Hi,
Live, Prince often alters/re-arranges his compositions dramatically. Arguably, His 'never hear the same thing twice' formula is one of the reasons that his concerts/aftershows/bootlegs are so exciting. However, There seems to be a degree of dislike amongst certain fans when he starts fiddling with his lyrics. Why is this? Is Changing a 'Fuck' to a 'Duck' any different from adding a bass line to 'when doves cry' when he plays live?
[Edited 10/14/04 16:38pm]

Well,
I'm one of the ones who gets enraged whenever PRince changes lyrics (I have walked out of a concert upon hearing 'the christ' ... and almost exploded when I heard the words to DMSR changed.

Why? I'm a purist. A song is a complete work of art that defines a moment of creation and shouldn't be tampered with the point where it changes the mood of a song. Changing fuck to duck sends a message that he denounces earlier lewdness and profanity -- both of which added to the rebellious, irreverent nature of the beloved songs. Yes, PRince's mix of irreverence and reverence was a key factor in my loving the man's music. It was a key factor to Prince's charismatic persona. Who here wasn't touched by that?

I don't mind if he chooses not to curse now. This is a new phase of music -- just respect your former self and your former body of work. Leave it in tact. It's sacrilege to rewrite and reenvision history. He is who he is today -- Jehovah's Witness and all -- based on the person he was yesterday. How he and Madonna can denounce earlier incarnations of themselves is beyond me. Even if they've triumphed over those old selves its still a part of them.

I don't really mind musical changes as much as lyrical changes -- because I am first drawn of the idea it conveys. Musicians will feel differently, no doubt.

PRNelson said:

Seems to be some more trivial shit Prince fans like to bitch about
If you'd rather hear "fuck" than "duck", then throw on the original release and have a ball...seems everyone would get what they want that way.
[Edited 10/14/04 20:34pm]

I totally agree with you Synthia!
I really respect Prince's religion and the choice he made to no longer curse.
But these songs are sacred to me. I have been listening to this man's music for the better part of 20 years and most of his "lewd" songs have very sentimental meaning to me.

when he changes "fuck" to "duck",he comes off sounding like a wimp,kinda like ned flanders from the simpsons.

yeah i hated how he changed "dmsr" too but hey i was just happy to see the guy in front row, i couldn't really complain...