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Reply #30 posted 05/03/17 8:54pm

Chakradelica

I'm thinking he's saying that he is getting older (if he'd ever admit such a thing) and he appreciates it. In fact, he wouldn't mind being even older as he could have been there at Woodstock. He notes that his companion is young as they have trouble relating or having meaningful conversation as evidenced in the questions, "why did you come to this planet?, why did you come to this life?". She's beautiful and doesn't want to settle down. He tries to "dumb" down the conversation, "what did you have for lunch today?" and at the same time take a dig to mention that, "of course I'd have to ask. We didn't lunch together, because you aren't ever around". Basically, he seems himself getting better, becoming wiser, his rebirth (the moon) though his mate sees him as cooking pasta that has burned which is why though he considered marrying her, it wouldn't work out.

[Edited 5/3/17 20:55pm]

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Reply #31 posted 05/03/17 9:00pm

ISaidLifeIsJus
tAGame

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hyperpessimist said:

A few thoughts on the track “June”, a track I always found special and clearly his most personal statement in his final few years… I believe on this track Prince was telling us he was going to die soon.
“It’s June”, the last lyric on the track, can be regarded as a reference to “Sign O The Times” - when he describes a “cousin” who was on a spiralling drug habit. Now, of course as far as we know P was not doing illegal drugs, but we now know he was facing a serious addiction to painkillers. Therefore, I see the word “June” not literally as the month of June, but as a metaphor for his state of growing addiction that he knew he could no longer control.

...
The track opens with the words “Pasta simmers on the stove in June” - I read it as “I’m living a desolate personal life, not eating properly, not taking care of myself while trapped in a growing state of addiction”.

Then he says “Makes no sense yet, but it will soon” - I think he meant we would not be able to understand the metaphor until he was gone and his final days would be scrutinized - we would then understand what the lyrics meant.
...

I also think that, in a way, the concept of a “Hit n Run” series of albums could be a sort of pre-emptive epitaph: he knew he would not last long under his secluded state of addiction, and may have decided to streamline his archives until at some point he would be gone. There would have been a phase 3, a phase 4, depending on how long he would be able to endure his situation… but what I see is there was no attempt to create a unique concept for each release, a coherent vision on each of the albums - it’s like AOA was meant to be his final conceptual statement, and everything else afterwards was going to be a series of footnotes.

...
Just a few thoughts on a track I still find haunting, and an intriguing approach to his final releases… Depression, pain, loneliness... it feels like he didn't know how to get himself out of this situation, and therefore accepted his coming fate sad

I agree with everything you are saying, other than P was addicted.

There was something else going on.

AOA was his "Goodbye" album.

I agree the two albums after AOA were a footnote.

P was never going to talk to us straight forward.
Listen.

pimp2

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Reply #32 posted 05/03/17 9:14pm

sulls

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hyperpessimist said:

A few thoughts on the track “June”, a track I always found special and clearly his most personal statement in his final few years… I believe on this track Prince was telling us he was going to die soon.
“It’s June”, the last lyric on the track, can be regarded as a reference to “Sign O The Times” - when he describes a “cousin” who was on a spiralling drug habit. Now, of course as far as we know P was not doing illegal drugs, but we now know he was facing a serious addiction to painkillers. Therefore, I see the word “June” not literally as the month of June, but as a metaphor for his state of growing addiction that he knew he could no longer control.

...
The track opens with the words “Pasta simmers on the stove in June” - I read it as “I’m living a desolate personal life, not eating properly, not taking care of myself while trapped in a growing state of addiction”.

Then he says “Makes no sense yet, but it will soon” - I think he meant we would not be able to understand the metaphor until he was gone and his final days would be scrutinized - we would then understand what the lyrics meant.
...

I also think that, in a way, the concept of a “Hit n Run” series of albums could be a sort of pre-emptive epitaph: he knew he would not last long under his secluded state of addiction, and may have decided to streamline his archives until at some point he would be gone. There would have been a phase 3, a phase 4, depending on how long he would be able to endure his situation… but what I see is there was no attempt to create a unique concept for each release, a coherent vision on each of the albums - it’s like AOA was meant to be his final conceptual statement, and everything else afterwards was going to be a series of footnotes.

