Madonna, Lourdes Leon Detail Relationship in Song “The Test”

Madonna and Lourdes Leon’s new song is like a little prayer. 

As the queen of pop released her latest album Confessions II July 3, she included a duet alongside her daughter—whom she shares with ex Carlos Leon—that shares rare insight into their mother-daughter dynamic. 

“Little star / I tried to put you on a pedestal,” Madonna sings in the first verse. “You didn’t ask for all the flashing lights / I didn’t think of how it could disturb / Or how it hurt / I wish I knew.”

Indeed, the 67-year-old—also mom to Rocco Ritchie, 25, with ex Guy Ritchie, as well as David, 20, Mercy, also 20, and 13-year-old twins Stella and Estere through adoption—appeared to admit her fame caused pain, adding, “My butterfly was always being watched.”

However, Lourdes and Madonna go on to admit their differences actually compliment each other in the song’s chorus. 

“I know they tried to put us to the test,” the chorus professed. “We’re not the same, but I’m treading on your footsteps / Sometimes I think you wish I’d go away / But my shadow stays and it’s okay to be yourself.”