The song is about a stripper. The song explores the trope of a woman being viewed as either “Madonna” or “Whore.” In this song, he views her as both.
[Verse 1]
Overcome by your
Moving temple
Overcome by this
Holiest of altars
[Chorus 1]
So pure, so rare
To witness such an earthly goddess
That I've lost my self control
Beyond compelled to throw this dollar
[Verse 2]
Down before your
Holiest of altars
[Chorus 2]
I'd sell my soul and my self-esteem
A dollar at a time
For one chance, one kiss
One taste of you, my Magdalena
[Bridge]
I bear witness to this place
This prayer, so long forgotten
So pure, so rare
To witness such an earthly goddess
That I'd sell my soul
My self-esteem a dollar at a time
For one chance, one kiss
One taste of you, my black Madonna
[Chorus 2]
I'd sell my soul and my self-esteem
A dollar at a time
For one taste, one taste
One taste of you, my Magdalena
Magdalena was written by Billy Howerdel & Maynard James Keenan.
Magdalena was produced by Billy Howerdel.
A Perfect Circle released Magdalena on Mon May 22 2000.