Has anybody ever thought about, what Prince is going to do after he's done sueing numerous web-sites? Let's say, he wins every case. Is he going to be happy?
I don't think this is about his music at all. Since the very beginning Prince seemed to play the forever, misunderstood rebel. He always has to fight somebody on some kind of level. His parents didn't seem to understand him,
WB did him wrong, his numerous girl-friends didn't seem to understand him,
both his marriages didn't work out, the internet is doing him wrong, his fans don't seem to understand him. He drops his friends, band-members, lovers, employees like a bad habit. With the exception of maybe Sheila E. and Graham. (But who knows how much crap they had to take from him over the years.)
Nobody seems to love poor Princey the way he needs to be loved. The whole world seems to be against him.
His art belongs to him only. Nobody has the right to his music but himself.
He has to be in control at all times. He's always out to prove something to somebody.
Even the cocky behavior, that he displays so frequently, seems just another way of self-defense.

Not for one second do I believe that Prince is happy and at peace with himself. Happy people don't fight and sue everyone who comes their way! Happy people don't push people away, that love and respect them.
I think his music is the only way he can deal with his life. His music makes his life bearable. Without his music he would be a very lonely man.
Prince seems to be his biggest enemy!
I hope that one day he can get over, whatever hurt him so deeply, so he could finally stop fighting everyone who tries to get close to him or his music.
He is loved by so many people, but I don't think he ever really felt loved and accepted.

Bringing light to the Truth

He is aware though..... Thats why he's off to study the bible, *to sort his soul/heart/head out*

Well, if a person's looking for something to fight or rebel against...

there's plenty to find in this world.

leave the guy alone!

GiGi319 said:

Interesting!!

I'm still holding on to a very slim glimmer of hope that this whole debacle was perpetrated by some moronic minion while Prince was busy with his London shows, that can easily be publicly humiliated and fired and Prince makes it up to us with a huge year long Anniversary Celebration starting in January!!

However, if that isn't the case, your assessment certainly offers a lot to think about!

GiGi319 said:

You hit the nail on the head!

Don't say that there isn't a beautiful girl in the world that would love him like a bullet shield...I'd be a shield for food and bored.

Tame said:

I think you may be right.

Wow very profound.... sounds like you have some psychology background or if at best have read some books in that field at least, hey I wouldn't mind sittin on your couch for a session, I got some issues to

lillybleu said:

dont we all..

GiGi319 said:

What you describe can be explained in psychological terms. Prince may have an underlying negative core belief that he holds about himself such as, "I'm unlovable", or something to that effect. This may have developed from his early experiences irrespective of whether it was/is 'the truth' e.g., his parents/others may indeed have loved him, however, it was his interpretation of those experiences as a boy that counts. If, as an adult, he still holds onto this negative belief at an unconscious level, that he is unlovable, then it's likely that on one level he'll sabotage his relationships with himself, others and the world, in order to confirm this belief (self-confirmatory belief). Yes, this can lead to a pattern of self-destructive behaviour, as we have seen.

On another level, this lack of internal validation sets into motion an endless desire to seek external validation (he does seem to crave his celebrity status). However, this is not sustainable in disconfirming his negative belief about himself, so he will likely go from one external validator (a fine woman, a hit record, playing to adoring crowds, for example) to the next (another fine woman, another hit record, playing to yet more adoring crowds). But ultimately this is a never ending and unsatisfying cycle (although it could be argued that an endless ride with fine women does have its benefits). What you are left with remains the negative underlying belief, "I'm unlovable", and untimately, a feeling of being very alone. His music, or rather his relationship with music (an element within his control), most likely provides him with a sense of unconditional positive regard. And perhaps not surprisingly, his music is the only means through which he has developed a relationship that has lasted.

Very interesting ! I subscribe to most that is said, but let's not forget the religious factor.

It is not only music that gives Prince the unconditional love he craves for but also his god Jehova. The only thing his god wants from him is prayer and devotion. You could consider that as almost unconditional.

I would have hoped that his membership of a religious brotherhood would reinforce his self-image and self worth, because it would enable him to identify with the "good men" who have welcomed him into their group without demanding too much from him on an emotional level.

