About The Song
“Holiday” is a song by American singer Madonna from her self-titled debut album (1983). It was written by Curtis Hudson and Lisa Stevens-Crowder for their own musical act Pure Energy, and produced by John “Jellybean” Benitez. Hudson came up with the lyrics of the song while watching negative news on television, and together with Stevens-Crowder worked on the music. They recorded a demo, which was turned down by their label Prism Records. Afterwards, Benitez pitched the track and offered it to several artists, including former the Supremes singer Mary Wilson, but it was rejected. Around the same time, Benitez was working with Madonna on her album; after realizing they needed a song for the project, Benitez thought of “Holiday” and approached Hudson and Stevens-Crowder.
Recording for the song took place at New York City’s Sigma Sound Studios; although Madonna and Benitez did not want the final version to differ too much from the demo, minor alterations were made in the composition, including the addition of a piano solo, which was done by their friend Fred Zarr. Described as a dance-pop, post-disco song, the lyrics talk about the “universal feeling” of needing and wanting to take a holiday. It features instrumentation from guitars, electronic clapping, a cowbell, and synthesized strings. Initially released as a double-sided single with “Lucky Star” in August, “Holiday” was published by Sire Records as the official third single from the album on September 7, 1983.
Critics reacted positively towards the track, deeming it infectious and a highlight from the album; in retrospective reviews, it is now considered to be among Madonna’s best singles. “Holiday” performed well commercially: in the United States, it was considered Madonna’s breakthrough, peaking at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100, and reaching number one on the Dance Club Songs chart. It found success outside North America as well, reaching the top-ten in Australia, Belgium, Germany and Ireland, among others. In the United Kingdom it was released three times: first in 1984, then one year later, and finally in 1991; the last two times, it reached the chart’s top five.
No official music video was shot for “Holiday”; to promote it, Madonna appeared on several nightclubs and television programs in the United States and the United Kingdom. She has also included the track in nearly all of her concert tours, the most recent being 2023―2024’s the Celebration Tour. “Holiday” has been covered and sampled by several artists, and featured in television programs and movies.
“Holiday” was written and composed by ex-spouses Curtis Hudson and Lisa Stevens-Crowder for their own group, Pure Energy. Stevens-Crowder created the initial chord progression on the keyboard as a ballad and, after a couple of days had passed, she decided to speed it up. Hudson came up with the Bassline and the hook Holiday, celebrate, while Stevens-Crowder added the line It would be so nice. They then recorded a demo, sung by Stevens-Crowder, which was presented to their label Prism Records, who decided not to record it. Hudson and Stevens-Crowder knew John “Jellybean” Benitez from Fun House nightclub, where he was the resident DJ, and had presented him songs before; Benitez had remixed some of the songs they had released as Pure Energy, and offered “Holiday” to Mary Wilson from The Supremes, Phyllis Hyman, and disco group The Ritchie Family, but they all turned it down. Hudson revealed that he and Stevens-Crowder were not involved with pitching the song, as they still had hope they could record it themselves.
In 1983, Madonna was recording her first studio album with Warner Music producer Reggie Lucas; the album was green-lit by Sire Records after the singer’s debut single “Everybody” (1982) found success in the dance club scene. However, she soon realized that there was not enough material for a full length album ― the only songs available were “Everybody”, “Burning Up”, “Lucky Star”, “Think of Me”, “I Know It”, and one called “Ain’t No Big Deal”. Lucas then brought two new songs to the project: “Physical Attraction” and “Borderline”. Another issue arose when the singer learned Bray had sold “Ain’t No Big Deal” to disco act Barracuda, thus rendering it unavailable for her album. Benitez thought of “Holiday” and approached Hudson and Stevens-Crowder. The couple was reluctant to the idea of Madonna recording the song, but changed their minds after meeting her.
Video
Lyrics
Holiday
Celebrate
Holiday
Celebrate
If we took a holiday
Took some time to celebrate
Just one day out of life
It would be, it would be so nice
Everybody spread the word
We’re gonna have a celebration
All across the world
In every nation
It’s time for the good times
Forget about the bad times, oh yeah
One day to come together to release the pressure
We need a holiday
If we took a holiday
Took some time to celebrate (come on, let’s celebrate)
Just one day out of life (holiday)
It would be, it would be so nice
You can turn this world around
And bring back all of those happy days
Put your troubles down
It’s time to celebrate
Let love shine
And we will find
A way to come together, can make things better
We need a holiday
If we took a holiday (holiday)
Took some time to celebrate (celebrate)
Just one day out of life (just one day)
It would be, it would be so nice
Holiday
Celebrate
Holiday
Celebrate
If we took a holiday (oh yeah, oh yeah)
Took some time to celebrate (come on, let’s celebrate)
Just one day out of life (holiday)
It would be, it would be so nice
Holiday (ooh yeah, ooh yeah)
Celebrate (come on, let’s celebrate)
Holiday (just one day out of life)
Celebrate