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Prince's fascination with death "Prince está muerto."
So the woman's voice intoned during Prince's 1990s projects, during the span of time when he chose to go by the  symbol. It seemed to symbolize his desire to transcend the mundane and escape the painful, contentious parts of that period. During that period -- and someone probably has the shot -- he was photographed in a black-and-white image, sprawled out on his back, as if dead.
But, death has figured fairly heavily in Prince's work for much of his career. He's made three feature films. In each one, death is a major plot device:
UTCM -- Prince's character is fatally shot by his love interest's power-mad father. Two songs from the accompanying project have references to death. Graffiti Bridge -- His love interest/muse, Aura, is killed in a fatal accident. Prince later crowd-surfs in a crucified-and-dead manner, while performing "Still Would Stand All Time." Some random lyrics and songs that feature death references:
Another Lonely Christmas -- all about a dead lover Paisley Park -- "he died without knowing forgiveness..." Temptation -- Presumably God says, "You don't -- now DIE," in judging Prince. Electric Chair -- Prince asks for the electric chair, in light of his sins. Papa -- Prince returns to the suicidal-father motif, in a song about abuse. Last Heart -- Prince warns a lover that his would be that last heart she'd ever break. Sexual Suicide -- Suicide is a metaphor for the sexual death an abandoning lover would experience, he warns. Shy -- A gangbanging teen shoots someone twice in the head 3 Chains O' Gold -- "If one of us has to go, you will go before me," he warns his lover. Got a Broken Heart Again -- Prince presumably commits suicide over an ex. Dead on It -- "the only good rapper is one who's dead ... on it." Bob George -- Prince's character murders his lover and has a shootout with the cops. The whole song, a satire, is a violent send-up of jealousy run amok. Planet Earth -- "imagine you could rid the Earth of anyone you choose..." Lion of Judah -- Prince wishes for his enemies to be struck down, like God is shown doing to His enemies in the Bible. There are many recurring themes in Prince's music, but death figures pretty prominently as a literary and visual topic in his music. What are the roots? What are the resulting impressions? | |
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Don't forget The Undertaker too.
I'd remove Dead on It from the list, though. He's using "dead" more in the sense of "fixed in place," like "deadline" or (as a pun) "dead as a door nail" in that song, imo. | |
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wow, i have to think about this one .. although, i thought the Purple Rain scenes were a metaphor of Prince saying his dad killed his career, and he might end up doing the same?.. that's what i thought, but then too u're right, his songs around death is something to think about | |
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Twiki said: Don't forget The Undertaker too.
I'd remove Dead on It from the list, though. He's using "dead" more in the sense of "fixed in place," like "deadline" or (as a pun) "dead as a door nail" in that song, imo. I agree he uses it as a metaphor, as he does on other songs. I could have included "Face Down," too...  | |
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ThreadBare said: Twiki said: Don't forget The Undertaker too.
I'd remove Dead on It from the list, though. He's using "dead" more in the sense of "fixed in place," like "deadline" or (as a pun) "dead as a door nail" in that song, imo. I agree he uses it as a metaphor, as he does on other songs. I could have included "Face Down," too...  | |
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"Let's Pretend We're Married" (I'm going 2 another life"), "Everlasting Now" ("If U should die before U wake...) and "Last December" too.
To your original question, though, I don't know if Prince has an above-average fixation on death. He does use it a lot, but it may stem from his intense religious feelings. He seems to have always struggled with religion and spirituality, and that has probably led him to think about death (and what happens after it) a lot. In his view, though, he might argue that he doesn't think about death a lot; instead, other people don't think about it enough. | |
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I think the most memorable Prince "death" performance was 1994 on David Letterman where he made a gun out of his hand and pointed it at his head and dropped his body to the ground while an angel-like dancer (Mayte?) stroked his face as he shook on the floor. | |
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Twiki said: "Let's Pretend We're Married" (I'm going 2 another life"), "Everlasting Now" ("If U should die before U wake...) and "Last December" too.
To your original question, though, I don't know if Prince has an above-average fixation on death. He does use it a lot, but it may stem from his intense religious feelings. He seems to have always struggled with religion and spirituality, and that has probably led him to think about death (and what happens after it) a lot. In his view, though, he might argue that he doesn't think about death a lot; instead, other people don't think about it enough.  Afterall, Death is a fact of Life  | |
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Flowerz said: wow, i have to think about this one .. although, i thought the Purple Rain scenes were a metaphor of Prince saying his dad killed his career, and he might end up doing the same?.. that's what i thought, but then too u're right, his songs around death is something to think about
I'd think that would be really right on, were there not so many other scenes of violence in Purple Rain. Death (or its implication) really comes as a logical conclusion, given all the fighting and abuse that occur earlier in the film. [Edited 5/31/08 9:50am] | |
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Omigod! I was just listening to Under the cherry moon and wondering why he was saying "If nobody kills me or I die soon" and I was saying why does he think like that? I think he might have had a death wish at one time. but I know he use to get LOTS of death threats when big chick was his bodyguard, a lot of folks said he was the Devil! 
