An awesome ballad from Madonna

Madonna returned to the music scene in July 1992 with her first new single in 15 months after a break in which she cunningly plotted away for her next sexual attacks on the world. The new song was the awesome ballad This Used To Be My Playground, and it peaked at No.3 in the UK and spent a total of 9 weeks on the chart. The song was also a massive US No.1 for Madonna, becoming her 10th US No.1 single, and her third of four in the 1990's.

This Used To Be My Playground opens up with a magical and enchanting beat that swirls around the mysterious arrangement. A keyboard signals the charming qualities of the song before it dies down and Madonna begins to sing the chorus and her first verse. "This used to be my playground. This used to be my childhood dream. This used to be the place I ran to, whenever I was in need of a friend, why did it have to end? And why do they always say 'Don't look back...keep your head held high, don't ask them why because life if short, and before you know, you're feeling old and your heart is breaking.' Don't hold onto the past, for that's too much to ask." The chorus then follows quickly and Madonna sways into her second verse. The song maintains its beautiful tempo and extremely emotional lyrics before breaking out into a fantastic violin solo. This is the best part of the song, and it makes this ballad a true classic. Madonna then repeats the chorus and the verses again and - even though she does it a lot - it never gets boring because this is the kind of song that everyone can relate to and be moved by. With usual Madonna ballads, the backing singers take over as Madonna's vocals die down. Right towards the end she sings, "The best things in life are always free. Wishing you were here with me." When she sings the last word - 'me' - Madonna's voice cracks a little, showing the emotion she puts into the recording of this fabulous song.

This Used To Be My Playground was the theme tune to the hit movie A League Of Their Own in which Madonna co-starred alongside the extremely annoying big-kid Rosie O' Donnell (did you see her on the Nickelodeon Kids Awards?!). The song was a big hit and so was the movie. The video to This Used To Be My Playground is quite good. We see a man turning the pages of a book, and the pages contain a picture of Madonna as she sings her song. The man turns the page as Madonna sings a new line to the song, and even though it sounds stupid, it works rather well. All in all, this is one of my favourite Madonna ballads along with Crazy For You, Live To Tell and Take A Bow. Essential.

Introspective and Nostalgic

The versions supplied here are perfect. The orignal that you've heard on the radio, an instrumental, and the long version with extra lyrics.

Aside from the movie that this song is from, the song itself is a nice look back at past friendships and growing old and saying good bye. A tear-jerker of a song, you will want to share this with you closest friend. Perhaps it will give you comfort in your beareavement.

The vocal blends are gorgeous. Almost angelic.

LONG VERSION EDITED

this import single has indeed rare 'this used to be my playground' versions. but i was a bit disappointed to find out buying this cd, that the long version of the song (track #3)is still edited. the whole version can be heard on the end credits of 'a league of their own' movie and the track# 2 which is unfortunately the instrumental version. the longer, vocal version of this song should have appeared on this cd. but anyway for a madonna fan, this is still a must have!!!