About The Song
“Dress You Up” is a song by American singer Madonna from her second studio album, Like a Virgin (1984). It was released as the album’s final single on July 24, 1985, by Sire Records. Composed by Andrea LaRusso with lyrics by Peggy Stanziale, and produced by Nile Rodgers, who also played guitar on the track, it was the final song to be added to the album. Rodgers had asked the writers to compose something similar to the work of his band Chic but, due to LaRusso and Stanziale being busy with other projects, the composition took time. When the lyrics were submitted, the producer initially rejected them, as he felt there was no time to compose a melody; Madonna, however, liked the lyrics and convinced him to include the song on Like a Virgin. Musically, “Dress You Up” is a dance-pop song whose lyrics are an extended metaphor for fashion and lust, comparing dressing up with passion.
Upon release, the song was positively received by music critics, with some deeming it “irresistible”; in retrospective reviews, it is now considered one of Madonna’s best singles. Despite positive feedback, “Dress You Up” was added to the Parents Music Resource Center’s “Filthy Fifteen” list due to the sexual innuendo on its lyrics. It fared well commercially, becoming the singer’s sixth consecutive top-five single in the United States’ Billboard Hot 100. Overseas, it peaked within the top ten in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. “Dress You Up” has been included in four of Madonna’s concert tours, the last being 2015–2016’s Rebel Heart Tour; the performance from the Virgin Tour (1985) was released as music video to promote its home video release. “Dress You Up” was used in a 1999 Gap TV spot, and covered by the cast of Glee in 2013.
“Dress You Up” was the final song to be recorded for Like a Virgin; Rodgers had previously asked songwriters Andrea LaRusso and Peggy Stanziale to write a song for Madonna in the style of Chic but, due to other projects, the composition took time. When the lyrics of the song were submitted, Rodgers turned them down as he felt there was no time to compose a melody and record it for the album; however, Madonna liked the lyrics and persuaded the producer to include the song on Like a Virgin. “Dress You Up” was officially released as the final single from Like a Virgin on July 24, 1985; years later, it was included on Madonna’s third compilation album, Celebration (2009).
Video
Lyrics
You’ve got style, that’s what all the girls say
Satin sheets and luxuries so fine
All your suits are custom-made in London
But I’ve got something that you’ll really like
Gonna dress you up in my love
(All over, all over)
Gonna dress you up in my love
(All over your body)
Feel the silky touch of my caresses
They will keep you looking so brand new
Let me cover you with velvet kisses
I’ll create a look that’s made for you
Gonna dress you up in my love
(All over, all over)
Gonna dress you up in my love
(All over your body)
Gonna dress you up in my love, in my love
(All over your body), all over your body
In my love (all over, all over)
From your head down to your toes
Gonna dress you up in my love
(All over, all over)
Gonna dress you up in my love
(All over your body)
Gonna dress you up in my love, in my love
(All over your body), all over your body
In my love (all over, all over)
From your head down to your toes
Gonna dress you up in my love (all over, all over)
Dress you up in my love (gonna dress you up in my love)
In my love (all over your body)
All over your body (gonna dress you up in my love)
Gonna dress you up in my love (all over, all over)
Dress you up in my love (gonna dress you up in my love)
In my love (all over your body)
Oh, yeah and love you, boy
All over your body
(All over, all over)
From your head down to your toe
(Gonna dress you up in my love)
Gonna dress you up in my love
(All over your body)
Dress you up in my love
In my love
(All over, all over)
Oh, yeah and love you, boy