Papa Don't Preach

"Papa Don't Preach"

Madonna

Papa I know you're going to be upset

'Cause I was always your little girl

But you should know by now

I'm not a baby

You always taught me right from wrong

I need your help, daddy please be strong

I may be young at heart

But I know what I'm saying

The one you warned me all about

The one you said I could do without

We're in an awful mess, and I don't mean maybe - please

[Chorus:]Papa don't preach, I'm in trouble deep

Papa don't preach, I've been losing sleep

But I made up my mind, I'm keeping my baby, oh

I'm gonna keep my baby, mmm...

He says that he's going to marry me

We can raise a little family

Maybe we'll be all right

It's a sacrifice

But my friends keep telling me to give it up

Saying I'm too young, I ought to live it up

What I need right now is some good advice, please

[chorus]

Daddy, daddy if you could only see

Just how good he's been treating me

You'd give us your blessing right now

'Cause we are in love, we are in love, so please

[chorus]Papa don't preach, I'm in trouble deep

Papa don't preach, I've been losing sleep[repeat]

Oh, I'm gonna keep my baby, ooh

Don't you stop loving me daddy

I know, I'm keeping my baby

Although Madonna is not one of my favorite music artists, I think "Papa Don't Preach" is a song that public ally presents a problem that many girls/women have to deal with secretly. Personally, I've never been in the predicament that is talked about in the song, however, I have had friends who have had to make this very difficult decision. What I have learned is that the most necessary key in a situation such as this is to have someone to hold your hand and tell you everything will be okay. Good advice and support is what is needed and that is what the girl in "Papa Don't Preach" is looking for.

I must imagine that the conversation between a pregnant, teenage daughter and father is one of the most difficult to ever be discussed. Most girls have the same "little girl" image they uphold with their father and when a problem like the one above comes around, it's hard to maintain that image. It is a quick realization that the once "little girl" is no longer so young. However, I think this song serves as a reassurance for those who may be experience the same problem. "Papa Don't Preach" instills confidence in those girls/women who have to deal with pressure from parents and friends and boyfriends. Furthermore, I think this song educates people like myself who have not personally gone through something like this. Although we may never be able to understand the situation completely due to our third person perspective, it is important that we act as strong support systems and caring friends to our loved ones.

Making the decision to keep a baby or not is something that I wish no girl would have to go through but this is not a realistic idea. But I hope that girls to who have to bear that burden know that their is support out there even though it might be difficult to find.