Madonna's forthcoming album, "Confessions II," delves into past relationships and personal struggles, featuring pointed lyrics directed at ex-husband Sean Penn and her late stepmother, Joan.
The 67-year-old pop star references a "movie star with deep blue eyes" in the track "Bizarre," widely believed to be about Penn, whom she was married to for three and a half years in the 1980s. The lyrics suggest Penn was "threatened by her" fame and unwilling to "share the red carpet." The song also alludes to the 1968 Shelby GT500 convertible Madonna gifted Penn as a wedding present and his 1987 reckless driving conviction.
Despite past turbulent periods in their relationship, Madonna has spoken warmly of Penn in recent years, notably at a 2016 charity gala for his Haiti relief work. This new lyrical commentary may therefore come as a surprise, given their previously understood mutual respect.
In "Betrayal," Madonna turns her focus to her late stepmother, Joan, who passed away in 2024 while the album was in production. Madonna, who did not attend Joan's funeral, lost her own mother at age five and her father remarried three years later. The song's lyrics express a sense of betrayal, stating, "You couldn't see your fall from grace. So take the hammer, hit the nail. You'll never take my mother's place." Another line from the track reads, "You betrayed me, you enslaved me."
Health and Recovery
The album also touches upon Madonna's near-death experience in 2023, when she was found unresponsive and subsequently placed in an induced coma due to a bacterial infection that developed into sepsis. She experienced lung and kidney failure during this period. Madonna credits her daughter, Lourdes Leon, with providing crucial support during her recovery, featuring her on the track "The Test."
Madonna has spoken about the challenges of working with Leon on "The Test," describing her daughter as initially "standoffish." She explained on "Madonna & Graham" that Leon was reluctant to work with her, wanting to avoid being perceived as benefiting from her mother's privilege. Despite initial tension, Madonna stated that the songwriting process ultimately helped to heal their relationship.
Personal Reflections
Madonna recently shared details of her hospital stay, including her introduction to Octavia, a purple stuffed octopus she sleeps with nightly. She explained that the octopus, named after a nurse named Olivia who cared for her during her coma, provides comfort and was a gift from her sister. Madonna described the octopus as a tangible reminder of her recovery and the care she received.
Reflecting on her 2023 health scare during her Celebration Tour, Madonna spoke of the emotional toll of sharing her life story on stage. She recalled waking from her 48-hour coma and humorously stating her first word was "No!," interpreting it as a divine offer to join her creator. She also recounted the advice from her doctor to "go outside in the sun" to aid her recovery, a simple yet challenging task that taught her the lesson of letting go of control.
The singer credited her six children for motivating her return to performing, stating their hard work inspired her to set a date for her tour, which ultimately became a reality.