As a boy Prince must have been afraid a lot, he said the kids at school teased him for being short and quiet, and he left home at 12 yrs old, he probably spent many fear filled nights alone. I also think that in his adulthood he is afraid of somethings. Fearul people think a lot about death. [Edited 5/31/08 14:37pm] | |
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i wasnt aware there was any such thing
unless u count cyber-murder or cyber-suicide life goes on for me. here, there, anywhere really. its good like that.  I LOVE MYSELF | |
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I think it's not an unusual or overly used theme in his music. Certainly not as prevalent as sex in his early career or religion nowadays. My favorites that touch the subject are :
Comeback One of your tears 1999 4 the tears in your eyes Let's Go Crazy I would die for you The Cross Wasted Kisses Last December I do think his attitude has changed toward it to be more positive/accepting if that's possible. | |
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I've actually wondered that about his earlier music. It seemed like Prince was all caught up with the apocalypse with songs like 1999 and Lets Go Crazy and Moonbeam Levels. I never associated it with God but it makes sense in this case. Interesting  I'm not a fan of "old Prince". I'm not a fan of "new Prince". I'm just a fan of Prince. Simple as that | |
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ThreadBare said: "Prince está muerto."
So the woman's voice intoned during Prince's 1990s projects, during the span of time when he chose to go by the symbol. It seemed to symbolize his desire to transcend the mundane and escape the painful, contentious parts of that period. During that period -- and someone probably has the shot -- he was photographed in a black-and-white image, sprawled out on his back, as if dead.
But, death has figured fairly heavily in Prince's work for much of his career. He's made three feature films. In each one, death is a major plot device:
UTCM -- Prince's character is fatally shot by his love interest's power-mad father. Two songs from the accompanying project have references to death. Graffiti Bridge -- His love interest/muse, Aura, is killed in a fatal accident. Prince later crowd-surfs in a crucified-and-dead manner, while performing "Still Would Stand All Time." Some random lyrics and songs that feature death references:
Another Lonely Christmas -- all about a dead lover Paisley Park -- "he died without knowing forgiveness..." Temptation -- Presumably God says, "You don't -- now DIE," in judging Prince. Electric Chair -- Prince asks for the electric chair, in light of his sins. Papa -- Prince returns to the suicidal-father motif, in a song about abuse. Last Heart -- Prince warns a lover that his would be that last heart she'd ever break. Sexual Suicide -- Suicide is a metaphor for the sexual death an abandoning lover would experience, he warns. Shy -- A gangbanging teen shoots someone twice in the head 3 Chains O' Gold -- "If one of us has to go, you will go before me," he warns his lover. Got a Broken Heart Again -- Prince presumably commits suicide over an ex. Dead on It -- "the only good rapper is one who's dead ... on it." Bob George -- Prince's character murders his lover and has a shootout with the cops. The whole song, a satire, is a violent send-up of jealousy run amok. Planet Earth -- "imagine you could rid the Earth of anyone you choose..." Lion of Judah -- Prince wishes for his enemies to be struck down, like God is shown doing to His enemies in the Bible. There are many recurring themes in Prince's music, but death figures pretty prominently as a literary and visual topic in his music. What are the roots? What are the resulting impressions? | |
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purplecam said: I've actually wondered that about his earlier music. It seemed like Prince was all caught up with the apocalypse with songs like 1999 and Lets Go Crazy and Moonbeam Levels. I never associated it with God but it makes sense in this case. Interesting
I remember him saying that 1999 came about because people seemed to be caught up in pre Y2K angst. He felt as though he would be fine as long he could party, so he wrote a song about it sorta. | |
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ejnbmore said: purplecam said: I've actually wondered that about his earlier music. It seemed like Prince was all caught up with the apocalypse with songs like 1999 and Lets Go Crazy and Moonbeam Levels. I never associated it with God but it makes sense in this case. Interesting
I remember him saying that 1999 came about because people seemed to be caught up in pre Y2K angst. He felt as though he would be fine as long he could party, so he wrote a song about it sorta. And that same idea he had for 1999 seems to be the same one for Lets Go Crazy. I'm not a fan of "old Prince". I'm not a fan of "new Prince". I'm just a fan of Prince. Simple as that | |
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He's a closetted Goth. | |
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I always thought Prince was very fascinated with life and living it to the fullest. The search for answers is what drew me to him. Wondering what it is all about, and truly caring and searching for what this world his all about. His music speaks of death, but in retrospect, he is positive with concerns about the planet, good health, animals, love4oneanother (charity), and living life to the max.