...
Just a few thoughts on a track I still find haunting, and an intriguing approach to his final releases… Depression, pain, loneliness... it feels like he didn't know how to get himself out of this situation, and therefore accepted his coming fate sad

[Edited 5/3/17 15:07pm]

The SOTT parallel caught my attention. It's June - he's where his cousin was - addicted. I realize that may be just grasping at some sort of explanation. We're all still trying to make sense and gain closure.

[Edited 5/3/17 21:16pm]

"I like to watch."
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Reply #33 posted 05/03/17 11:06pm

toejam

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It's about him feeling a bit down on his birthday, kinda getting lost in the moment of loneliness...

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Reply #34 posted 05/03/17 11:19pm

jaawwnn

I love the "well he got the month wrong so i assume it was a metaphor" logic. Man, good thing Richie Havens was already dead or we'd be accusing him.
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Reply #35 posted 05/03/17 11:30pm

thebiscuit

Prince was always cryptic, and part of the joy of being a fan is trying to unravel the lyrical mysteries. In this light, I think it's a solid hypothesis, considering that the chances of Prince taking the time and trouble to create a song about burning pasta are very slim. On the 'It's June' line, I always thought this was a reference to his birth month, but it wouldn't surprise me if he was also referencing the Sign O' The Times line, considering the phrasing and the similar location in both songs at the end of a verse.

PS- if you don't want to hypothesize on these lyrics then this thread is not for you.
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Reply #36 posted 05/04/17 1:50am

jaawwnn

Yes well in that case the pasta interpretation is weak ; Prince is a well known fan of pasta who lived on a diet of pasta and orange juice when making Purple Rain. He wasn't saying anything about his diet being unhealthy, he's just cooking pasta ffs.

In all honesty, and since is is all opinion, aside from a few specific exceptions I think he tended to be more suggestive than cryptic with his lyrics; you can spend the rest of your life trying to decode a thing that doesn't have a literal 1:1 meaning.


I can definitely see the song as Prince pondering ageing, in fact I can't see it any other way, but I don't see it as a cryptic suicide note or secret "I'm on drugs" message.



If you want to get into it: I see the purpose of the pasta is as something in the real world that frames the song. In the brief time between pasta simmering and pasta burning Prince deeply ponders his entire life, loves, religion, existence, all of it. He was completely consistent in his past decade+ of life about talking about living in the moment so thinking about the past and the future isn't really his style, the only way he can do it is via a brief daydream, so he goes through it all really quickly and then catches himself back into reality, "Oh yeah, its June".

maybe shrug

[Edited 5/4/17 2:09am]

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Reply #37 posted 05/04/17 2:50am

TheEnglishGent

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oliviacamron said:

All I know is when I listen to the song, I get a little angry .

The thought of burning pasta makes me mad too. It stinks and may well ruin the pan.

[Edited 5/4/17 2:51am]

RIP sad
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Reply #38 posted 05/04/17 3:12am

djdaffy1227

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I guess it'll all make sense when I'm dead.....

Making love and music are the only things worth fighting for.
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Reply #39 posted 05/04/17 4:24am

rogifan

sulls said:



hyperpessimist said:


A few thoughts on the track “June”, a track I always found special and clearly his most personal statement in his final few years… I believe on this track Prince was telling us he was going to die soon.
“It’s June”, the last lyric on the track, can be regarded as a reference to “Sign O The Times” - when he describes a “cousin” who was on a spiralling drug habit. Now, of course as far as we know P was not doing illegal drugs, but we now know he was facing a serious addiction to painkillers. Therefore, I see the word “June” not literally as the month of June, but as a metaphor for his state of growing addiction that he knew he could no longer control.


...
The track opens with the words “Pasta simmers on the stove in June” - I read it as “I’m living a desolate personal life, not eating properly, not taking care of myself while trapped in a growing state of addiction”.


Then he says “Makes no sense yet, but it will soon” - I think he meant we would not be able to understand the metaphor until he was gone and his final days would be scrutinized - we would then understand what the lyrics meant.
...


I also think that, in a way, the concept of a “Hit n Run” series of albums could be a sort of pre-emptive epitaph: he knew he would not last long under his secluded state of addiction, and may have decided to streamline his archives until at some point he would be gone. There would have been a phase 3, a phase 4, depending on how long he would be able to endure his situation… but what I see is there was no attempt to create a unique concept for each release, a coherent vision on each of the albums - it’s like AOA was meant to be his final conceptual statement, and everything else afterwards was going to be a series of footnotes.


