Burning Up (Madonna song)

"Burning Up" is a song written and recorded by American singer Madonna and produced by Reggie Lucas. In the early 1980s, after leaving the band Emmy, which she had formed with drummer Stephen Bray, Madonna pursued a solo career, carrying with her demos of "Everybody", "Ain't No Big Deal", and "Burning Up". In 1982, she met DJ Mark Kamins at New York City's Danceteria nightclub; he played "Everybody" to a positive crowd reaction and later introduced her to Sire Records. Label president Seymour Stein signed Madonna for two twelve-inch singles, and the success of "Everybody" in the dance scene led to approval for a full album. Madonna chose Lucas as producer, though creative disagreements led to his departure. She then enlisted John "Jellybean" Benitez, her boyfriend at the time, to remix several tracks, including "Burning Up."

The song was recorded at Sigma Sound Studios and released as a double-sided single with "Physical Attraction" on March 9, 1983, and later included on Madonna's self-titled debut album. A dance track with new wave influences, "Burning Up" incorporates guitar riffs, synthesizers, and lyrics that juxtapose sexual desire with themes of power and self-assertion. The single received positive critical response and reached number three on Billboard's Dance Club Songs chart, and number 13 in Australia. Its accompanying music video, directed by Steve Barron, depicts Madonna in a white dress lying in a road, initially appearing submissive before taking control —an early example of her use of sexual imagery to assert dominance. The video has been cited as foundational to the visual and thematic style that would define her career. "Burning Up" was promoted through television and nightclub appearances, and later included in four of Madonna's concert tours, most recently the Celebration Tour (2023–2024). It has been covered by artists such as Iggy Pop and Britney Spears.