“Love… Thy Will Be Done” by Martika is a haunting, atmospheric ballad released in July 1991 with “Mi tierra” on the B-side as the lead single from her second album, Martika’s Kitchen. It is known for its emotional depth, minimalist production, and spiritual tone. The song was co-written and produced by Prince, whose subtle but unmistakable influence helped shape its introspective, hypnotic feel.
Departing from the pop of her earlier hits like “Toy Soldiers”, this track presents a more mature and meditative side of Martika. The lyrics are phrased like a prayer or mantra, expressing surrender to a higher power or fate in the face of love’s complexities.
The song is built on a looped beat, with a pulsing, almost trip-hop-like rhythm that repeats underneath lush synths and layered background vocals. Martika’s vocal performance is restrained yet soulful, conveying quiet strength and devotion. Prince’s production is minimalist but meticulous—he lets the space in the arrangement enhance the emotional pull.
The song was a commercial success, reaching the top of ARIA chart in Australia, and peaking at No. 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and at No. 9 in the UK. It became one of Martika’s signature tracks and is often cited as a standout example of Prince’s ghostwriting and production during that era.
“Love… Thy Will Be Done” stands out as a serious, spiritual pop song—meditative rather than explosive, with a timeless quality that makes it quietly powerful even decades later.