Since Saturday was World AIDS Day around the globe, I thought I'd keep the theme going for my Madonna Monday piece. Madonna has been a constant supporter of organizations who are joined in the fight to find a cure for AIDS. She has donated countless amounts of money towards the cause. She has also given the profits of many of her performances, singles and books in support of AIDS organizations that have helped to bring us closer to the day when we can find a cure. Madonna had two very dear friends die of AIDS which made her crusade to bring awareness to the masses that much more important. The first of two pivotal deaths, related to AIDS, was her longtime mentor and friend Christopher Flynn. 
Flynn was Madonna's first dance instructor when she was growing up in Michigan in the Mid-70s. Flynn was instrumental in building Madonna's confidence as a dancer and performer. She has said she credits Christopher with much of her growth as a young performer. Flynn was also the first to introduce Madonna to the gay dance scene in Detroit. Christopher and Madonna would head to the clubs and dance in to the weeee hours of the morning. 
This was her first taste of the nightlife scene but certainly not her last. Flynn was ultimately the one who convinced her to move to New York and go for her dream. The second death, related to AIDS, that changed her life was the passing of her great friend Keith Haring. When they met, Keith was an up and coming artist who became a huge success in the 80s with his easily recognizable style. Wherever Madonna was in the 80s, Keith was by her side. His death in February of 1990 was a huge loss. Today's Madonna Monday piece features one of Madonna's most heart felt songs. The song is called In this Life. This song was featured on Madonna's 1992 album Erotica and is one of my favorite ballads. In a time where most of us know someone who is living with this disease, this song speaks volumes about what we have to lose until a cure is found. Check out the following videos. Enjoy. xox.
Madonna's song, In This Life, inspired by her dear friend Keith Haring.
IN THIS LIFE
Sitting on a park bench
Thinking about a friend of mine
He was only 23
Gone before he had his time
It came without a warning
Didn't want his friends to see him cry
He knew the day was dawning
And I didn't have a chance to say goodbye
In this life I loved you most of all
What for?
'Cause now you're gone and I have to ask myself
What for?
Driving down the boulevard
Thinking about a man I knew
He was like a father to me
Nothing in the world that he wouldn't do
Taught me to respect myself
Said that we're all made of flesh and blood
Why should he be treated differently
Shouldn't matter who you choose to love
People pass by and I wonder who's next
Who determines, who knows best
Is there a lesson I'm supposed to learn in this case
Ignorance is not bliss
Have you ever watched your best friend die [what for]
Have you ever watched a grown man cry [what for]
Some say that life isn't fair [what for]
I say that people just don't care [what for]
They'd rather turn the other way [what for]
And wait for this thing to go away [what for]
Why do we have to pretend [what for]
Some day I pray it will end
I hope it's in this life
I hope it's in this life time
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