About the song
Madonna’s “Holiday,” a dance-pop anthem from her self-titled debut album released in 1983, stands as one of her defining early hits. Penned by Curtis Hudson and Lisa Stevens-Crowder for their own musical project Pure Energy, the track was produced by John “Jellybean” Benitez. Originally intended for Pure Energy, “Holiday” was initially rejected by their label, Prism Records. The song, inspired by Hudson’s frustration with negative news and the universal desire for a break from routine, went through several hands before finding its way to Madonna.
As Madonna was in the midst of recording her debut album, which faced a shortage of material after the success of her initial single “Everybody,” Benitez, who was also working with Madonna, saw potential in “Holiday.” He decided to pitch the song to Madonna, despite initial hesitations from Hudson and Stevens-Crowder. They were eventually won over by Madonna’s enthusiasm and the opportunity to have their song reach a wider audience.
The recording sessions took place at Sigma Sound Studios in New York City. While the final version closely mirrored the demo, a few minor changes were made, including the addition of a memorable piano solo by Fred Zarr. The track combines elements of post-disco and dance-pop, featuring a blend of guitars, electronic clapping, a cowbell, and synthesized strings. Its lyrics encapsulate the universal urge to escape daily stresses, encapsulating the essence of taking a well-deserved break.
Upon its release as a double-sided single with “Lucky Star” in August 1983, and later as the official third single on September 7, 1983, “Holiday” quickly became a critical and commercial success. It was heralded as infectious and a standout track from Madonna’s debut album. The song marked Madonna’s breakthrough in the U.S., peaking at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieving number one on the Dance Club Songs chart. Its success was not limited to North America; it also made significant impacts on charts across Australia, Belgium, Germany, and Ireland. In the UK, “Holiday” was released multiple times, each time achieving top-five status.
Despite the lack of an official music video, Madonna promoted “Holiday” through various nightclub appearances and television performances in both the U.S. and the UK. The track has since become a staple in her live performances, including in her 2023–2024 Celebration Tour. Its influence extends beyond Madonna’s discography, as it has been covered and sampled by various artists and featured in numerous television programs and films. “Holiday” remains a quintessential pop anthem, emblematic of Madonna’s early career and enduring appeal.
Video
Lyrics
Holiday
Celebrate
Holiday
Celebrate
If we took a holiday
Took some time to celebrate
Just one day out of life
It would be, it would be so nice
Everybody spread the word
We’re gonna have a celebration
All across the world
In every nation
It’s time for the good times
Forget about the bad times, oh yeah
One day to come together to release the pressure
We need a holiday
If we took a holiday
Took some time to celebrate (come on, let’s celebrate)
Just one day out of life (holiday)
It would be, it would be so nice
You can turn this world around
And bring back all of those happy days
Put your troubles down
It’s time to celebrate
Let love shine
And we will find
A way to come together, can make things better
We need a holiday
If we took a holiday (holiday)
Took some time to celebrate (celebrate)
Just one day out of life (just one day)
It would be, it would be so nice
Holiday
Celebrate
Holiday
Celebrate
If we took a holiday (oh yeah, oh yeah)
Took some time to celebrate (come on, let’s celebrate)
Just one day out of life (holiday)
It would be, it would be so nice
Holiday (ooh yeah, ooh yeah)
Celebrate (come on, let’s celebrate)
Holiday (just one day out of life)
Celebrate