Martika – Toy Soldiers
Martika – Toy Soldiers (1989)
JIM SHEA
Martika’s “Toy Soldiers,” released on April 26, 1989, is a poignant pop rock ballad addressing the struggles of addiction. Co-written with producer Michael Jay, the song became a chart-topping hit, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and achieving international success. The accompanying music video, directed by Jim Shea, features a blend of black-and-white and color imagery, depicting the emotional turmoil of witnessing a loved one’s descent into substance abuse. The song’s haunting melody and heartfelt lyrics have cemented its place as a defining track of the late 1980s.
