The song “Human Nature” was written as an answer song to her critics, who had panned her provocative image of the previous two years and Madonna’s release of sexually explicit works. Written and produced by Madonna and Dave Hall, with additional writing from Shawn McKenzie, Kevin McKenzie and Michael Deering, “Human Nature” also includes a looping sample from hip-hop group Main Source’s 1994 track “What You Need”. The track was released on June 6, 1995, by Maverick Records as the fourth and final single from Bedtime Stories.

Human Nature is considered an R&B track where the sound of drums and the sample is heard looping throughout, with Madonna sarcastically asking rhetorical questions based on her real-life actions over the last two years. The song received mostly positive reviews from music critics who have later noted its anthemic and empowering nature. “Human Nature” became a moderate hit in the United States, peaking at number 46 on the Billboard Hot 100 and at number two on the Hot Dance Club Play chart. In the United Kingdom, the single entered the chart and peaked at number eight and it also charted within the top ten in Italy.

The accompanying music video was directed by Jean-Baptiste Mondino, and features Madonna and her dancers dressed in latex and leather, much like the music video for her 1992 song “Erotica”, while executing highly choreographed dance routines. Inspired by S&M imagery, the video later influenced the work of singers Rihanna and Christina Aguilera videos.