"Papa Don't Preach" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Madonna for her third studio album True Blue (1986). The song was written by Brian Elliot with additional lyrics by Madonna, who produced it alongside Stephen Bray. Furthermore, it was included in the compilation albums The Immaculate Collection (1990) and Celebration (2009).
Musically, "Papa Don't Preach" combines pop and classical styling, with lyrics that talk about teenage pregnancy, and the choices that come with it. The teen gossip Elliot would hear outside his recording studio inspired him to write it.
Released as the album's second single in mid-1986, it saw commercial success, becoming Madonna's fourth number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100; "Papa Don't Preach" also performed well internationally, reaching the top position in the United Kingdom and Australia.
It was lauded by contemporary critics, who noted an artistic growth in Madonna's work, and frequently cited it as a highlight in the album and a milestone in her career.
The music video, directed by James Foley, shows the singer in her first "head-to-toe" image makeover, with a leaner, more toned body, and cropped platinum blonde hair. Its main storyline had Madonna trying to tell her father, played by actor Danny Aiello, about her pregnancy. The scenes are juxtaposed with shots of her dancing and singing in a small, darkened studio, and spending a romantic evening with her boyfriend, played by Alex McArthur.
Shortly after its release, the song caused heated discussions about its lyrical content. Women's organizations and others in the family planning field criticized Madonna for encouraging teenage pregnancy, while groups opposed to abortion saw the song as having a positive anti-abortion message.
Madonna has performed "Papa Don't Preach" in five of her concert tours, the last being 2019-2020's Madame X Tour. The single's performance at the Who's That Girl World Tour (1987) caused Madonna's first conflict with the Vatican, as she dedicated it to Pope John Paul II, who urged Italian fans to boycott her concerts.
In 2002, British singer Kelly Osbourne recorded a cover of the song, which was met by lukewarm critical reception, but achieved commercial success.