Madonnapedia
"Causing a Commotion"
Released August 25, 1987
Length 4:20
Writer(s) Madonna
Stephen Bray
Producer(s) Madonna
Stephen Bray

track listing

Who's That Girl
The Look of Love

"Causing a Commotion" is the second single from Madonna's first sound track album Who's That Girl for the film of the same name.

Background[]

The song was inspired by her then husband Sean Penn and their often tumultuous relationship. Madonna felt that her marriage to Penn was on the verge of breaking-up, due to Penn's abusive and violent nature. That translated as the inspiration behind the song. In a Rolling Stone article dated September 10, 1987, Madonna spoke about Penn's impact on her life, "I don't like violence. I never condone hitting anyone, and I never thought that any violence should have taken place. But on the other hand, I understood Sean's anger and believe me, I have wanted to hit them [the paparazzi] many times. I never would, you know, because I realize that it would just make things worse."

Composition[]

The musical arrangement consists of a number of hooks interpolating with each other. It begins with the chorus, where Madonna sings the line "I've got the moves baby, You've got the motions, If we got together we be causing a commotion." The verses are accompanied by a four-note descending bassline and interjecting staccato chords. The lyrics make reference to Madonna's 1985 single "Into the Groove" and have three parts to the vocal harmony. According to the sheet music published at Musicnotes.com by Walt Disney Music Company, the song is set in the time signature of common time with a tempo of 192 beats per minute. It is composed in the key of B♭ major with Madonna's voice spanning from the high-note of C3 to B5. The song has a basic sequence of B♭–Fm7–B♭–F9–B♭6 as its chord progression.

Remixes[]

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Lyrics[]

I've got the moves baby
You got the motion
If we got together we'd be causing a commotion
I've got the moves baby
You got the motion
If we got together we'd be causing a commotion

You met your match when you met me
I know that you will disagree it's crazy
But opposites attract you'll see
And I won't let you get away so easy

The love you save may be your own
Can't fight this feeling, aren't you tired of being alone
You won't admit it but you know it's true
It's not a secret how I feel when I stand next to you

I've got the moves baby
You got the motion
If we got together we'd be causing a commotion
I've got the moves baby
You got the motion
If we got together we'd be causing a commotion

Someday you'll see my point of view
You can't keep wishing on the stars baby
What works for me can work for you
You've got to make a compromise and maybe

Then we can keep our love alive
And when it falls we won't let it die
It doesn't matter if you win or lose
It's how you play the game so get into the groove

I've got the moves baby
You got the motion
If we got together we'd be causing a commotion
I've got the moves baby
You got the motion
If we got together we'd be causing a commotion

Causing a commotion
Causing a commotion
Causing a commotion
Causing a commotion

I hope you find what you're looking for
Is it mine walk through that door
We're wasting time
Make up your mind
And get into the groove

Then we can keep our love alive
And when it falls we won't let it die
It doesn't matter if you win or lose
It's how you play the game so get into the groove

I hope you find what you're looking for
Is it mine walk through that door
We're wasting time
Make up your mind
And get into the groove

I've got the moves baby
You got the motion
If we got together we'd be causing a commotion
I've got the moves baby
You got the motion
If we got together we'd be causing a commotion

Causing a commotion
Causing a commotion
Causing a commotion
Causing a commotion

I've got the moves baby
You got the motion
If we got together we'd be causing a commotion
I've got the moves baby
You got the motion
If we got together we'd be causing a commotion


"Who's That Girl"
"Causing a Commotion"
"The Look of Love"

"24 Hours"
"Step by Step"
"Turn It Up"

"Best Thing Ever"
"Can't Stop"
"El Coco Loco (So So Bad)"