About the song
“Borderline,” a track from Madonna’s debut self-titled album released in 1983, marks a significant milestone in the artist’s career. Written and produced by Reggie Lucas, the song emerged from a period of transformation and burgeoning success for Madonna. After her initial single “Everybody” captured the attention of the dance music scene, Sire Records was quick to support her transition from a promising single artist to a full-fledged album release. Collaborating with Lucas, Madonna tapped into a post-disco sound that reflected the 1970s era while injecting it with her distinct pop sensibility.
The song, which blends upbeat pop with remnants of disco, explores themes of relationship struggles, particularly highlighting a woman’s frustration with her lover’s chauvinistic behavior. This thematic exploration, combined with its infectious rhythm, propelled “Borderline” to prominence. It was officially released as a single in the United States on February 15, 1984, and later made its mark in Europe with releases in June 1984 and January 1986. The song received widespread acclaim from critics who praised Madonna’s vocal performance and the song’s memorable melody.
“Borderline” not only marked Madonna’s breakthrough into the mainstream but also achieved notable commercial success. It became Madonna’s first top-ten hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 and continued to shine in Europe, securing the number one spot in Ireland and reaching the top three in several other countries, including the United Kingdom, Belgium, and The Netherlands.
The music video for “Borderline,” directed by Mary Lambert, was equally influential. Featuring Madonna in a narrative about interracial romance, the video broke societal taboos and showcased the singer’s bold artistic choices. The visual representation contributed to the song’s enduring legacy and has been cited as a pivotal moment in Madonna’s career.
Throughout her Virgin and Sticky & Sweet tours, Madonna continued to perform “Borderline,” reaffirming its significance in her musical repertoire. The song’s impact is evident not only in Madonna’s career trajectory but also through various covers by artists like Jody Watley, the Flaming Lips, and Kelly Clarkson. As an emblem of 1980s pop, “Borderline” remains a testament to Madonna’s influence and innovative spirit in the music industry.
Video
Lyrics
Something in the way you love me won’t let me be
I don’t want to be your prisoner
So baby, won’t you set me free?
Stop playing with my heart
Finish what you start
When you make my love come down
If you want me, let me know
Baby, let it show
Honey, don’t you fool around
Just try to understand (understand)
I’ve given all I can
‘Cause you got the best of me
Borderline
Feels like I’m going to lose my mind
You just keep on pushin’ my love
Over the borderline
Borderline
Feels like I’m going to lose my mind
You just keep on pushin’ my love
Over the borderline
(Borderline)
Keep on pushin’ me, baby
Don’t you know you drive me crazy?
You just keep on pushin’ my love over the borderline (borderline)
Something in your eyes is makin’ such a fool of me
When you hold me in your arms
You love me ’til I just can’t see
But then you let me down
When I look around
Baby, you just can’t be found
Stop driving me away
I just want to stay
There’s something I just got to say
Just try to understand (understand)
I’ve given all I can
‘Cause you got the best of me
Borderline (borderline)
Feels like I’m going to lose my mind
You just keep on pushin’ my love
Over the borderline
Borderline (borderline)
Feels like I’m going to lose my mind
You just keep on pushin’ my love
Over the borderline
(Borderline)
Keep on pushin’ me, baby
Don’t you know you drive me crazy?
You just keep on pushin’ my love
Over the borderline (borderline)
Look what your love has done to me
Come on baby, set me free
You just keep on pushin’ my love
Over the borderline
(Borderline)
You cause me so much pain
I think I’m going insane
What does it take to make you see?
You just keep on pushin’ my love
Over the borderline (borderline)
Keep pushin’ me
Keep pushin’ me
Keep pushin’ my love
Come on baby
Come on darling, yeah (over the borderline, borderline)
La, la, la, la la la la, la-la la-lah
You just keep on pushin’ my love
Over the borderline (borderline)