Born and raised in Michigan, Madonna moved to New York City in 1978 to pursue a career in modern dance. After performing as a drummer, guitarist, and vocalist in the rock bands Breakfast Club and Emmy, she rose to solo stardom with her debut studio album, Madonna (1983). She followed it with a series of successful albums, including all-time bestsellers Like a Virgin (1984) and True Blue (1986) as well as Grammy Award winners Ray of Light (1998) and Confessions on a Dance Floor (2005). Madonna has amassed many number-one singles throughout her career, including "Like a Virgin", "La Isla Bonita", "Like a Prayer", "Vogue", "Take a Bow", "Frozen", "Music", "Hung Up", and "4 Minutes".
Madonna's popularity was enhanced by roles in films such as Desperately Seeking Susan (1985), Dick Tracy (1990), A League of Their Own (1992), and Evita (1996). While Evita won her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress, many of her other films received poor reviews. As a businesswoman, Madonna founded the company Maverick in 1992; it included Maverick Records, one of the most successful artist-run labels in history. Her other ventures include fashion brands, children's books, health clubs, and filmmaking. She contributes to various charities, having founded the Ray of Light Foundation in 1998 and Raising Malawi in 2006.
With sales of over 300 million records worldwide, Madonna is certified as the best-selling female recording artist of all time by Guinness World Records. She is the most successful solo artist in the history of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart and holds the record for the most number-one singles by a female artist in Australia, Canada, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. With a revenue of U.S. $1.5 billion from her concert tickets, she remains the highest-grossing solo touring artist of all time. Madonna was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008, her first year of eligibility. She was ranked as the greatest woman in music by VH1 in 2012, and as the greatest music video artist of all time by MTV in 2003 and Billboard in 2020. Rolling Stone also listed Madonna among the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time and the 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time.
Studio albums
Madonna (1983)
Like a Virgin (1984)
True Blue (1986)
Like a Prayer (1989)
Erotica (1992)
Bedtime Stories (1994)
Ray of Light (1998)
Music (2000)
American Life (2003)
Confessions on a Dance Floor (2005)
Hard Candy (2008)
MDNA (2012)
Rebel Heart (2015)
Madame X (2019)
Back in Business
Madonna Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm gonna show you the brighter side of living in sin.
So when you're six feet under, you won't wonder why
Just 'cause you got a halo don't mean that you can fly.
If you thought it was over, you're way off track
You made a blunder, and
You put me back, back in business,
'Cause you put me back, back in business,
You're my first witness, and I'm here to stay.
I'm gonna show you good guys always finish last
Speaking of virtue, being nice is a thing of the past.
When I want something done, I'll say it with a gun
Just 'cause you're an angel don't mean you're having fun.
I just wanted to thank you for what you lack
Hope they don't hang you, 'cause...
You put me back, back in business,
This ain't no hit or miss, I'm gonna get my way.
'Cause you put me back, back in business,
You're my first witness, and I'm here to stay.
A tisket, a tasket, you've lost your yellow basket.
(Spoken:) You don't know if you want to hit me or kiss me.
I just wanted to thank you for what you lack
Hope they don't hang you, 'cause...
You put me back, back in business,
This ain't no hit or miss, I'm gonna get my way.
'Cause you put me back, back in business,
You're my first witness, and I'm here to stay.
He's back in business now
Give me a hand and I'll take a bow.
He's back in business now
Bah dah dah, bah dah dah, bah dah dah, bah dah dah.
He's coming back in style
Give me an inch and I'll take a mile.
He's back and why oh why
Bah dah dah, bah dah dah, bah dah dah, bah dah dah.
Bah dah dah, bah dah dah, bah dah dah, bah dah dah.
In "Back In Business," Madonna asserts her independence and determination to succeed despite any obstacles in her way. The song's lyrics offer her take on the role of virtue and goodness in the face of personal achievement. She proclaims that the good guys don't always win and that sometimes living in sin and being a little more assertive is the key to success. Madonna warns anyone who may doubt her abilities and may not be fully supportive of her plans, stating that when they're six feet under, they won't be wondering why she succeeded.
Madonna emphasizes that it's essential not to be deceived by outward appearances or one's reputation, as having a halo doesn't mean that one can fly. She emphasizes that she plans to do things her way, including saying what she wants with a gun when she needs to. Madonna suggests that good guys always finish last and that being nice is a thing of the past.
Ultimately, "Back In Business" is Madonna's declaration of independence, power, and self-confidence. She isn't afraid to do things her way and take what she wants, regardless of society's expectations or anyone else's judgment.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna show you that good guys don't always win
I will demonstrate that even the virtuous sometimes face adverse outcomes
I'm gonna show you the brighter side of living in sin.
I will illustrate the more enjoyable aspects of immoral behavior
So when you're six feet under, you won't wonder why
You will ultimately have nothing to regret
Just 'cause you got a halo don't mean that you can fly.
Being virtuous alone does not guarantee success or happiness
If you thought it was over, you're way off track
If you believed I was defeated, you are gravely mistaken
You made a blunder, and
Your careless error has led to your downfall
You put me back, back in business,
Your mistake has given me an opportunity to regain my footing
This ain't no hit or miss, I'm gonna get my way.
My success is assured, not a matter of chance
You're my first witness, and I'm here to stay.
You are the first to witness my triumph, and I am not going anywhere
I'm gonna show you good guys always finish last
Those who adhere to moral codes tend to be unsuccessful
Speaking of virtue, being nice is a thing of the past.
Behaving in a polite or courteous manner is no longer relevant
When I want something done, I'll say it with a gun
If I need to resort to violence to achieve my objectives, I will not hesitate
Just 'cause you're an angel don't mean you're having fun.
Merely being virtuous does not equate to experiencing happiness
I just wanted to thank you for what you lack
I appreciate how your shortcomings have helped me succeed
Hope they don't hang you, 'cause...
I hope you avoid punishment for your mistake
A tisket, a tasket, you've lost your yellow basket.
You have lost what little you had
(Spoken:) You don't know if you want to hit me or kiss me.
You are unsure whether to attack me or embrace me
He's back in business now
I have recovered and am active again
Give me a hand and I'll take a bow.
Assist me, and I will take credit for my success
Bah dah dah, bah dah dah, bah dah dah, bah dah dah.
Repetitive, nonsensical lyrics
He's coming back in style
I am returning with new vigor and flair
Give me an inch and I'll take a mile.
Providing me with a small opportunity will lead to significant gains
He's back and why oh why
I have returned, and there is no reason to question it
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MADONNA CICCONE, MADONNA LOUISE CICCONE, PATRICK LEONARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Robert Cochran
on Die Another Day
The only good thing about that sucky film is this song