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Princes social commentary music - the best he ever had. er did? so i thought id start off a list of Princes social commentary music, i was going to say political but decided to incorporate his religious and social stuff too.
Id like your thoughts about particular songs, likes dislikes but no harping on about content you dont agree with. Im thinkin more down the line of as a song does it stand up, is it good despite its content, can you separate the two things? do you think its his best work as opposed to his best funk. I think his social commentary works are very well written both lyrically and musically, they work very well and are well thought out. no dodgy rhymes for the sake of it, a complete thought process gotten across in a catchy song. dillon was known for his political music but i think prince has made far more than any other recording artist? or am I wrong, off the top of my head here are a few that come to mind but seein as my harddrive went up the swanny and Ive lost everything, without referring to my itunes list I cant remember any more. Ill add more as I think of them. not in any particular order: Dear Mr Man SOTT right the wrong TRC the word walk dont walk The ladder race cinnamon girl please add to the list [Edited 9/25/09 5:24am] walk with crooked shoes www.myspace/syblepurplelishous | |
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I'm digging Colonized Mind "If you wanted to buy a Sam Cooke album, where would you go?" | |
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what about these great songs...
The Cross America Free Annie Christian ? Prince 4Ever.  | |
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Free
Annie Christian Sexuality Party Up America Paisley Park Hello Sign O The Times The Cross Positivity Dance On Money Don't Matter 2 Nite Live 4 Love Race Right The Wrong Cinnamon Girl Dear Mr. Man Colonized Mind 2045: Radical Man One Song Peace S.S.T. Silicon When Will We B Paid? Da Da Da .....to name a few. [Edited 9/25/09 11:59am] | |
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i love stevie wonders song..Free. THE B EST BE YOURSELF AS LONG AS YOUR SELF ISNT A DYCK[/r]
**....Someti | |
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I have my likes and dislikes about the songs, sometimes they're separated, sometimes not. I can't compare as to whether these are his best work or not compared to his funk because 1. I don't know all his music 2. it's very hard to compare such diverse styles.
Mr Man - I liked this song immediately because it's laid back, catchy and smooth and the "what's wrong with the world today" stuck in my head. I had to go and read the lyrics on line to get the full message. Now I realise how "full" the content is & why I didn't pick it all up. I don't dislike the title, but I do think the letter could have been written to someone more specific than Mr Man, which seems a bit vague and therefore detracts from the excellent song message, which I seemed to have missed, but I think it's because the lyrics are a little too elaborate to be easily taken onboard. SOTT - I have always and still find this one electrifying & powerful, both in music and words. Way back then he was talking about all these things that would be happening over the next 20 years. Aids, drugs, rapper gangs, hurricanes, the crap on the news, space exploration instead of feeding the hungry etc. Only lyrics that bother me are the songs end. About falling in love, get married have a baby and calling it Nate. It's a hard song to end because the lyrics are so strong throughout. The song starts with a bang though.... the title is perfect & the lyrics fuse dynamically with the sound. An all -around work of art. Right the wrong - I like this. Especially the intro about the Indian women being buried somewhere & the chorus. But I can't pick up the lyrics easily & they're not in the cd booklet or online. The title is clear and speaks to me. I like the natural elements in the lyrics, "the sun's gonna shine that day, the wilderness" but that's all I can remember for now. Doesn't matter though because the song is musically interesting & I find myself humming the tune while brushing my teeth in the morning. At around 2.51m it's awfully funky & the "weather man likes the rain ,ain't that insane" makes me smile. Only part I don't like in the song is the male chanting of the title line at the end... but the actual ending reminds me of a song from the Purple rain album and the last line spoken is effective. Strong ending and beginning also makes a song complete for me in my mind. TRC - I don't know or have this tune. I only know about The Green Children. The word - I had to look up from which album this was because it hasn't made it to my ipod.  I LOVE the guitar and music in the beginning, it sounds gorgeously Spanish.I like the part where it goes from speaker to speaker and at 3.51 the percussion part. But why don't I like this song? It has nothing to do with the lyrics coz I didn't even bother to listen to them so I missed the message completely Now of course, I've read them online. For my personal taste, the influx of words, ie. too many, overpower the essence of the music. It's as if when the music starts, you're walking along a sunset beach. Cool. Then the words start. It's like a few seagulls, gracefully flying above. That's all ok. but as the song progresses, there are more and more words; more and more gulls, arriving now in a nosiy flock and they obliterate the mood. From 1.47m onwards the song gets heavier and loses the original soft Spanish feel. Sounds more like pure Santana. So the song although I like parts, I can't like it as a whole. The funny thing is, I heard "funky town" instead of "forked tongue" because I pronounce "forked" /forkt/not "fork - ed."