Here's to many more years of Prince and his music! "Life can be so nice. It's a wonderful world, sweet paradise. Kiss me once, kiss me twice. Life can be so nice, so nice." "We need love & honestly, peace & harmony. Positivity - Hold on 2 your soul. Don't kiss the beast, be superior at least. Hold on 2 your soul, hold on 2 your soul. We got a long, long way 2 go." "Everybody's looking for the ladder, Everybody's looking for salvation of the soul."  [Edited 6/5/08 10:30am] | |
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Good thread, Thread. I definately noticed this before. I first noticed it in the song Controversy. It has a morbid like aura to the lyrics and he mentions "some people wanna die". Annie Christian is similar as well. But definately on the 1999 album with tracks like 1999, Lady Cab Driver, Automatic, Let's Pretend We're Married and the unrealesed "Moonbeam Levels" all refer to him dying or death. He gestures with his hand as a gun pointing to his head and pulling the trigger in the video "Automatic". Yeah, it was definately there starting from Controversy. But as I have made mention before on here, other things came out in P's music starting from this album as well. SynthiaRose said "I'm in love with blackguitaristz. Especially when he talks about Hendrix."
nammie "What BGZ says I believe. I have the biggest crush on him." http://ccoshea19.googlepa...ssanctuary http://ccoshea19.googlepages.com | |
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Don't know if Prince is really fascinated with death or sees death as being a part of life. We all die eventually. Some people are just more aware of their own mortality and don't take life for granted but view life as a gift from God.
I don't think that Prince ever had a death-wish, but is more fascinated by what happens after death. love the one who is Love! | |
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GiGi319 said: Some people are just more aware of their own mortality and don't take life for granted but view life as a gift from God.
I don't think that Prince ever had a death-wish, but is more fascinated by what happens after death. I agree, Prince is fascinated about the after-life,and searches for answers in his life now. I think that he speaks of death sometimes to shed some light and make a point. For instance in Dolphin, ref. the lyrics below, the song is all about caring, and having compassion. Dolphin Lyrics Artist: Prince (Buy Prince CDs) Album: The Gold Experience How beautiful do the words have 2 be Before they conquer every heart? How will U know if I'm even in the right key If U make me stop before I start? CHORUS: If I came back as a dolphin Would U listen 2 me then? Would U let me be your friend? Would U let me in? U can cut off all my fins But 2 your ways I will not bend I'll die before I let U tell me how 2 swim And I'll come back again as a dolphin Why does my brother have 2 go hungry When U told him there was food 4 all? This is the man that stands next 2 the man That stands 2 catch U when U fall (Oh!) CHORUS If I'm under water, will U find me? (Find me {x4}) Will U shine a light and try 2 guide me? It's happened before, I've knocked on your door But U wouldn't let me in How beautiful do the words have 2 be Before they conquer every heart? (Oh!) If I came back as a dolphin Would U listen 2 me then? Would U let me be your friend? Would U let me in? U can cut off all my fins But 2 your ways I will not bend I'll die before I let U tell me how 2 swim Come back in the end as a dolphin (Oh) (I'll come back, baby) (Let me in, let me in) As a dolphin (Be my friend) Dolphin (Yeah, yeah) Dolphin As a dolphin As a dolphin As a dolphin ----- Chill ? I'm only stating my opnion....that's my opinion. Others speak their's, this is mine. Peace! [Edited 6/5/08 12:28pm] | |
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Cinnie said: I think the most memorable Prince "death" performance was 1994 on David Letterman where he made a gun out of his hand and pointed it at his head and dropped his body to the ground while an angel-like dancer (Mayte?) stroked his face as he shook on the floor.
Ya'll didn't see this shit?^^ | |
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Cinnie said: Cinnie said: I think the most memorable Prince "death" performance was 1994 on David Letterman where he made a gun out of his hand and pointed it at his head and dropped his body to the ground while an angel-like dancer (Mayte?) stroked his face as he shook on the floor.
