Martika – Toy Soldiers

“Toy Soldiers” is a song by American singer-songwriter Martika. It was released as a single on April 26, 1989 with “Exchange of Hearts” and “It’s Not What You’re Doing” on the B-side. It was released as the second single from her self-titled debut album, “Martika.” The song was written by Martika and American producer Michael Jay. “Toy Soldiers” achieved significant chart success, reaching the top of the charts in the United States, and New Zealand. In the UK, it peaked at #5. Its popularity helped propel Martika to international fame and established her as a promising pop artist of the late 1980s.

“Toy Soldiers” is a pop rock ballad with elements of dance-pop and synth-pop. The song addresses the theme of addiction and the struggles that come with it, using the metaphor of toy soldiers to represent the battle against substance abuse. Martika’s emotive and soulful vocals, combined with the song’s catchy melodies and powerful lyrics, created a memorable and impactful track. The heartfelt delivery and poignant message of “Toy Soldiers” resonated with audiences, earning it both critical acclaim and commercial success.

The song’s music video, directed by Dominic Sena, was directed by Jim Shea, who later became a regular in directing country music videos.Over the years, “Toy Soldiers” has remained a standout hit in Martika’s discography and has been recognized as one of the defining songs of her career. Its memorable chorus and emotionally charged lyrics have made it a beloved and enduring classic in the pop music landscape.

Martika – Toy Soldiers – Lyrics