With her new song "Bizarre", which will be released on Friday as part of her album "Confessions II", Madonna (67) is already generating buzz before its official release. Many fans are convinced: The singer is processing her turbulent marriage to actor Sean Penn (65) in the song - even though she never explicitly mentions his name.
In the song, Madonna sings according to "Page Six" about a Hollywood star with "deep blue eyes" who was initially the "perfect catch". She then continues: "He drove way too fast / Shelby Cobra, it couldn't last." The line is understood as an allusion to a Shelby sports car that Madonna reportedly gave Sean Penn as a wedding gift in 1985. Years later, Penn also auctioned off a Shelby Mustang for charity.
Clear-Cut Lyrics
The song lyrics become particularly pointed where Madonna accuses her counterpart of being unable to handle her success. "They roll out the red carpet for us, but you don't want to share it with me. I guess you felt threatened by me, but won't admit it", she sings.
Elsewhere, she describes the intense relationship as contradictory: The love was "bizarre". Despite the separation, she sometimes feels empty, but at the same time she also declares that she has left him behind and suspects that he resents her for it.
Whether "Bizarre" is actually dedicated to Sean Penn remains unclear. However, the numerous hints in the lyrics lead fans to suspect that Madonna is processing a very personal chapter of her past with this song.
Turbulent Marriage in the 1980s
Madonna and Sean Penn married in 1985. Their relationship was considered passionate but conflict-ridden. As early as 1987, the pop icon filed for divorce for the first time; in 1989, the marriage was finally officially ended.
Despite their turbulent past, the two have maintained a friendly relationship for years. In 2015, Madonna clarified in a sworn statement that Penn had never physically abused her. She thereby contradicted public allegations of abuse against her ex-husband and described him as a "caring and compassionate person".
Friendship Despite Separation
Time and again, joint appearances by the two sparked speculation about a romantic comeback - for example in 2016, when they appeared hand in hand at a benefit event for Haiti. However, they never confirmed a renewed relationship.
After her marriage to Penn, Madonna was married to director Guy Ritchie from 2000 to 2008. Together they have sons Rocco (25) and David (20). Daughter Lourdes (29) is from a previous relationship with Carlos Leon. The singer also adopted daughter Mercy James (20) as well as twins Stella and Estere (13).
