What Does Material Girl Mean?
Materialism has been a part of the fabric of human existence as long as our species has been around. As cultures evolve and technology progresses, the power of possessions and tangible things can only continue to magnify. In the 1980s, Madonna released the famous song “Material Girl” to describe the lure and need for objects and money among modern society. The song has become a classic for the production of music videos and is still often referenced in conversation today.
The Meaning Behind Madonna’s “Material Girl”
“Material Girl” was released in 1984 as part of Madonna’s second studio album, Like a Virgin. Centered around the idea of a person’s desire for materials and money, the song speaks of a protagonist’s obsession with the trappings of wealth. It heavily relies on metaphor to communicate the character’s motivations.
Lyrically, the song could be interpreted as a warning not to place too much emphasis on money and appearances, as Madonna sings that the “material” things the character desires will not bring them lasting happiness. The song also carries a theme of contrasts, as it compares the cheap thrills of lust or fashion to the more valuable, enduring loves of friendship, family and emotional satisfaction.
The Material Girl Phenomenon
In 1985, the music video for “Material Girl” was released and quickly rose to its now iconic status. Madonna can be seen dressed in a replica of the classic Marilyn Monroe gown from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. The video pays homage to the classic movie with its choreography and wardrobe, but also shows Madonna’s “bad girl” edge when she rejects the suitors who don’t bring her the lavish gifts she desires.
Since the release of the song and its music video, the term material girl has become exceedingly popular. It is often used to describe women or girls who focus a large portion of their attention on acquiring or maintaining superficial material possessions.
The Influence of the Material Girl
Though the song and its music video are decades old, its influence still resonates in the world today. The song has been covered multiple times, most notably by Cyndi Lauper, and continues to be used in popular culture. Recently, it was featured in season two of Netflix’s The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and was used as the theme song of American classic movie Wall Street.
The “Material Girl” phenomenon speaks closely to numerous themes still found in society today, such as the dangers of wealth obsession, the concept of “keeping up with the Joneses,” and the ability of money to dictate one’s lifestyle. In the end, despite all the flashy costumes and glamour, the message is to focus on the most valuable and rewarding parts of life that don’t come with a hefty price tag.