In earlier interviews he has hinted about a fragmented identity (Oprah interview : "there's two of us in me, we don't know the sex of the other one yet")
That made me wonder if he suffers from multiple personality disorder ? It would certainly explain the quirky behaviour and the controversy surrounding him.
[Edited 10/2/07 5:13am]

Anji said:

You're right Anji, I agree with everything you've stated here!
His music is the only lasting relationship in his life. Therefore he needs to be able to be in total control over his music. Music is his way of relating, and communicating with people. In his music he is able to pour his heart out. Through his music he is able to express his needs, without the fear of being rejected. With his music he is able to attract everything he graves: Attention, fame, money, and the most beautiful young women.(Let's face it: He wouldn't be able to get all these women, if he wasn't rich and famous. The average guy with an average 9-5 job is not able to pick and choose like that! )
The problem is, fame and fortune is able to attract eye-candy, but unable to attract the woman that really loves Prince, the person. There is a man,the public doesn't know and who is hiding behind the music. A man who seems very hurt, very vulnerable, sensitive and insecure.
I hope Prince finds a way to sort out some deep-rooted issues.(The bible is a good start)
If he can't find a way to truely love himself (the person behind the music), he will never feel loved by any woman (no matter how young and beautiful!), or anybody else!

i would never judge someone based on what some other person said. Instead i would go by what Prince says about himself, when he wants to share it.

LittleSister said:

The religious dimension in Prince's world is a fascinating one and one which requires attention as it has evolved in many intricate ways. In terms of Prince's relationship with God, I attempted to look at that in terms of his concept of self-worth through this thread:

http://prince.org/msg/105/228934?&pg=1

It's a complicated issue, and as you can see, we didn't get very far but I would have liked to explore it more. Perhaps, we can do so here.
[Edited 10/2/07 10:17am]

GiGi319 said:

I think your last sentence above is an extremely important one in Prince's psychological make-up. Someone who has not been socialised on an emotional and relational level during their youth may often find it difficult to, in a sense, negotiate with others on issues, relationships, different ways of being etc. Thus, things are often seen as or constructed as black or white, this or that, now or then, my way or the highway. There is rarely any middle ground or agreeing to disagree. It reminds me of the analogy I often think of when viewing Prince, which is that of the lone wolf in the wilderness. It's his survival strategy and has been for many, many years. Afterall, let's not forget, this strategy itself has brought him enormous success on many levels, as you go onto explain. Thus, one might think, why change?
[Edited 10/2/07 10:28am]

You guys are making me cry! It's very insightful into his character but kind of painful to read!

ReginaCarman said:

So when you say ;"Prince is loving and caring" ( like you've stated in so many of your posts), you don't judge Prince? Has he shared that with you personally?
Do you know for a fact, that Prince is loving and caring or do you want him to be loving and caring? Unless you know Prince on a personal level, your statement is an assumption and therefore judgemental as well!
To judge means by definition:forming an opinion by descerning and comparing.

It is very sweet of you, that you think so highly of Prince and by no means am I trying to bash your idol here. Like most of his fans, I wish nothing but the best for him. But I refuse to put Prince on a pedestal and view him as this perfect entity, that can do no wrong. Prince has his share of issues and shortcomings, just like the rest of us. The only difference between you and me, and Prince: He chose a profession and a way of life that put him in the public eye.

OldJoke said:

Sorry!
I never meant to cause you any sorrow,
I never meant to cause you any pain,
I only want to see you laughing in the purple rain

GiGi319 said:

Thanks for the

I love you almost as much as Prince! now...

j/k

OldJoke said:

I love you too, whoever you are!

Agree with most of what you wrote, OP. I'm not sure what the hell he's doing anymore, and Lord know he has nothing much left to prove to anyone. You'd think he'd lighten up more, and I suppose, to some extent, he has over the years, It's strange. The guy will give away (a pretty weak) album, and then threaten to sue a website that offers people the chance to view the Super Bowl performance for free.

I think at this stage of his life, his first and foremost concern is with being Prince - and all that goes with it - and, unfortunately a bit less about the music. He's beginning to bore me to some degree.

OldJoke said:

Illustrator said:

What a wuss this rebel guy is...