Ya'll didn't see this shit?^^ ----- Yes _ EYE did - and it was this below.....and it was beautiful, and it was all about compassion. DIG? How beautiful do the words have 2 be Before they conquer every heart? How will U know if I'm even in the right key If U make me stop before I start? CHORUS: If I came back as a dolphin Would U listen 2 me then? Would U let me be your friend? Would U let me in? U can cut off all my fins But 2 your ways I will not bend I'll die before I let U tell me how 2 swim And I'll come back again as a dolphin Why does my brother have 2 go hungry When U told him there was food 4 all? This is the man that stands next 2 the man That stands 2 catch U when U fall (Oh!) CHORUS If I'm under water, will U find me? (Find me {x4}) Will U shine a light and try 2 guide me? It's happened before, I've knocked on your door But U wouldn't let me in How beautiful do the words have 2 be Before they conquer every heart? (Oh!) If I came back as a dolphin Would U listen 2 me then? Would U let me be your friend? Would U let me in? U can cut off all my fins But 2 your ways I will not bend I'll die before I let U tell me how 2 swim Come back in the end as a dolphin (Oh) (I'll come back, baby) (Let me in, let me in) As a dolphin (Be my friend) Dolphin (Yeah, yeah) Dolphin As a dolphin As a dolphin As a dolphin Peace, Love, and understand! and it wasn't _ _ _ _ It WAS BEAUTIFUL! [Edited 6/5/08 17:45pm] | |
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Oh yeahhh I forgot it was "Dolphin". | |
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EchoofmySoul said: it was all about compassion. DIG?
How beautiful do the words have 2 be Before they conquer every heart? How will U know if I'm even in the right key If U make me stop before I start? CHORUS: If I came back as a dolphin Would U listen 2 me then? Would U let me be your friend? Would U let me in? U can cut off all my fins But 2 your ways I will not bend I'll die before I let U tell me how 2 swim And I'll come back again as a dolphin Why does my brother have 2 go hungry When U told him there was food 4 all? This is the man that stands next 2 the man That stands 2 catch U when U fall (Oh!) CHORUS If I'm under water, will U find me? (Find me {x4}) Will U shine a light and try 2 guide me? It's happened before, I've knocked on your door But U wouldn't let me in How beautiful do the words have 2 be Before they conquer every heart? (Oh!) If I came back as a dolphin Would U listen 2 me then? Would U let me be your friend? Would U let me in? U can cut off all my fins But 2 your ways I will not bend I'll die before I let U tell me how 2 swim Come back in the end as a dolphin (Oh) (I'll come back, baby) (Let me in, let me in) As a dolphin (Be my friend) Dolphin (Yeah, yeah) Dolphin As a dolphin As a dolphin As a dolphin Peace, Love, and understand! Love is better than sex I'd never settle for less.  I LOVE MYSELF | |
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Folks, you're limiting your thoughts -- in large part -- to the examination of death as a part of life's journey.
Let me be clear: I get that -- this thread's not just about that. If Prince's references to death were solely about leaving one spiritual plane for another, that would be different. But much of Prince's references to death are about violent death. Suicide as a recurring theme. Murder. Please, as much as as his song lyrics and imagery incorporate violent death (not just detached ponderings of death by natural causes), it is my wish for this discussion to do the same. What are the roots? What are the implications? How are they viewed, when juxtaposed with his overtly sexual image and lyrics? With his "shy," withdrawn and introverted offstage persona? | |
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ThreadBare said: But much of Prince's references to death are about violent death. Suicide as a recurring theme. Murder. What are the roots? 
 | |
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I'm going to ask this as politely and sincerely as I can:
There's a segment at the Org who feels the need to defend Prince from criticism or analysis. Many of that contingent often respond with nonsensical posts -- be they cryptic images or gibberish that enlightens no one and annoys most others. Whether you're more than one person, one very bored Orger or -- heaven forbid -- people in Prince's employ, if I'm describing you, please, take it to another thread. Please. . [Edited 6/5/08 18:42pm] | |
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ThreadBare said: I'm going to ask this as politely and sincerely as I can:
There's a segment at the Org who feels the need to defend Prince from criticism or analysis. Many of that contingent often respond with nonsensical posts -- be they cryptic images or gibberish that enlightens no one and annoys most others. Whether you're more than one person, one very bored Orger or -- heaven forbid -- people in Prince's employ, if I'm describing you, please, take it to another thread. Please. .. you know what.. this is the whole problem.. i did have a comment to post, but i erased it.. and it was about the occult (which, in my opinion, is playing a huge role in all this).. but you have folks ready to bomb u for saying anything against Prince (even if it's truth) | |
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