Released with "Physical Attraction" on the B side, the song was given mixed reviews from contemporary critics and authors, who noted the song's darker, urgent composition while praising its dance beats. The single failed to do well commercially anywhere, except the dance chart in the United States, where it peaked at three, and the Australian Charts, where it was a top twenty hit. After a number of live appearances in clubs to promote the single, it was added to the setlist of 1985's The Virgin Tour. An electric guitar version was performed on 2004 Re-Invention Tour. The song was included on Madonna's 2009 compilation, Celebration.
The accompanying music video of the song portrayed Madonna in the classic submissive female positions, while writhing in passion on an empty road, for her lover who appeared to come from her behind on a car. The video ended showing Madonna driving the car instead, thereby concluding that she was always in charge. Many authors noted that the "Burning Up" music video was a beginning of Madonna's depiction of her taking control of a destabilized male sexuality.
Burning Up
Madonna Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I can't quench my desire
Don't you know that I'm burning up for your love
You're not convinced that that is enough
I put myself in this position
And I deserve the imposition
But you don't even know I'm alive
And this pounding in my heart just won't die
I'm burning up, burning up for your love
I'm burning up, burning up for your love
I'm burning up, burning up for your love
For your love
You're always closing your door
Well that only makes me want you more
And day and night I cry for your love
You're not convinced that that is enough
To justify my wanting you
Now tell me what you want me to do
I'm not blind and I know
That you want to want me but you can't let go
Come on, let go
I'm burning up, burning up for your love
I'm burning up, burning up for your love
I'm burning up, burning up for your love
For your love
Oh
Do you wanna see me down on my knees?
Or bending over backwards now would you be pleased?
Unlike the others I'd do anything
I'm not the same, I have no shame
I'm on fire
Come on, let go
Do you wanna see me down on my knees?
Or bending over backwards now would you be pleased?
Unlike the others I'd do anything
I'm not the same, I have no shame
I'm on fire
(Burning up for your love)
Ooh, yeah, I'm burning up (burning up for your love)
Ooh, yeah, I'm burning up (burning up for your love)
Come on, come on, I'm burning up (burning up for your love)
Uh, uh, uh, I'm burning up (burning up for your love)
Ooh, yeah, I'm burning up (burning up for your love)
Come on, come on, I'm burning up (burning up for your love)
Ooh, yeah, I'm burning up (burning up for your love)
Uh, uh, uh (burning up for your love)
You know you got me burning up, baby (burning up for your love)
You know you got me burning up, baby (burning up for your love)
Burning up for your love (burning up for your love)
Burning up for your love (burning up for your love)
Burning up for your love (burning up for your love)
Burning up for your love
The lyrics of Madonna's "Burning Up" describe the passionate desire that the singer has for someone who is not returning her feelings in the same way. Despite this, she is unable to stop her own feelings and is "on fire" with desire. She acknowledges that she has put herself in this situation and deserves the emotional turmoil she's experiencing, but is unable to control her feelings. There is a sense of frustration expressed in the lyrics, as Madonna is not being acknowledged by the object of her affections, despite her intense longing for them. The repeated refrain of "I'm burning up for your love" reinforces the intensity of her desire.
The lyrics also suggest a willingness to do anything to earn the affection of the person she desires, and a sense of shamelessness in regards to her lustful feelings. Madonna suggests that the person she wants is not the same as others and that she is willing to go to any length to win their affection. The repeated lines of "Do you wanna see me down on my knees? / Or bending over backwards now would you be pleased?" suggest a desperation in the singer's longing, as she is willing to do whatever it takes to make this person notice her.
Overall, "Burning Up" portrays a sense of unrequited love and the agony of wanting someone who is not reciprocating those feelings. The passionate desire expressed in the lyrics is contrasted with the frustration and desperation of not being noticed by the person the singer so desires.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't put me off 'cause I'm on fire
Please don't ignore me because I'm passionate and driven
And I can't quench my desire
I can't seem to satisfy this intense longing and yearning
Don't you know that I'm burning up for your love
I'm completely consumed by my feelings for you
You're not convinced that that is enough
You don't believe my love for you is genuine or sufficient
I put myself in this position
I willingly accepted the consequences of pursuing you
And I deserve the imposition
I know that I've brought this burden upon myself
But you don't even know I'm alive
You're not aware of my existence, let alone my affection for you
And this pounding in my heart just won't die
My heart is beating so fast and hard, I can't control or quell it
You're always closing your door
You're consistently rejecting my advances and shutting me out
Well that only makes me want you more
Your rejection is fueling my obsession and infatuation
And day and night I cry for your love
I'm constantly consumed by the thought of you and longing for your affection
To justify my wanting you
I'm trying to find a reason to validate my strong desire for you
Now tell me what you want me to do
Please give me direction - I'm willing to do anything for you
I'm not blind and I know
I'm aware of the signs that you're interested in me, despite your reluctance
That you want to want me but you can't let go
You're trying to resist me, but you're attracted to me deep down
Do you wanna see me down on my knees?
Are you trying to make me feel small, weak, and powerless?
Or bending over backwards now would you be pleased?
Do I have to contort myself and sacrifice my self-respect to earn your approval?
Unlike the others I'd do anything
I'm different from the rest, and I'll go to extreme measures to win you over
I'm not the same, I have no shame
I'm not like anyone else, and I'm not afraid to chase after what I want
You know you got me burning up, baby
You have complete control over me, and I'm hopelessly attracted to you
I'm burning up, burning up for your love
My passion for you is intense and all-consuming
Burning up for your love
I'm completely consumed by my feelings for you
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Madonna Ciccone, . MADONNA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@malisalavis2239
👑 I bow to thee!
Madonna 💃😎⭐️🌹
Timeless, Ageless, Director of Art in all respected form...
Temptress & Teacher of the worlds heart! 💕
I am a better person because Madonna chose to be authentic!
🖤 Thank you Madame X
@alialakrame8186
Who is watching this video in 2024? hands up❤😂
@jennajackson6305
🤌👏👏👏👍🤲🤲
@alialakrame8186
@@jennajackson6305 ❤️
@RubaFarley
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
@NICOLETTE82
Me too
@NICOLETTE82
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
@jakewade7388
The bracelets, the hair, the cut off shirts, the makeup…. She created a fashion in the 80’s.
@ginasousabranco5637
The self-titled debut record kicked off one of the most legendary and influential careers in music ever.
@AngelGodina-rx6hp
Facts🎉
@Noone9227
This should have been a Top 40 hit.