Walk don't walk - In essence this is a pretty song but I have never remembered any lyrics except for the first and last line of the first verse. It's the chorus that I don't like in this song. The music or the words. The Ladder - I don't have this cd but I had the cassette years ago. I liked this song & I know the words had more of an impact on me than the music. I love the line "everybody's looking for the ladder, everybody wants salvation of the soul." Now when I re-read the lyrics to remind myself, the part about the King and Elektra, reminds me of Suzanne Vega's "The Queen and the soldier." I also re-member the "Everybody's looking 4 the answers How the story started and how it will end, What's the use in half a story, half a dream U have 2 climb all of the steps in between " because I know his voice changes in this part and so does the tune. It's a good song this and shares a similar message to M. Scott Peck's The Road less travelled. Race - Don't know this one. Cinnamon Girl - Still newish to me & *blush* I don't know the lyrics except Cinnamon girl & a few words like pray & Babylon. But the music captured me immediately. The chorus has such a loving sound. The following guitar beats are not that special but all the different parts of the song blend well. Now as I listen and read together..... ahaa this is just another jewel. I love the idea of the "blood red sky" and the Cinnamon as colour. What a wonderful piece of work, music and lyrics match perfectly. So I know this song will continue to grow on me. The "war drums" idea sounds tribal and mmmgrrrr love it! The Cross - Is self explanatory. The intro to this song always makes me stop whatever I'm doing or thinking. Even though it gets heavy at the end I can take it because the whole song is a journey. I find the lyrics very meaningful. Whether I believe that my problems will be taken by the cross or not, it's a soulful line "we all have our problems, some are big, some are small." It is relevant to everybody this song and it gives you a feeling of, no matter what you're going through, you're not alone and we're all in this together." Great song! America - Liked the song because at the time I listened to it, I was fighting for political change in my own country. Knew it was politically motivated but never really concentrated on the lyrics. Can still remember the chorus off by heart though. "God shed his grace on thee and keep the children free." Powerful message in a musically strong song. Poplife, Money don't matter - I could probably write a book about it so I'll stop there! [Edited 9/25/09 7:58am] "Free URself, B the best that U can B, 3rd Apartment from the Sun, nothing left to fear" Prince Rogers Nelson - Forever in my Life - | |
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Bohemian67 said: I have my likes and dislikes about the songs, sometimes they're separated, sometimes not. I can't compare as to whether these are his best work or not compared to his funk because 1. I don't know all his music 2. it's very hard to compare such diverse styles.
