Songfacts®:

• After giving us a taste of the "Unholy," Sam Smith delivers something even more provocative with "Vulgar." This time, they've summoned the Queen of Provocation, Madonna, to join in the audacious endeavor. Released as a single on June 9, 2023, "Vulgar" embodies its name to the fullest.
• The collaboration is a celebration of two artists conjoining in abandon. Eastern strings add an exotic flair, while big bass beats elevate the sonic landscape. Against a relentless, grinding beat, Smith and Madonna defiantly reject societal norms of chastity and restraint. The pop icons unleash their fury with their middle fingers raised high.
• In the chorus, Sam Smith flips the script on critics. Its inspiration came from a viral video where news reporters, including Piers Morgan, labeled Smith's 2023 Gloria tour wardrobe and choreography "disgusting and vulgar." The debate also included Douglas Murray, who said the performances lacked originality, citing Madonna's past exploits. This interview, which took the internet by storm, becomes the fuel for the song's title and message.
  
  Smith turns the titular adjective on its head, using it as their rallying cry.
  
  Vulgar
  Vulgar
  Vulgar
  Vulgar
• On the second verse, Madonna seizes control, pledging to shield Smith from those who seek to undermine them. She passionately advocates for the freedom of self-expression, demanding that everyone embrace their individuality without hesitation.
• The dictionary definition of "vulgar" is "lacking in good taste or refinement; coarse." As the bridge unfolds, Smith and Madonna embark on a transformative journey, redefining what it means to be "vulgar."
  
  Vulgar is beautiful, filthy, and gorgeous
  Vulgar will make you dance, don't need a chorus
  Say we're ridiculous, we'll just go harder
  Mad and meticulous, Sam and Madonna
• In February 2023, Madonna introduced a Grammy Awards show performance by Sam Smith and Kim Petras of "Unholy." With the inciting question, "Are you ready for some controversy?" Madonna set the tone before delivering an impassioned speech. She declared that being labeled as "shocking, scandalous, troublesome, problematic, provocative or dangerous" is a sign of breaking new ground.
  
  The performance found Smith wearing a red top hat with devil horns, with a stage set with red lighting, and pyrotechnics. Some interpreted it as including satanic elements.
  
  The very next day, armed with their Grammy Award, Smith entered a Los Angeles studio alongside their songwriting partner, Jimmy Napes, and Madonna, to craft "Vulgar." Smith co-produced the dance-party anthem, collaborating with the production team of ILYA, Cirkut, Omer Fedi, and Ryan Tedder. Most of them worked on "Unholy" (Tedder replaced Blake Slatkin) and "Vulgar" echoes similar sonic themes, once again embracing Middle Eastern-influenced strings.
• Smith first teased their union with Madonna in a snippet that verbalized their names "Sam and Madonna" with the tag S&M. They then utilized the convenient fusion of their first initials for the single's cover art.