...
Just a few thoughts on a track I still find haunting, and an intriguing approach to his final releases… Depression, pain, loneliness... it feels like he didn't know how to get himself out of this situation, and therefore accepted his coming fate sad


[Edited 5/3/17 15:07pm]



The SOTT parallel caught my attention. It's June - he's where his cousin was - addicted. I realize that may be just grasping at some sort of explanation. We're all still trying to make sense and gain closure.

[Edited 5/3/17 21:16pm]


This it the problem. People need to stop trying to make sense of something they probably will never be able to make sense of. Gotta find another way to get closure (if you don't have it yet).
Paisley Park is in your heart
#PrinceForever 💜
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Reply #40 posted 05/04/17 4:36am

jcurley

Surely he's just reflecting on a lost love. The pasta is burning coz his mind keeps drifting off in reflection. I don't even find it symbolic let alone cryptic. The lyrics seem quite clear
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Reply #41 posted 05/04/17 5:49am

OnlyNDaUsa

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the last 2 words of the last song on his last album... "that's it"

"Keep on shilling for Big Pharm!"
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Reply #42 posted 05/04/17 6:00am

HideTheBong

Ain't nowt wrong with pasta!

if the lyrics were 'cheese on toast burning in the oven', your theory would have made slightly more sense.

a good read, nontheless

I bought a Dolphin - just in case
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Reply #43 posted 05/04/17 6:01am

iZsaZsa

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hyperpessimist said:



thedoorkeeper said:


Why would the month of June be a metaphor for his drug addiction?

On SoTT he sings "In September my cousin tried riefer for the very first time, now he's doing horse... it's June" - so maybe he was using "June" as a way of quoting the classic SoTT lyric about addiction. He was often cryptic, as we know, so I don't think it's too much of a stretch.


It's the only month of the year that rhymes with moon.
What?
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Reply #44 posted 05/04/17 6:09am

Se7en

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jcurley said:

Surely he's just reflecting on a lost love. The pasta is burning coz his mind keeps drifting off in reflection. I don't even find it symbolic let alone cryptic. The lyrics seem quite clear



I think it's symbolic of him preparing himself a lonely birthday meal, with no one around to share it with.

That's about it.

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Reply #45 posted 05/04/17 6:12am

iZsaZsa

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laytonian said:

.
It's right in the lyrics:
SOMEBODY FAMOUS HAD A BIRTHDAY TODAY.

I'll take his word for it. smile
What?
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Reply #46 posted 05/04/17 6:36am

OperatingTheta
n

Prince became more reflective and contemplative, but there's no evidence at all he 'knew' he was going to die or was preparing for it. In fact, there's plenty of evidence to the contrary.
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Reply #47 posted 05/04/17 6:47am

DarkKnight1

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Nope

(Insert something clever here)
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Reply #48 posted 05/04/17 6:57am

thedance

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Like others said, you are reading mesages into his songs...


However "June", this is in general a really amazing and moving song, I love this song a lot.. music

[Edited 5/4/17 7:16am]

Prince 4Ever. heart
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Reply #49 posted 05/04/17 6:59am

TheEnglishGent

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OperatingThetan said:

Prince became more reflective and contemplative, but there's no evidence at all he 'knew' he was going to die or was preparing for it. In fact, there's plenty of evidence to the contrary.


This is true but you can be dying and still plan for things in the mean time. My Mum was given 6 months to two years so she had plans for things, but sadly she only ended up with 6 weeks! I'm not saying Prince knew he was terminal or any such thing, just making the point that just because someone is planning something it doesn't mean everything is well in their world.

RIP sad
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Reply #50 posted 05/04/17 7:29am

FlyOnTheWall

jcurley said:

Surely he's just reflecting on a lost love. The pasta is burning coz his mind keeps drifting off in reflection. I don't even find it symbolic let alone cryptic. The lyrics seem quite clear

I tend to agree. Specifically, I think that "lost love" is Andy Allo. I think June might have multiple references. I think it is a definite possibility that he is referring to his birthday month...and perhaps a birthday spent alone. I really don't think the song is about addiction (unless it's addiction to love). Nor do I think it's about dying.

