“Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” is a song performed by Madonna for the 1996 film Evita, in which she played the role of Eva Perón, the First Lady of Argentina. The song was originally written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice for their 1976 musical Evita. It became one of the most iconic numbers in the musical, representing Eva Perón’s emotional address to the Argentine people after rising to power.
The lyrics reflect Eva’s humility, as she assures the people that everything she did was for their benefit and not for personal gain. The song conveys both pride and vulnerability, capturing the complex nature of Eva Perón’s relationship with Argentina.
Madonna’s rendition, produced by Alan Parker, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Nigel Wright, was re-recorded for the film adaptation, and she infused the song with her own vocal style, balancing grandeur with emotional depth. Her version was widely praised and helped reintroduce the song to a new generation of listeners.
“Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” became a commercial success when released as a single in December 1986, peaking in the top 10 in numerous countries, including the U.S., the U.K. and Australia. Its music video features Madonna as Eva Perón on the balcony of the Casa Rosada, recreating the iconic moment where Eva spoke to the masses.
The song’s sweeping orchestration, powerful lyrics, and Madonna’s emotional performance made it one of her standout songs from Evita, solidifying her credibility as a performer beyond pop music.