11 Songs by Madonna That Have Inspired Me Through Dyslexia, Pain, and Life

When I was a teenager in the 1990s, Madonna was becoming the “Queen of Popular Culture.” She was breaking the boundaries in concerts, music videos, and fashion. Who Madonna was dating, her new boy toy, affair. It kept the intrigue around her alive.

Madonna wasn’t just a singer; she was a force to be reckoned with as she challenged social norms, sexuality, independence, and self-expression. Through her provocative performances, controversial lyrics, and reinvention of her image, she kept everyone talking about her and inspired a generation to embrace their individuality.

Like many young teenagers, I was obsessed with Madonna. I related to the themes of embracing yourself and loving who you are unapologetically. For me, it was about dealing with dyslexia. School was very painful for me back in the late 80s—early 90s. Dyslexia wasn’t talked about as much or as commonly known, and I felt different from my peers. As reading and writing were easy for them, it was a struggle for me.

My mother and reading tutor came up with the idea that instead of reading the summer books recommended by the school, why not read about Madonna? My fascination with Madonna and her music encouraged me to open magazines and read.

Even listening to some of her songs made me feel like she was singing to me, as if she understood my struggles with my learning disability, chronic pain and struggling with motherhood. Since a lot of her lyrics often were about a message of perseverance, self-acceptance and empowerment.

Here are some of Madonna’s songs that inspired me in some.

Madonna- Express Yourself (1989)

I love this music video, where Madonna balances the glamour of Old Hollywood and her hip pop style. Her lyrics touch on knowing your worth and demanding what you deserve in love and in life.

Madonna- Living For Love (2015)

Even though this is a breakup song, I remember listening to this song after experiencing one of my first bad back spasm that lasted for weeks. I was feeling let down my body and needed to work on building up my self-love and moving on from the painful episode.

Madonna- Frozen (1998)

I played this song over and over after I had my first child. It healed me as I was dealing with postpartum depression and recovering from a cancer scary during my 8th month of pregnancy. The scare turned out to be fine, but it left me frozen with fear.

Madonna- Don't Tell Me (2003)

Madonna blends pop with folk! If you are a fan of Madonna, this song is not to be missed. I love the acoustic guitar and her electronic elements of this song. Her lyric about “don’t tell me ever to stop” expresses defiance and refusing to bow down the judgement. As a young mom, I felt like I was being judged all the time. This song was became a personal anthem for me.

Madonna- “Ray of Light” (2003)

Another song that landed for me, as the lyrics are about working on self-awareness and finding inner peace. A theme that I still work on today, learning to be at peace and celebrating the now.

Madonna- Material Girl (1984)

I was a huge fan of Marilyn Monroe, and she was another icon that I didn’t let my Dyslexia keep me from reading more about her. So when Madonna performed this music video, that is a take from Marilyn Monroe’s Gentlemen Prefer Blonds, I fell in love.

Madonna - La Isla Bonita (1987)

This was a great song to just dance to and feel all of my worries fall away.

Madonna - Don't Cry For Me Argentina (1996)

This song shows a more dramatic and operatic vocal style then her usual pop performance. The deep, emotional performance is incredible moving and shows that Madonna can make a leap into a traditional, theatrical scene. I belt out “Don’t cry for me Argentina” right along with Madonna.

Madonna- Hung Up (2005)

These lyrics:

"Time goes by so slowly

For those who wait

No time to hesitate

Those who run seem to have all the fun"

BOOM! This landed for me when I am dealing with my chronic back pain and waiting for it to go away.

The lyric:

“I'm fed up

I'm tired of waiting on you”

That lyric is my mantra when I am waiting for the muscles in my spine to relax so I can be free to play and live.

Madonna- Live to Tell (1986)

This is a song about survival and keeping secrets. I struggled with the burden of my learning disability with my high school friends. I didn’t want to admit to my friends that I need my parents and a tutor to help me with my schoolwork. It was embarrassing to admit. “Live To Tell” beautifully captures the experience of facing painful struggles and finding the strength in survival.

Guess what, I did.

Madonna- This Used to Be My Playground (1922)

“This Used to Be My Playground” is the best song when you are saying goodbye to your childhood home, as I did a few years ago.

Having to say goodbye to someone, an experience or your childhood, Madonna’s soft melancholy voice, will have you in tears.

Her lyrics:

“Don't look back

Keep your head held high

Don't ask them why because life is short

And before you know you're feeling old

And your heart is breaking

Don't hold on to the past

Well that's too much to ask”

Heartbreaking, but so true.

I hope that my story and my playlist of Madonna favorites can offer you something. At the end of the day, it’s all about how you interpret the lyrics. And even Madonna’s songs often seem to be about sexuality and love, there’s a deeper meaning to be found. There may be a phrase in there that lands with your life.