The lyrics convey Madonna's frustration with being silenced and repressed by others who try to impose their beliefs and limitations on her. She challenges the narrow-mindedness and judgment she has faced, particularly regarding her sexuality and opinions. Madonna questions the double standards and expectations placed upon her as a woman in society, highlighting the unfair treatment she encounters.
Throughout the song, Madonna asserts her refusal to apologize for who she is and the choices she makes. She embraces her human nature, asserting her right to be authentic and not conform to the expectations of others. The repeated phrase "I'm not sorry, it's human nature" reinforces the idea that it is natural for individuals to be true to themselves and not apologize for their existence.
Overall, "Human Nature" serves as a powerful anthem of self-empowerment and a call for acceptance and understanding of diverse personalities and perspectives. Madonna challenges the status quo and encourages listeners to embrace their uniqueness without fear or remorse.
Human Nature
Madonna Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Express yourself, don't repress yourself
Express yourself, don't repress yourself
Express yourself, don't repress yourself
Express yourself, don't repress yourself
And I'm not sorry (I'm not sorry)
It's human nature (It's human nature)
I'm not your bitch don't hang your shit on me (It's human nature)
You wouldn't let me say the words I longed to say
You didn't want to see life through my eyes
(Express yourself, don't repress yourself)
You tried to shove me back inside your narrow room
And silence me with bitterness and lies
(Express yourself, don't repress yourself)
Did I say something wrong?
Oops, I didn't know I couldn't talk about sex
(I musta been crazy)
Did I stay too long?
Oops, I didn't know I couldn't speak my mind
(What was I thinking)
And I'm not sorry (I'm not sorry)
It's human nature (It's human nature)
And I'm not sorry (I'm not sorry)
I'm not your bitch don't hang your shit on me (It's human nature)
You punished me for telling you my fantasies
I'm breakin' all the rules I didn't make
(Express yourself, don't repress yourself)
You took my words and made a trap for silly fools
You held me down and tried to make me break
(Express yourself, don't repress yourself)
Did I say something true?
Oops, I didn't know I couldn't talk about sex
(I musta been crazy)
Did I have a point of view?
Oops, I didn't know I couldn't talk about you
(What was I thinking)
And I'm not sorry (I'm not sorry)
It's human nature (It's human nature)
And I'm not sorry (I'm not sorry)
I'm not your bitch don't hang your shit on me (It's human nature)
Express yourself, don't repress yourself
Express yourself, don't repress yourself
Express yourself, don't repress yourself
Express yourself, don't repress yourself
Express yourself, don't repress yourself
Express yourself, don't repress yourself
Did I say something true?
Oops, I didn't know I couldn't talk about sex
(I musta been crazy)
Did I have a point of view?
Oops, I didn't know I couldn't talk about you
(What was I thinking)
And I'm not sorry (I'm not sorry)
It's human nature (It's human nature)
And I'm not sorry (I'm not sorry)
I'm not your bitch don't hang your shit on me (It's human nature)
And I'm not sorry (I'm not apologizing)
It's human nature (Would it sound better if I were a man?)
And I'm not sorry (You're the one with the problem)
I'm not your bitch don't hang your shit on me (Why don't you just deal with it)
'Cause I'm not sorry (Would you like me better if I was?)
It's human nature (We all feel the same way)
And I'm not sorry (I have no regrets)
I'm not your bitch don't hang your shit on me (Just look in the mirror)
And I'm not sorry (I don't have to justify anything)
It's human nature (I'm just like you)
And I'm not sorry (Why should I be?)
I'm not your bitch don't hang your shit on me (Deal with it)
In "Human Nature," Madonna addresses the criticism she has faced throughout her career. With the refrain "Express yourself, don't repress yourself," she encourages listeners to be true to themselves and not let others control their behavior. Madonna is unapologetic in her delivery, asserting that it is human nature to push back against attempts to silence or shame us for speaking our minds or expressing our desires. In the verses, Madonna describes how people have tried to censor her, both in her personal life and in her public career, and she responds by asserting her right to speak her truth.
The song was released in 1995 as the fourth single from Madonna's sixth studio album, "Bedtime Stories." It was co-written and produced by Madonna and Dave "Jam" Hall. The song's music video, directed by Jean-Baptiste Mondino, featured Madonna in a black latex suit, dancing defiantly alongside a troupe of backup dancers. The video sparked controversy for its sexual themes and Madonna's use of profanity.
