After soundtracking dance parties everywhere with their chart-topping 2022 smash ”Unholy,” Sam Smith is ready to get people back on the dance floor with their new club-ready single, ”Vulgar.” And this time, they’ve recruited Madonna to help the cause. The plan already seems to be working—over the weekend, the song soared to No. 1 on the Genius Top Songs chart.
Produced largely by the same team who brought us ”Unholy” (Ilya, Cirkut, Omar Fedi, Jimmy Napes, and Smith), as well as by Ryan Tedder, Henry Walter, and Madonna, ”Vulgar” shares similar sonic themes to Smith’s previous hit, again drawing on Bollywood-influenced strings on the intro and refrain. Lyrically, however, Smith and Madonna chart a new path, opting to rap-sing the verses over the lurching, bass-heavy beat.
The song begins as your typical club-ready anthem about confidence. Smith starts it off, and they’re feeling themself in their outfit—which was inspired by none other than the Queen of Pop herself.
Look like I’m dressed to kill, love how I make me feel
All black in stripper heels, mood like Madonna
The chorus seems to be a clap-back to a viral video of news reporters critiquing Smith’s 2023 Gloria tour. In the clip, controversial conservative TV personality Piers Morgan describes Smith’s wardrobe choices and choreography as ”disgusting and vulgar.” But Smith turns the latter adjective on its head here, instead using it as an empowering mantra.
Vulgar
Vulgar
Vulgar
Madonna takes the reins on the second verse, where she vows to defend Smith from anyone attempting to tear them down. She also demands that everyone express themselves in any way they choose.
If you fuck with Sam tonight, you’re fucking with me
So watch what you say or I’ll split your banana
We do what we wanna, we say what we gotta
We’re sexy and free and we feel
On the bridge, Smith and Madonna redefine what it means to be ”vulgar.”
Vulgar is beautiful, filthy, and gorgeous
Vulgar will make you dance, don’t need a chorus
You can read all the lyrics to ”Vulgar” on Genius now.
