I was just curious if anyone knew or thinks that the song, "The Ballad of Dorothy Parker" was

in fact named after or inspired by the 20th century poet and writer, Dorothy Parker. I know

Prince alludes to folk singer, Joni Mitchell in the song a couple of times. Maybe, Mrs. Parker

is like a composite character, her unique characteristic traits paired with other individuals.

yes

and water is wet

NO... according to the Prince books, he was told about the historical persona after he played the song to peeps (Lisa?)... lemme check...

It was Susannah who told him there had actually been an American writer with that name.

He chose the name for the song as he could have chosen Megan Carrington, or Erin Bowles.

Simply, he didn't know who she was.

" What's surprising about "Dorothy Parker" (which is not about the famous american humorist/poet/short story writer; according to Alex Hahn's Possessed, Susannah Melvoin told Prince about her after he had already written the song) is that it's drum part sounds through composed rather than programmed.." - from Sign 'o' the Times by Michaelangelo Matos (Music Editor at Seattle Weekly)

by the way, this is a great little book in the "33 1/3" series of thoughtful essay type books that each focus on one album by an author obsessed by that album.

Thanks 4 the information! All this time I thought Prince was a Poetry buff, guess not!

Apparently the song came to him in a dream. After recording, Susannah asked if it was about the poet and Prince said "Who?" She then explained.

Susan Rogers is quoted in Nielsen's DMSR book as saying something to the effect of Prince thought the whole thing was hilarious because Susannah didnt believe his dream story. She thought Dorothy was some new chick Prince was foolin with and was extremely jealous.

Dorothy Parker wrote some interesting poetry to say the least

Read some of it and it's easy to tell she's definitely NOT the kind of girl written about in the song.

Her poetry is worth a read anyway -- she had a unique voice.

Spinlight said:

yes

and water is wet

So is yo' brain. It ain't about Dorothy Parker the poet.

It's funny, cuz there are a whole series of poems by Dorothy Parker with the word "Prince" in them.

ernestsewell said:

Spinlight said:

yes

and water is wet

So is yo' brain. It ain't about Dorothy Parker the poet.

You know NOTHING.

Like the flow.............

Dorothy Parker

MoneyMade said:

Like the flow.............

Dorothy Parker

Oh, I can smile for you, and tilt my head,
And drink your rushing words with eager lips,
And paint my mouth for you a fragrant red,
And trace your brows with tutored finger-tips.
When you rehearse your list of loves to me,
Oh, I can laugh and marvel, rapturous-eyed.
And you laugh back, nor can you ever see
The thousand little deaths my heart has died.
And you believe, so well I know my part,
That I am gay as morning, light as snow,
And all the straining things within my heart
You'll never know.

Oh, I can laugh and listen, when we meet,
And you bring tales of fresh adventurings, --
Of ladies delicately indiscreet,
Of lingering hands, and gently whispered things.
And you are pleased with me, and strive anew
To sing me sagas of your late delights.
Thus do you want me -- marveling, gay, and true,
Nor do you see my staring eyes of nights.
And when, in search of novelty, you stray,
Oh, I can kiss you blithely as you go ....
And what goes on, my love, while you're away,
You'll never know.

Niki Minaj just put that down on a rap!

Spinlight said:

ernestsewell said:

So is yo' brain. It ain't about Dorothy Parker the poet.

You know NOTHING.

You don't know nothin' about nothin'.

ernestsewell said:

Spinlight said:

You know NOTHING.

You don't know nothin' about nothin'.

Freeway?