Holiday

Album

Madonna

Label

Sire Records

Genre

Boogie

Media Type

45s

Duration

4:07

Composer(s)

Curtis Hudson;Lisa Stevens

Entered Chart

Oct 29, 1983

Peak Date

Jan 28, 1984

Released

September 7, 1983

Recorded

1983

Catalog #

Sire 7-29478

B-Side

I Know It

"Holiday" is a song recorded by American singer Madonna for her 1983 self-titled debut album. Written by Curtis Hudson and Lisa Stevens-Crowder of the group Pure Energy, the track was produced by John "Jellybean" Benitez. Originally intended for Pure Energy, the demo was rejected by their label and later offered to other artists before Benitez brought it to Madonna, who was seeking an additional song for her album. Recording took place at Sigma Sound Studios in New York City, with minor modifications to the original demo, including a piano solo by Fred Zarr. Released by Sire Records on September 7, 1983, as the album's third single, "Holiday" was first issued as a double A-side with "Lucky Star" before being promoted on its own. It is a dance pop and post-disco track built around upbeat instrumentation including guitars, electronic claps, cowbell, and synthesized strings. Its lyrics celebrate the universal desire to take a break from everyday life. The single received positive reviews from critics, who singled out its uplifting energy and catchiness. Commercially, it marked her breakthrough in the United States, reaching number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Dance Club Songs chart. It also became a top-ten hit in several countries and charted multiple times in the United Kingdom, peaking in the top five during its 1985 and 1991 re-releases. Although no official music video was produced, Madonna promoted "Holiday" through nightclub performances and television appearances in both the US and UK. The song has remained a staple in her live shows, appearing in nearly all of her concert tours, most recently the Celebration Tour (2023–2024). It has since been covered and sampled by various artists, and featured in several films and television programs.

Holiday, celebrate
Holiday, celebrate

If we took a holiday
Took some time to celebrate
Just one day out of life
It would be
It would be so nice
Everybody spread the word
We're gonna have a celebration
All across the world
In every nation
It's time for the good times
Forget about the bad times, ooh yeah
One day to come together
To release the pressure
We need a holiday
If we took a holiday (mmh-ooh)
Took some time to celebrate (c'mon let's celebrate)
Just one day out of life (holiday)
It would be
It would be so nice

You can turn this world around
And bring back all of those happy days
Put your troubles down
It's time to celebrate
Let love shine
And we will find
A way to come together
Can make things better
We need a holiday
If we took a holiday (holiday)
Took some time to celebrate (celebrate)
Just one day out of life
(Just one day)
It would be
It would be so nice

Holiday, celebrate
Holiday, celebrate

If we took a holiday (oh yeah, oh yeah)
Took some time to celebrate (c'mon let's celebrate)
Just one day out of life (holiday)
It would be
It would be so nice

Holiday