P.S. Here's another thought on June that will probably seem far-fetched to some of you, but here goes: Some girls named after their fathers (or mothers) have the nickname June or Junie. Andy just happens to be her father's namesake. Before pouncing on me, please consider this: I'm just throwing out possibilities.


[Edited 5/4/17 7:31am]

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Reply #51 posted 05/04/17 7:50am

rdhull

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Look. June rhymed with moon. And I realy doubt his last testament would be in regards to pasta.

"Climb in my fur."
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Reply #52 posted 05/04/17 7:54am

TheEnglishGent

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If Prince tells us what's going on in his songs and June is him cryptically trying to tell us he's dying then why is there another track on the same album less cryptically telling us he Ain't About 2 Stop? Check mate conspiracists.

RIP sad
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Reply #53 posted 05/04/17 7:55am

Genesia

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rdhull said:

Look. June rhymed with moon. And I realy doubt his last testament would be in regards to pasta.


Oh, it totally would. Remember that lunch he had (Per wrote about it in DMSR) where he ordered spaghetti and orange juice and everyone thought that was so weird? He was going back to his beginnings. Duh.

We don’t mourn artists because we knew them. We mourn them because they helped us know ourselves.
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Reply #54 posted 05/04/17 8:03am

rdhull

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Genesia said:

rdhull said:

Look. June rhymed with moon. And I realy doubt his last testament would be in regards to pasta.


Oh, it totally would. Remember that lunch he had (Per wrote about it in DMSR) where he ordered spaghetti and orange juice and everyone thought that was so weird? He was going back to his beginnings. Duh.

and he touched his nose

"Climb in my fur."
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Reply #55 posted 05/04/17 8:08am

ufoclub

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It's definitely a wistful song about being depressed and feeling like he was born in the wrong time. It does have a doom gloom on it, because the pasta is burning by the end. Even the keyboard wanders in a depressed spasm.

It's a great and rare personal song! Others in this vein might be:

Strange But True, Solo, Grand Progression, Old Friends For Sale (original bootleg versions), Wasted Kisses, Had U
[Edited 5/4/17 8:11am]
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Reply #56 posted 05/04/17 8:09am

Genesia

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rdhull said:

Genesia said:


Oh, it totally would. Remember that lunch he had (Per wrote about it in DMSR) where he ordered spaghetti and orange juice and everyone thought that was so weird? He was going back to his beginnings. Duh.

and he touched his nose


Yes! He totally did! Three times in the Black Sweat video - just like we asked him to!

Prince, if you're listening, touch your nose three times. And he did it! excited

We don’t mourn artists because we knew them. We mourn them because they helped us know ourselves.
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Reply #57 posted 05/04/17 8:11am

rdhull

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ufoclub said:

It's definitely a wistful song about being depressed and feeling like he was born in the wrong time. It does have a doom gloom on it, because the pasta is burning by the end. Even the keyboard wanders in a depressed spasm. It's a great and rare personal song! Others in this vein might be: Strange But True, Solo...

Yeah. Its just a mournful heres how Im feeling lately song. Not a Lazarus. Im sure if he felt he was about to die real soon, he would have come up with something else. And not on some Hit n Run release that will not even be a blip on his careeer over time when his oeuvre is dissected and discussed.

"Climb in my fur."
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Reply #58 posted 05/04/17 8:14am

purplethunder3
121

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TheEnglishGent said:

If Prince tells us what's going on in his songs and June is him cryptically trying to tell us he's dying then why is there another track on the same album less cryptically telling us he Ain't About 2 Stop? Check mate conspiracists.

lol

"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything." --Plato

https://youtu.be/CVwv9LZMah0
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Reply #59 posted 05/04/17 8:14am

OnlyNDaUsa

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ufoclub said:

It's definitely a wistful song about being depressed and feeling like he was born in the wrong time. It does have a doom gloom on it, because the pasta is burning by the end. Even the keyboard wanders in a depressed spasm. It's a great and rare personal song! Others in this vein might be: Strange But True, Solo, Grand Progression, Old Friends For Sale (original bootleg versions), Wasted Kisses, Had U [Edited 5/4/17 8:11am]

what is odd is that he sang

"Sometimes I feel like I was born way too late Should have been born on the Woodstock stage"


but he was 10 or so when Woodstock happened? but he also says he was born too late... so he is playing with time and maybe saying he feels that no matter when he was, he felt out of place.

"Keep on shilling for Big Pharm!"
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