“Die Another Day” by Madonna

All things considered, Madonna’s “Die Another Day” is a somewhat complex piece. For instance, it is the theme song to the 2002 James Bond movie, which some readers would instantly recognize as an action-heavy franchise.

So when Madonna speaks of opting to “die another day” in the chorus, it can be postulated that she is speaking to the resiliency of said character, i.e. the wherewithal to escape a near-death situation.

But the verses themselves read as if they are more symbolic. And in that regard, what the vocalist seems to be putting forth, especially in the second and third verses, is that she’s going to make some type of major effort to redirect her life, i.e. fundamental change who she is as a person.

And as for the first verse, well, let’s just say the language contained therein is a bit too extraordinary for us to confidently decipher. So in a way it’s understandable how some individuals, like Sir Elton John, may have had issues with this track. For it appears that the writers may have tried to encapsulate too many diverse ideas, even namedropping psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud (1856-1939), therein.

“Die Another Day” Facts

Artist(s): Madonna
Album/EP: “Die Another Day / American Life”

When was “Die Another Day” released?

It was released from its album, “Die Another Day / American Life” on October 22, 2002.

Writing and Production

This was written and produced by Madonna with assistance from Mirwais Ahmadzaï.

Genre(s)

• Electroclash
• Dance-pop

Grammy Nominations and Honors

“Die Another Day” was nominated for “Best Dance Recording” and “Best Short Form Music Video” at the 46th Grammy Awards. It, however, lost both awards.

The category for “Best Dance Recording” included:

• Cher’s “Love One Another”
• Groove Armada’s “Easy”
• Télépopmusik’s “Breathe”
• Kylie Minogue’s “Come into My World” (Winner)

“Best Short Form Music Video” category had the following nominees:

• Coldplay’s “The Scientist”
• Madonna’s “Die Another Day”
• Martina McBride’s “Concrete Angel”
• OutKast’s “Hey Ya!”
• Johnny Cash’s “Hurt” (Winner)

More Accolades

At the Golden Globe Awards in 2002, the song was nominated for “Best Original Song” but lost to “The Hands That Built America” by U2 from “Gangs of New York”.

Chart Performance:

• US – 8
• UK – 3
• Switzerland – 4
• Sweden – 4
• Spain – 1
• Scotland – 4
• Romania – 1
• Portugal – 1
• Norway – 5
• Netherlands – 4
• Italy – 1
• Ireland – 2
• Hungary – 4
• Greece – 2
• Germany – 4
• Finland – 4
• Denmark – 2
• Croatia – 4
• Canada – 1
• Belgium – 9
• Belgium – 7
• Austria – 2
• Australia – 5

Controversies

During the singer’s visit to Israel, in 2004 there were protests from ultra-orthodox Jews. They claimed the singer disgraced their religion in the song’s music video because she wore over her arm, phylacteries/tefillin. A tradition reserved for Jewish men.

The “American Life”

Die Another Day is the soundtrack song of James Bond’s 2002 movie Die Another Day. It was released in April 2003 as part of Madonna’s ninth studio album, American Life.

Maverick Records and Warner Bros Records released American Life on April 21, 2003. Just as its name suggests, the album’s concept is based on the idea of materialism and the American dream. However, it also covers other aspects of American culture. It explains the various changes America has witnessed in their culture. Madonna and French record producer Mirwais Ahmadzai produced the whole album and wrote the majority of its songs.

American Life topped the following album charts:

• Billboard 200
• UK Albums
• France Albums

It also replicated the same feat in ten other European album charts. It was nominated twice at the 2004 Grammy Awards ceremony.

In addition, it has received platinum certifications from RIAA, BPI, and several other album certification organizations across Europe.

According to Billboard, it was the 32nd highest-selling album in 2003. As of today, the album is reported to have sold over five million copies internationally. As part of the promotion and support of American Life, Madonna embarked on a worldwide tour titled, The Re-Invention World Tour. She made about $125 million profit from this tour.