I guess I am not what prince might deem as mindfree...

can anyone explain this song to me?

I always thought it has to do with a religious icon.

hummph, just as I expected...

It has to do with a girl that Suzanna went to school with...Cynthia. Cynthia was mentally delayed (some call this retarded) and the song is about that. And how Cynthia may seem more ignorant than us but is still of clearer mind to be happy because of it. Something like that.

But it is about a delayed person named Cynthia. No religious icons of any kind.

And after u rxplain it 2 mickg then explain it 2 me!

I can listen to the words too. The part I don't get is ...


Starfish and coffee
Maple surpe and jam
something something something
and a side order of ham.

IF YOU SET YOUR MIND FREE, MAYBE YOU WILL UNDERSTAND....

Understand what?

I'm thinking you all don't understand.

funny how all those who pride themselves as "individuals" criticize those who truly are
it's more fun living outside the rules, limits, and taboos of the status quo, ain't it?

btw, vegans don't eat starfish
have y'all noticed the difference?

Snap said:

I don't think I have ever know anyone to eat a starfish.

it could be symbolic of a scarlet pussy... sorry, no idea otherwise.

1nonly said:

for one the girl was Autistic, which has absolutely nothing to do with the "R" word.i for one am offended by that word, because my sister was Physically challenged and the R word is just ignorant. not saying you are of course,but my 2 cents is added

MickG said:

haha me either

I always thought "Starfish and Coffee" was about using your imagination. Seeing things differently and not always taking everything on face value.

People used to laugh at the idea of the world being round !!

Prince is telling us to stay open minded because we don't know everything.

Starfish and Coffee is like a childlike analogy.

MickG said:

i always took it he was saying that there are many ways to enjoy life if your willing to open yourself to appreciating them. the fact that cynthia rose had a disability and appreciated odd things didnt take away from her happiness.

sosgemini said:

There you go, hit the nail right on the head.

Oh, and IAINTTHEONE....I symphathize with you 100%. I too don't like the R word. Totally unappropriate. I should have been more outward with my feelings on the use of that terrible word.

And yes, I stand corrected, Cynthia Rose was not dealyed, but rather autistic. You're definitely right on the mark there.

And with that, I respectfully give you back your two cents.
[Edited 1/12/06 9:44am]

From the official website:

http://www.love4oneanother.com/ask.htm (link no longer effective)

4/30/98

U: There's been a discussion going on around the 'net about what "Starfish and Coffee" means. Can u explain that song?
Is it about a mentally challenged girl?

: Let's say mentally alternative, or "gifted," shall we?

.

langebleu said:

Autistic children, hear what we dont believe it or not,there's many levels to it,the most case is severe, where they dont speak and can only function by sign and its extremely frustrating for them, because the child knows what he/she wants to say but cannot find the means to express it. so mentally alternative?.. yes gifted? i would say so. because an autistic child is on another level that we cant even get to.

IAintTheOne said:

It sounds like the character in the song is in regular shcool so if she is autistic it's probably something like Asperger Syndrome. Some experts think Einstein himself had Asperger along with Isaac Newton and Glen Gould.
[Edited 1/12/06 14:21pm]

MickG said:

yes please explain, its a good song with the music but the words were crazy

craig, vocalist/guitarist of 'The Vines' also has Asperger Syndrome

It's about the 4th level on SuperMario 3.

he's just kicking back laid back feeling good. likes good love, good food and good views

MickG said:

You don't know WHAT you are missing.

MickG said:

The song is about a mentally challenged girl. Cynthia Rose's story is a metaphor for being different and the ability to embrace being different in a positive fashion by opening your mind to the experience.

babynoz said:

Aren't we ALL different ?

Who is the same as anyone ?

pepper7 said:

"If u set ur mind free baby, maybe u'll understand"

I always thought it was about drugs.

"Me and lucy opened it when cynthia wasn’t around
Lucy cried, I almost died, u know what we found?"

Starfish= fried eggs & coffee
maple syrup & jam
butterschotch clouds = pancakes a tangering
and a side order of ham.

When I set my mind free this is what I found.

Or was that just the munchies?

i dove for starfish
but i didnt eat them


it has been 2 years i got them in greece and dried them out in the sun

is it ok to eat them now?

i'll make sure i have them with coffee