Prince: Purple Rain

Remarks:

Prince in 1984. Hard to believe this only went to #2 in America (#4 on its R&B charts). Never fear: “When Doves Cry” was the number one song of the year for the whole country. “Purple Rain” went to #1 in Britain where the general audience seems to have more sense.

This is maybe the only song (outside of Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin) where the guitar solo pretty much lives up to how I remember it – I just wish it went on longer! My memory seems to always make the guitar solos of songs much better than they were. So when I listen to old songs on YouTube I am like, “What? You mean that’s it?”

No video for this one: I had one up but Prince’s minions made sure it was taken down within 24 hours! He is no friend of YouTube.

Lyrics:

I never meant to cause you any sorrow.
I never meant to cause you any pain.
I only wanted to one time see you laughing.
I only wanted to see you laughing in the purple rain.

Purple rain, purple rain.
Purple rain, purple rain.
Purple rain, purple rain.

I only wanted to see you bathing in the purple rain.

I never wanted to be your weekend lover.
I only wanted to be some kind of friend.
Baby I could never steal you from another.
It’s such a shame our friendship had to end.
Purple rain, purple rain.
Purple rain, purple rain.
Purple rain, purple rain.

I only wanted to see you underneath the purple rain.

Honey I know, I know, I know times are changing.
It’s time we all reach out for something new,
That means you too.
You say you want a leader,
But you can’t seem to make up your mind.
I think you better close it,
And let me guide you to the purple rain.

Purple rain, purple rain.
Purple rain, purple rain.

If you know what I’m singing about up here.
C’mon raise your hand.

Purple rain, purple rain.

I only want to see you, only want to see you.