Madonna’s Boyfriend Tried to Run Her Over in the ‘Burning Up’ Video
Madonna had many famous boyfriends over the years, but only one of her boyfriends tried to run her over in a music video. The video in question is just awful. At least when Madonna opened up about the clip, she explained her taste in men.
1 of Madonna’s boyfriends appeared in her most random music video ever
Madonna had a relationship with John “Jellybean” Benitez, who produced the two most famous tunes from her self-titled debut album: “Holiday” and “Lucky Star.” During a 1985 interview with Spin, Madonna revealed the man she dated before Benitez had some issues with her. “The longest monogamous relationship I’ve had was two-and-three-quarter years, right before Jellybean, with someone who never wants to see me again,” she said.
“He’s the guy trying to run me over in my ‘Burning Up’ video,” she said. “It wasn’t just because I was seeing someone else. Our relationship was deteriorating anyway. But I’ve had heart broken, too. All my boyfriends hurt me in their way, by lots of thing, but I’m not telling you.”
“Burning Up” came out when the music video was still a developing art form. It’s a mess of disconnected images, including a glowing bust, a laser pointer, and a car driving through water. The scene of Madonna nearly getting run over doesn’t even make much of an impact when the video is so nonsensical. It took Madonna a while to figure out what she was doing as a video artist.
The Queen of Pop liked having ‘irresponsible’ boyfriends
The Material Girl gave fans some insight into her romantic feelings. “I dig skin, lips, and Latin men,” she said. I’m attracted to bums.” Perhaps Madonna’s attraction to Latin men is part of the reason she has repeatedly worked Latin sounds into her music, most famously in “La Isla Bonita.”
The Queen of Pop added that her rebellious streak extended to her taste in men. “When I went to Paris, I hung out with Algerians and Vietnamese guys who didn’t have jobs, who just drove around on motorcycles and terrorized people,” she added. “I’ve always been attracted to people like that, because they’re rebels and they’re irresponsible and challenge the norm. I try to rehabilitate them. I’m just trying to be the mother I never had.”
Madonna’s ‘Burning Up’ was a flop and a hit at the same time
“Burning Up” was released as a double A-side single with “Physical Attraction.” Neither track reached the Billboard Hot 100. In context, these tunes came out before a Madonna single was a surefire hit. While the tunes weren’t big hits, they both hit Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart. “Burning Up” and “Physical Attraction” peaked at No. 3 and charted for 16 weeks.
The tracks both appeared on Madonna’s album Madonna. That record reached No. 8 on the Billboard 200, staying on the chart for 168 weeks. The record produced three top-20 singles: “Holiday,” “Lucky Star,” and “Borderline.” Each of these tracks is a classic, but “Holiday” is the most beloved tune on the album. It’s an oldies radio staple, and some stations use it to celebrate the holiday season in the United States.
“Burning Up” is far from the most famous tune of Madonna’s career but its music video includes some fascinatingly ridiculous moments.
