“This Used to Be My Playground” is a melancholic ballad by Madonna, released in June 1992 as the theme song for the film A League of Their Own. The song stands out for its nostalgic and emotional depth, showcasing a softer, reflective side of Madonna.
Lyrically, This Used to Be My Playground is about looking back on the past with both fondness and sadness, reminiscing about childhood, lost innocence, and memories that can never be relived.
Tthe song features lush orchestration, soft piano, and a gentle yet haunting melody, creating a dreamy, sentimental atmosphere. Madonna’s subtle, heartfelt vocals enhance the song’s introspective and wistful tone, making it one of her most touching and mature ballads.
The song was a commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Madonna’s tenth chart-topping single in the U.S. It also performed well internationally, cementing its status as one of her most successful ballads.
Interestingly, despite being featured in A League of Their Own, the song was not included on the film’s official soundtrack, but it was later featured on Madonna’s Something to Remember compilation in 1995.