
The singer reiterates her love and devotion for Judas.
I couldn't love a man so purely
The artist acknowledges that she could not love a man in a purely righteous manner and still loves Judas despite this.
Even prophets forgave his goofy way
The singer draws comparisons between Judas and other religious figures, suggesting that Judas may not have been as evil as he is portrayed.
I've learned love is like a brick, you can
The singer makes a metaphorical comparison between love and a brick that can either build something up or tear it down.
Build a house or sink a dead body
The singer expands on the previous metaphor, insinuating that love can have a positive or negative effect.
(Ew)
This interjection is a commentary on the previous lyrics, acknowledging their vulgarity.
In the (ew) most Biblical sense
The artist identifies her love for Judas as possessing biblical significance.
I am beyond repentance
The singer implies that her love for Judas is unrepentant, even if it is deemed sinful.
Fame hooker, prostitute wench, vomits her mind
The singer is aware of her own negative perception due to her fame and is critical of herself.
But in the cultural sense, I just speak in future tense
The artist explains that on a cultural level, her words shouldn't be taken so literally.
Judas, kiss me, if offenced or wear an ear condom next time
The artist addresses Judas directly, joking about wearing protection during their interactions.
I wanna love you
The artist reaffirms her desire to love Judas.
But something's pulling me away from you
The singer acknowledges that something is keeping her from fully loving Judas, but she is still in love with him.
Jesus is my virtue
The artist states that Jesus represents her moral character.
And Judas is the demon I cling to
The singer admits that she is drawn to Judas despite her religious devotion to Jesus.
Just a Holy Fool
The singer acknowledges her own foolishness in loving Judas.
Oh, baby (just a), it's so cruel (Holy Fool)
The singer emphasizes the difficulty of her love for Judas and her own shortcomings.
But I'm still in love with Judas, baby
The artist repeats her love and devotion for Judas once again.
Lyrics ยฉ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Nadir Khayat, Stefani Germanotta
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@AdamAdam-cw6nl
Curse technique reversal: Red
๐ โคออออ๐ด
Curse technique lapse: Blue
๐ โคออออ ๐ต
Nah, Id win
๐ซธ๐ด๐ต๐ซท
Hollow purple
๐ค๐ซดโคออออ๐ฃ
Domain Expansion:
"infinite Void"
๐ค
๐โซ๐
@7clouds
What's your favorite song by Lady Gaga?
@adasuadasuadasu
Judasโคโคโค
@The_StormYT
This song definitely
@็ฅ็ขฉ้ณ
one kis
@flyingtorch6021
Bad romance
@sm_ghost_girl
this is the only song that I have ever heard from Lady Gaga
@BaritonesNAcoustics
The moment you understand that every song of Lady Gaga is a short movie. She is phenomenal !!๐
@madisongiuliano2039
๐คฏ this just showed me never knew
@dharamveerpal8702
Idk what u talking about
@oe8723
none