Meaning of "Like It Or Not" by Madonna

"Like It Or Not" is a song that embodies Madonna's unwavering self-confidence and determination to be true to herself. The lyrics illustrate the singer's defiance against societal expectations and pressures, encouraging listeners to do the same. Madonna acknowledges that people will have different opinions about her, whether positive or negative, but she refuses to let those judgments affect her or dictate her actions. By presenting herself as a paradox, Madonna highlights the idea that one cannot have light without darkness, good without bad. She refers to historical figures like Cleopatra and Matahari to demonstrate that even legendary women faced both praise and criticism, emphasizing that one's perception of these women was subjective. Madonna challenges the listener to question their own biases and judgments, urging them to embrace her unapologetic approach to being herself.

The lyrics also allude to the biblical story of the Garden of Eden and the serpent, symbolizing temptation and the fall from grace. Madonna portrays herself as the garden, offering her fruit to be taken, while suggesting that her critics, represented by the snake, will always exist. This implies that no matter what actions she takes or how she presents herself, there will always be those who find fault. However, she remains resolute in her decision to defy expectations and continue on her own path. The repeated refrain of "This is who I am" serves as a powerful statement of self-acceptance and an assertion of her identity. Madonna's message in "Like It Or Not" is a call to embrace individuality, acknowledging that external opinions can never fully define who someone is.