Crave
by Madonna (featuring Swae Lee)

Album: Madame X (2019)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Crave" is a love song in which Madonna and Swae Lee express their desire for each other.

    Cause you're the one I crave
    And my cravings get dangerous
    The feelings never fade
    I don't think we should play with this


    The obsessed pair realize the power of their attraction and are ready to get their romance started.
  • Speaking backstage at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards, Madonna said "Crave" was one of the first cuts she wrote for Madame X and that the song is about "desire and longing."
  • On the day that "Crave" was released (May 10, 2019), Madonna was 60 years old and Swae Lee just 23.
  • Madonna and Swae Lee wrote "Crave" with Starrah. The LA songwriter's other credits include Rihanna's "Needed Me," Drake's "Fake Love" and Big Sean's "No Favors."
  • The mid-tempo track with a chilled, propulsive trap beat was produced by Mike Dean. The Texas-born producer is best known for working with hip-hop artists such as Kanye West, Travis Scott and Jay-Z.
  • Filmed by Rebel Heart Tour director Nuno Xico, the video switches between black-and-white and color. The clip begins with panoramic shots of New York skylines before we see Madonna attaching a love note and sending it to Swae Lee. The two meet up on the rooftop at the end of the clip and touch hands.
  • Describing the music video to Radio.com, Madonna explained she wanted to create a visual representation for yearning. "I tried to visualize and portray the idea - or the concept, the feeling - of two people longing for each other," she said. "The idea of the song 'Crave' is wanting something, desiring something, craving something that ultimately you know is not good for you."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Max Cavalera of Soulfly (ex-Sepultura)

Max Cavalera of Soulfly (ex-Sepultura)Songwriter Interviews

The Brazilian rocker sees pictures in his riffs. When he came up with one of his gnarliest songs, there was a riot going on.

History Of Rock

History Of RockSong Writing

An interview with Dr. John Covach, music professor at the University of Rochester whose free online courses have become wildly popular.

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Michael W. Smith

Michael W. SmithSongwriter Interviews

Smith breaks down some of his worship tracks as well as his mainstream hits, including "I Will Be Here For You" and "A Place In This World."

British Invasion

British InvasionFact or Fiction

Go beyond The Beatles to see what you know about the British Invasion.

Jethro Tull

Jethro TullFact or Fiction

Stage urinals, flute devices, and the real Aqualung in this Fact or Fiction.