I've been listening to the lyrics of "The Ladder" and I don't know if anyone if familiar with a 12 step program, but the lyrics sound so alot like someone in recovery.

"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...."

That was probably written 4 some of his addicted/alcoholic employees.

dseann said:

It's absolutely true, Prince is an alcoholic, 'The Ladder' proves it.

'Calhoun Square' explains his agoraphobic tendencies.

He suffers from arachnophobia: 'The Word'..

He considered not performing 'Purple Rain' due to hydrophobia

And of course he's been an acrophobic causing him to give up wearing heels regularly.

langebleu said:

dseann said:

If you've ever read the Bible you would know the answer. No Prince is not a recovering addict but you must be since you know all about it,

wlcm2thdwn said:

ever counseled anybody less fortunate?
ever listened/truly listened to another human being's problems?

dseann said:

That was a good answer to a snide remark.

My take is that Prince is not either a recovering alcoholic or addict. He's not known to be a drunk or a drug user.

RodeoSchro said:

I guess it's just where my head is at right now. there are more references which can be made throughout the song, and I found it very interesting.

The 12 steps are spirital. So it would make a lot of sence that a lot of Prince's music could be identified with it.

Has Prince taken drugs? Maybe.

Has Prince ever been drunk? Very likely.

Is Prince a recovering addict? I don;t believe so

In my opinion, I think he has probably had bad reactions to both drink and maybe drugs. So he chooses not to take either.

Prince is addicted to Prince

langebleu said:

don't forget he's also xenophobic since he has a song called xenophobia

darrenj said:

with the rumours about why he didnt realse the black album makes u think he proberly did do drugs

There's been complaints, from musicians who worked with Prince during highly productive years, who would be expected to be up for a day or two without sleep, recording music, and were exhausted. That's not natural. Just a saying.

dseann said:

that is wlcm2thdwn, always has the most inspiring posts here, cant see the wood from the trees but can lift us all up with replies that even a 2 yr old would be ashamed of, but what can you do when you live in a cardboard box..... simply let the hate out on those around you

Whitnail said:

Forest for the trees....."Can't see the forest, for the trees" is the saying.
Unless this is a new spin? Oh! Woods. The English might say that.

langebleu said:

Thanks, langebleu for your words of wisdom!

NDRU said:

hahaa, true! Prince has an infatuation with himself and takes himself too seriously sometimes.

Prince seems to drink a lot in Under the Cherry Moon, but I don't think he was really into drink or drugs, music is his high. My interpretation of The Ladder is that it's about spiritual attainment.

Prince just suffers from anxiety..trying to accomplish as much spiritual work as He can while He is still living...Bless his heart.

I think Prince avoided alcohol most of his adult life because it contains dihydrogen monoxide, right?

Who's with me on this?!?

dseann said:

it's Bible related ..

Quote from Jon Ewing's book 'Prince':

"Like all truly great artists, Prince is sick."
Melody Maker

...

langebleu said:

langebleu said:

you are a complete idiot. the song is clearly about him having a fear of walking under ladders. you see, prince is very superstitious. you know how on the sott dvd, during housequake, he says "ain't that a bitch? i think it's -- " and then suddenly stops and yells "CAT!!!" and looks around, alarmed? it is because prince has just seen a black cat run across the stage in front of him, which he thinks will bring him bad luck

theghostoftonym said:

I stand corrected - I must have confused alcoholism with ailurophobia

on a normal day, he's clean.

lottielooloo1968 said:

what's a normal day?

Whitnail said:

In answer to the question, as others have said, the song is spiritual.

wlcm2thdwn said:

Not a very nice reply wlcm2thdwn if they actually do know about it... The words 'open' and 'minded' can't be used with you or the word 'sympathy' eh!

xplnyrslf said:

Yep I agree, although its known he likes to work at night. I think people are naive to think hes never drank or taken drugs.

xplnyrslf said:

I know some people who don't sleep very much, and I don't think they're on drugs. But I don't think they're healthy or normal, either!

There's some right bollocks written on this forum sometimes