The song's message of self-expression and empowerment resonated with audiences and has become a favorite of Madonna's fans. Its catchy chorus and upbeat dance beat make it a pop classic that is still played and celebrated today.
Line by Line Meaning
Express yourself, don't repress yourself
Be true to yourself and don't hold back on how you feel or what you want to say.
And I'm not sorry (I'm not sorry)
I have nothing to be sorry for and I won't apologize for being myself.
It's human nature (It's human nature)
This is just how people are and we all have our own desires and needs.
I'm not your bitch don't hang your shit on me (It's human nature)
I won't be controlled or blamed for your problems or insecurities.
You wouldn't let me say the words I longed to say
You silenced me and didn't allow me to express myself freely.
You didn't want to see life through my eyes
You refused to understand or appreciate my perspective on things.
You tried to shove me back inside your narrow room
You wanted me to conform to your limited views and expectations.
And silence me with bitterness and lies (Express yourself, don't repress yourself)
You kept me quiet with harsh words and deceit, but I believe in the importance of self-expression.
Did I say something wrong? Oops, I didn't know I couldn't talk about sex (I musta been crazy)
You made me feel ashamed or guilty for talking about something as natural and common as sex.
Did I stay too long? Oops, I didn't know I couldn't speak my mind (What was I thinking)
You made me regret expressing myself and made me feel like I shouldn't have shared my thoughts or opinions.
You punished me for telling you my fantasies
You made me feel bad or embarrassed for sharing my personal desires or dreams with you.
I'm breaking all the rules I didn't make (Express yourself, don't repress yourself)
I refuse to abide by societal norms or expectations that restrict my true self-expression.
You took my words and made a trap for silly fools
You twisted my words and used them against me in a way that was unfair and manipulative.
You held me down and tried to make me break (Express yourself, don't repress yourself)
You tried to control me or hold me back, but I refuse to be held down and will continue to express myself.
And I'm not sorry (I'm not sorry)
I won't apologize for being myself and standing up for what I believe in.
Would it sound better if I were a man?
Would you treat me with more respect and give me more freedom if I were a man instead of a woman?
You're the one with the problem
You have issues or insecurities that you're projecting on me and trying to make my problem.
Why don't you just deal with it
Instead of blaming me, you should take responsibility for your own emotions and work on resolving them.
Would you like me better if I was?
Would you approve of me more or treat me better if I changed who I am to fit your expectations?
We all feel the same way
Many people can relate to feeling misunderstood or oppressed for expressing themselves truthfully and openly.
I have no regrets
I'm proud of who I am and everything I've done, even if it hasn't met your approval or expectations.
I don't have to justify anything
I don't need to explain or defend my behavior or beliefs to you or anyone else.
Just look in the mirror
The problem isn't with me, it's with you and your own biases or issues that are causing you to judge or mistreat me.
Deal with it
You need to accept and respect me for who I am, and stop trying to control me or make me feel guilty for expressing myself.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Madonna Louise Ciccone, Michael Deering, Dave M L Hall, Kevin Harold Mc Kenzie, Shawn Mc Kenzie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@whathappenedtocommonsense4526
unless someone is a complete moron, this song is pretty TO THE POINT.
I dont get the whole ‘people angry…’ if she wants to run around naked & fuck anything with a pulse, she can have at it.
the problem i have is -why do you think anyone gives a shit about her sex life?
why is sex such a weapon for her? she worked her ass off to have a perfect body, had makeup, hair… nothing real about it🙄
she is/was plenty powerful before anyone saw her eating an ass, which again -dgaf🙄
as usual just nonsense because any publicity is good publicity & she gets off on people being uncomfortable around her.
now look at her, she can work out to stop aging & shes gone off the deep end.
THAT BEING SAID, theirs about 10/11 songs of her I actually listen to by her, that are GOOD & this is one of them.
this video shouldve won awards, its amazing (scream is a disappointment of a song & video). this video is amazing! the choreography is FLAWLESS & PERFECTION, THE OUTFITS, THE FACIAL EXPRESSIONS, EVERYTHING 🖤
@mikeokeeffe4692
Madonna is cool with this message. She pushes the overt imagery and with the song itself its such a statement.
She knows what she thinks and articulates it without apology or hesitation - and that I adore.
I was raised by a strong Mother. Single parent.
I remember seeing this tune on MTV as a kid and being really impressed with the choreography, and everything. The melody, the lyrics, the beat. And the video is beautifully shot and has great set pieces.
