" Ray of Light " is a song by American singer Madonna . It is the titular track from her seventh studio album Ray of Light (1998), and was released as the album's second single on May 6, 1998, by Maverick Records . The song was also included on the compilation albums GHV2 (2001) and Celebration (2009). Written by Madonna, William Orbit , Clive Muldoon, Dave Curtiss, Christine Leach, and produced by Madonna and Orbit, "Ray of Light" is based on Curtiss Maldoon 's "Sepheryn" and is an electronic dance song with techno , trance , Eurodance , and disco influences, "Ray of Light" contains several sound effects such as whistles , bleeps and bells , the usage of electric guitar, and underlying synths . Lyrically, the song has a theme of freedom . ...