Papa Don't Preach
Papa Don't Preach is a 1986 song by Madonna, written by her and Brian Elliot. It appeared on the album True Blue.
Music video
The music video was directed by James Foley, who also directed the videos for Live to Tell and True Blue. Michael Ballhaus was responsible for the camera work.
In the video, Madonna plays a tomboy; she wears jeans, a black leather jacket and a T-shirt with the words "Italians Do It Better". At the beginning of the video, the New York City skyline is seen, followed by childhood footage with her father, portrayed by Danny Aiello. She catches sight of a man and falls in love with him. During the chorus, she dances in a dark room wearing black semi-long pants and a 50's style bustier. To visit her boyfriend, she follows him to his workplace where he works as an auto mechanic, and they both spend an evening together after work. After the date, she finds out that she is pregnant and after much hesitation tells her father. A fight ensues; in the end, Madonna and her father reconcile.
The video won an award in the Best Female Video category at the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards.
Cover versions
- 1986: Weird Al Yankovic (Polka Party)
- 1999: Ten Masked Men
- 2002: Kelly Osbourne
- 2002: Mad'House
- 2003: Alisha
- 2004: Mario Winans
- 2009: Glee