I remember being mesmerised by the 9 cube box shot and the way the individual cube shots shown beforehand were shown to be stacked and rowed, and the movement of the dancers synchronised with Madonna was flawless that impressed me alot.
She reminds me of my Mum in the sense of being fearless and totally honest person. She has a look of Madonna too when she was younger. I remember thinking that about Madonna again when I first saw this video because in other videos she has a look of her too.
Say what you want about Madonna though she is very honest.
'I'm not sorry'
'Did I say something wrong???'
'Would you like me better if I were a man???'
I fucking love her willingness to call out the double standards of people in society sometimes.
It's true.
And she goes to the full out extent in the clothes choices to send her statement that it's not her problem if certain people don't like a person who says what they like, honest about their preferences and expresses themselves in a way that they feel like as a human.
It's human nature and she isn't going to apologise for herself or give in to people who think she should just because she was at a time in her life where she was being shamed for being this or that and to not take that lying down but to then double down with this track, and video.
That's cool.
Shes right - Fuck it if they don't like me anyway I might as well call it out and show what I think about this...
No regrets. No self censorship. No shame.
I adored that then and I still do now.
This woman is cool
God Bless you Madonna 😘
@Nathan-jq4zy
Many people underestimate the significance of this song. Madonna released this at arguably, the lowest point of her career as a reaction to the public's anger over her "Sex" book (remember this was the early to mid 90s after all). She dared to stand up to society's narrow minded views about sex and refused to apologize, instead saying, "You're the one with the problem." Madonna dared to challenge the status quo, and to be authentically herself. She was, and always will be, ahead of her time.
@misguidedpearls7456
Ty
It was over looked when it came out
Nobody got the point
@blessed35
I loved your review, yet, I hardly disagree at "her lowest part of her career", she had done the Blonde Ambition, Jusfify my life on VHS had broken all the records ever and the Sex book was selling like water in the desert. I believe that was an answer to the pope and also the Toronto attempt at arresting her if she did the "like a virgin" number.
@whathappenedtocommonsense4526
unless someone is a complete moron, this song is pretty TO THE POINT.
I dont get the whole ‘people angry…’ if she wants to run around naked & fuck anything with a pulse, she can have at it.
the problem i have is -why do you think anyone gives a shit about her sex life?
why is sex such a weapon for her? she worked her ass off to have a perfect body, had makeup, hair… nothing real about it🙄
she is/was plenty powerful before anyone saw her eating an ass, which again -dgaf🙄
as usual just nonsense because any publicity is good publicity & she gets off on people being uncomfortable around her.
now look at her, she can work out to stop aging & shes gone off the deep end.
THAT BEING SAID, theirs about 10/11 songs of her I actually listen to by her, that are GOOD & this is one of them.
this video shouldve won awards, its amazing (scream is a disappointment of a song & video). this video is amazing! the choreography is FLAWLESS & PERFECTION, THE OUTFITS, THE FACIAL EXPRESSIONS, EVERYTHING 🖤
@tbarfield4963
You are 100% correct big daddy Kane was in that book him a Madonna toward hospitals with it was helping sick kids And that’s when she told Kane I want you to be in my book she used to hang out in early hip-hop clubs in Manhattan 8283 that’s why her music sound the way it sounds and I got to give it up to jellybean Benitez as well but everything you say is 100% correct when she released this song so me and you are similar in age most people have no clue about this song never heard of it in a shock about it she didn’t make up the stuff she have but she was inspired by what she saw
@ferre77
Yes she released this after the backlash from the Erotica album. She was bashed for the Erotica video and Justify my love the infamous Sex book pushed everything over the edge. But she said all she was doing was showcasing a fantasy, something a lot of people were doing, but were afraid to talk about and she threw it in peoples faces. There’s a VH1 interview on here where she talks about it. Bedtime Stories was a turn away from the previous era. But this track was a big F you to all the criticism and hypocrisy. These 2 albums were some of her best work musically and visually and VERY underrated.
@Strangeries
I love how Madonna added the 'whisper' parts to this record, they added so much depth and meaning to an already meaningful song. No wonder she is the greatest selling female singing artist in history.
@Chirpy85
She's a genius
@ronrodriguez9741
Stream #FinallyEnoughLove
@ronrodriguez9741
Bey was inspired by this vid for Green Light. Speaking of, stream #BreakMySoulTheQueensRemix