ANESTHESIA...

Xtract from "genius, a gift of God"

-----

The one reason Lovesexy is as highly rated among fans (and more than a few critics): “Anna Stesia”…

I don’t say that simply because I “like” the song…but because that one song is the centrepiece of the album, the one song which almost explains both the rest of the song’s meanings and what was most likely Prince’s mindset at the time…and it dunt hurt none that the song is simply great…When Prince sings that he needs to learn to love “the right way…the only way…”, and has that inner conversation with himself about what it is he truly needs to do to escape that intense loneliness…”Maybe if I were closer to something/Closer to your higher self (I don’t know)/Closer to heaven (maybe)/Closer to God? (Yeah…closer to God)”…That’s not bullshit tossed out, that’s completely fucking sincere on every level imaginable…and it’s poetic, it’s profound, it’s heartfelt…it’s direct, and it’s unlike any other spiritual proclamation he’s issued before…

By the time “Lovesexy” comes on, it sounds so joyous and spirited, as if whatever “conversion” he went thru in “Anna Stesia” has brought him to this revelation of “lovesexy”…“Anna Stesia” makes you reconsider the other songs on the album, and causes you to realize that he’s going thru “something” at the time of the album’s creation…so I think that, along with the feel of it being a “concept album”, it also gives many Prince fans a more intimate interaction with the artist and his art…Prince wasn’t simply entertaining the masses with this one…he was sharing himself with us in a sense…and for hardcore fans, that makes it more “valuable” in their eyes…
wellbeyond

It is a great song. That's for sure...

Number23 said:

Do you mean you like 'When doves cry' even more?

MarieLouise said:

No, I was referring to the personal spiritual cleansing which occurs upon acceptance of God's grand plan and wacky ways, the 'on your knees, sinner' experience personified by the song Anna Stesia.

But When Doves Cry is better, aye.

Anna Stesia

Excellent analogy. This song is the glue, that brings the entire album, to clarity... and the reason, it is still my all-time favorite album.

It was one thing to sit in your room and catch the vibe Prince was throwing out there... it was an ENTIRELY different thing, to watch him perform it live during the great, Lovesexy tour.

As soon as that stage lifted him up, during the "closer to God" line in the song... my life was changed. I was reminded that there is a God, and we are to live for Him.

11/3/88... one of the greatest nights in my life!

I feel that in the majority of the music that Prince creates there is the intimate sense of what is going on inside of him. He doesn't hide himself in his music, he practically exposes every little bit of who he is. Prince may be a very private person but when it comes to his music it' s all out there for everyone to see. That's why I love his music so much.

wow, that song sounds so beautiful. i don't have the album so i've never heard it.

thanks, Anji

I always seem to be deeply affected by Prince's personal songs -- "Anna Stesia" in particular because of the seeking, finding, and ultimate spiritual climax of the revelation of what he finds -- "Save me Jesus, I've been a fool!" It is the central song to an album full of Prince's personal revelations during this time: "I know there was confusion; lightning all around me -- that's when I called His name; don't you know He found me!" (from "Eye No"). "No question is unresolved, and I'm not afraid now" (from "Lovesexy"). "The only way we've got to make this cruel cruel world hear what we've got to say is put the right letters together and make a better day!" (from "Alphabet St."). "Don't kiss the beast; be superior at least" (from "Positivity"). And when Prince sings, "Girls & boys love God above" -- he's not making a statement; he's saying that this is what we should do!

"Elephants & Flowers" is also similar in its theme of seeking and finding: "He's looking for a saviour in a city full of fools -- maybe he just needs a good talker to give him a good talking-to." And once again Prince gives us some spiritual advice based upon his findings: "Love the One who is Love; the One who give us the Power; the One who made everything: elephants and flowers; the One who will listen when all others will not; there will be peace for those who love God a lot."

In "Still Would Stand All Time," Prince once again shares how he sought the Truth and it found him: "Life was closing in, I just knew I couldn't take it; that's when Love opened its arms." The experience had such an impact on Prince that he wants to share it ("I'll tell your story no matter how long!"). Prince tries to point us in the right direction: "It's just around the corner... a Love that reaffirms that we are not alone..." And he practically pleads with us: "It's not that far if we all say 'Yes,' and give it a try... if you just open your eyes, so much you will know... leave your past behind; all things will be fine."

"The Holy River" is another one of Prince's spiritual revelation songs: "And then it hits you like a fist on the wall; who gave you life when there was none at all; who gave the sun permission to rise up everyday?" And then once again some spiritual advice: "If you ask God to love you longer; every breath you take will make you stronger, keeping you happy and proud to call His name: Jesus!"

