For those who think Madonna hasn't put out some good songs, I think this song is one example to challenge that. IMO this is a very solid song and I like it a lot. I am late to it, but I think it is a great example of how she uses her ability to the most, even if she isn't the most talented singer, as well as utilizing the best song writers, record producers, and instrumentalists during this period to highlight her image and sound. BTW I like the entire album...I just heard it recently for the first time. LOL

[Edited 2/7/12 22:36pm]

I actually think this is a pretty weak song in her catalogue - it's a very blatant "message" song and there's nothing subtle about it.

I would pick Bad Girl over this any day.

This really isn't one I'd use as an example.

For all the reasons VC stated. "Have you ever watched your best friend die?" really rings trite and hollow to me.

And supposedly, the person it's about... she didn't even go to his funeral.

From that album, Rain, Bad Girl and Secret Garden would be the ones I'd use as examples of some top-notch balladeering on her part.

But yes, it is a great album. This Used To Be My Playground would have fit nicely in the place of In This Life.

I love in this life, but as for strong songwritting on Erotica, I've always thought this takes the cake:

[Edited 2/8/12 7:41am]