Prince has many other songs with similar messages: "Precious is the baby with his mother that tells him that his savior is coming soon. All that believe will cleanse and purify themselves" (from "The Love We Make"). "Look, our world is falling... Hear our Master calling: this isn't what he wanted us to be... Look, you're living in Babylon; making but not feeling love at all. When you're youth is gone; when it comes to Dawn; a light of Truth will shine and you will fall... We better love each other; it's almost time to go" (from "The Dance Electric). "Oh Lord woke me up this morning; started me on my way; I'm talking about Jesus; a friend above all others; you make a way out of no way" (from "A Man Called Jesus"). "We all want a place in heaven; suites of that level are few; Let's not be lazy -- there's no room service; It's all up to me and you" (from "A Place in Heaven"). "Maybe we all got to rearrange our brains -- only we can change the world" (from "Can't Stop This Feeling I Got"). "Ask yourself your destination; what the source of your inspiration be... loving one another is the only way... keep on believing" (from "Da, Da, Da"). "Everybody's looking for The Ladder; everybody wants salvation of the soul; The steps you take are no easy road; but the reward is great for those who want to go" (from "The Ladder"). "When the Truth arrives, will you be lost on the other side; Will you still be alive; Did you just give a little or did you give all that you had; Were you just somewhere in the middle -- not too good; not too bad; In the name of the Father; In the name of the Son; We need to come together -- come together as one" (from "The Last December").

Seeking and finding spiritual revelation, and a desire to share that information, is a consistent theme throughout much of Prince's music. And in the midst of all this, "Anna Stesia" is indeed the Master piece.

"And ye shall seek me and find me when ye shall search for me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13, see also Matthew 6:33, 7:7 and Luke 11:9).
[Edited 1/27/05 11:38am]

Number23 said:

when doves cry is, indeed, the better song. Sometimes i wish that the track wasn't as popular as it became. However, every once in a while, i'll be aolone and play it through my ear phones and be totally wraped up in the emotion of it. Those screams at the end. WOW.

Anji said:

..
'Uphemism'???

euphemism

n : an inoffensive expression that is substituted for one that is considered offensive

n. The act or an example of substituting a mild, indirect, or vague term for one considered harsh, blunt, or offensive

'Anna Stesia' was a play on words. Its use wasn't euphemistic.

But claiming it was is euphuistic.

.
.
[Edited 1/27/05 14:56pm]

"anastacia" literally means "rebirth" -- check the sources if ya want

edit: and i knew this before the song was even written
[Edited 1/27/05 12:41pm]

Snap said:

Yeah, but what does the word "anastacia," have to do with anesthesia, or the song Anna Stesia?

LovesexyIsThe1 said:

You're a Lovesexy freak, you should know the answer to that!

NouveauDance said:

I do... it has absolutely nothing to do with it!

LovesexyIsThe1 said:

Anastacia (my girlfriend's birth name at the name) is pronounced exactly like "Anna Stesia" (but don't ask me why Prince chose to spell it that way -- I don't know. He does weird things like that -- remember "Annie Christian" for antichrist?).

edit: oh, and "anastacia" (which means "rebirth") is the theme of the song "Anna Stesia" -- and also just happens to be a girl's name. Too cool, eh?
[Edited 1/27/05 13:41pm]

anna was his girlfriend. he made that new word.

anna stesia lovesexy tour changed my life.

one of his best songs.

i had a dream years back that i met prince and i asked him "why havent u made a video of anna stesia?"

just imagine a good video of that song...

Snap said:

It is?

You'll have to give me some reference to that, cause I can't find that word anywhere.

It was my understanding, that it is used as a name, but it is ditinctly pronounced anastAcia... short vowel, got a little "Stacy" sound to it.

Ive never heard this word used or pronounced in conjunction with anaesthEsia.

fartman said:

that's right... anna fantastic

the lovesexy tour was an amazing experience... and it sure would be cool to see a video for "anna stesia" -- even if done today

LovesexyIsThe1 said:

I'll see what I can find -- I think you're thinking of the Russian pronunciation -- and I never said anything about anesthesia (someone else did).

Snap said:

I think you're right.


I know... Prince did. It's the name of the song, which is the exact pronunciation of "anaesthesia." His little play on words is what broke it into 2 words... like a person's name.

Maybe he was referencing Anna Garcia, or Ingrid Chavez... we may never know.

langebleu said:

If I ever meet you I will hold you and won't let you go.

.
[Edited 1/27/05 15:18pm]

langebleu said:

I think he meant to say... Anna Stesia was, or is a metaphor.

LovesexyIsThe1 said:

Okay... back on break, and I found something:

http://www.babynames.com/...hby=byname

"Natasha -- female -- means 'rebirth' from anastacia -- Greek origin."


And... http://dictionary.referen...anesthesia

an·aes·the·sia = pronouced as annis-theezha (with a long E sound) -- not quite the same as stesia (with a short e sound)

Snap said:

So if it stems from the name Natasha, it must be pronounced like anastasha, instead of like "Satcy."

Either way, Prince didn't use it for this particular song, that I'm aware of.


Are you listening to the way Prince is saying it? He is pronouncing it: annis-theezha (with a long E sound). He only spelled it "Stesia."

destinyismine said:

Girl, go out and get Lovesexy, NOW!!! Your life will not be complete w/out it, trust me!!

LovesexyIsThe1 said:

Great stuff!

It must be one of Princes favorites also. He named his son Gregory. So sad he lost him.

LovesexyIsThe1 said:

Interesting how we hear it differently. It's so close, I guess you could hear it either way. My girlfriend was named "Anastacia" and she pronounced it as "anna stesia" not "anaesthesia" -- personally, I don't like anaesthesia, the stuff makes me ill, so maybe that's why I'm blocking out that pronunciation?

PRNelson said:

those screams sold me on the song.