Mr Man - I liked this song immediately because it's laid back, catchy and smooth and the "what's wrong with the world today" stuck in my head. I had to go and read the lyrics on line to get the full message. Now I realise how "full" the content is & why I didn't pick it all up. I don't dislike the title, but I do think the letter could have been written to someone more specific than Mr Man, which seems a bit vague and therefore detracts from the excellent song message, which I seemed to have missed, but I think it's because the lyrics are a little too elaborate to be easily taken onboard. I like this one too, i think the mr. man title is to do with the expression the man meaning the government, the suits like 'stick it to the man' so i wondered too who he was meaning, specifically his government of just the powers that be in general. SOTT - I have always and still find this one electrifying & powerful, both in music and words. Way back then he was talking about all these things that would be happening over the next 20 years. Aids, drugs, rapper gangs, hurricanes, the crap on the news, space exploration instead of feeding the hungry etc. Only lyrics that bother me are the songs end. About falling in love, get married have a baby and calling it Nate. It's a hard song to end because the lyrics are so strong throughout. The song starts with a bang though.... the title is perfect & the lyrics fuse dynamically with the sound. An all -around work of art. I also loved this from the start, a very powerful and cleverly put together song, although i have to point out that all those things had already happened when it came out, the flying to the moon ref is about the shuttle. I quite like the quirky ending, its so flippant and makes light of how we (humans) can treat love and having babies etc or with all thats going wrong in the world you can still think of the simple things like love and family. Right the wrong - I like this. Especially the intro about the Indian women being buried somewhere & the chorus. But I can't pick up the lyrics easily & they're not in the cd booklet or online. The title is clear and speaks to me. I like the natural elements in the lyrics, "the sun's gonna shine that day, the wilderness" but that's all I can remember for now. Doesn't matter though because the song is musically interesting & I find myself humming the tune while brushing my teeth in the morning. At around 2.51m it's awfully funky & the "weather man likes the rain ,ain't that insane" makes me smile. Only part I don't like in the song is the male chanting of the title line at the end... but the actual ending reminds me of a song from the Purple rain album and the last line spoken is effective. Strong ending and beginning also makes a song complete for me in my mind. I love this one too a wonderful sentiment and a great tune, heres the lyrics: An Indian woman buried her grampa in the Black Hills When she was young he used to tell her That these hills belonged to her still And even though injustice took them hills away One day we'll get them back, he said And the sun's gonna shine that day When we say, right the wrong Before she laid him down to rest She heard his voice in the wilderness Sayin I got six feet of it back And now we can right the wrong Right the wrong Hear the song Before long U won't hear nothin' but the crackle of flames Right the wrong Hear the song Would u rather die knowing that u did or keep living in shame Did you hear the one about the boy just 17 Three years hard time for stealing ice cream First offence and all his dreams are gone How long before they right the wrong? Right the wrong Hear the song Before long U won't hear nothin' but the crackle of flames Right the wrong Hear the song Would u rather die knowing that u did or keep living in shame Right the wrong 2, 3, uh 1, 2, 1-2, come on (Right the wrong baby) Far be it from me to say It seem like we could stop the flow of snow in the sky today But I guess the weather man he likes the rain Ain't that insane Now sing Right the wrong Hear the song Before long U won't hear nothin' but the crackle of flames Right the wrong Hear the song Would u rather die knowing that u did or keep living in shame? (Come on, come on, come on) Did you hear me baby? Right the wrong I'm 6 feet in the grave I'm 6 feet in the grave (right right, right right) (right the wrong right the wrong) (right the wrong right the wrong) Right the wrong (right the wrong right the wrong) (right the wrong right the wrong) (right the wrong right the wrong) (right the wrong right the wrong) Right the wrong (right the wrong right the wrong) Ashes to ashes, dust to dust (right the wrong right the wrong) This young man with a talented soul (right the wrong right the wrong) Died when he wanted 2. (right the wrong right the wrong) The [life/light]that lives (right the wrong right the wrong) So he shall not be pitied Nor shall the guity be forgiven Until they find it in their hearts to Right the wrong Prince Right The Wrong lyrics TRC - I don't know or have this tune. I only know about The Green Children. [The Rainbow Children the whole thing basically) The word - I had to look up from which album this was because it hasn't made it to my ipod. I LOVE the guitar and music in the beginning, it sounds gorgeously Spanish.I like the part where it goes from speaker to speaker and at 3.51 the percussion part. But why don't I like this song? It has nothing to do with the lyrics coz I didn't even bother to listen to them so I missed the message completely Now of course, I've read them online. For my personal taste, the influx of words, ie. too many, overpower the essence of the music. It's as if when the music starts, you're walking along a sunset beach. Cool. Then the words start. It's like a few seagulls, gracefully flying above. That's all ok. but as the song progresses, there are more and more words; more and more gulls, arriving now in a nosiy flock and they obliterate the mood. From 1.47m onwards the song gets heavier and loses the original soft Spanish feel. Sounds more like pure Santana. So the song although I like parts, I can't like it as a whole. The funny thing is, I heard "funky town" instead of "forked tongue" because I pronounce "forked" /forkt/not "fork - ed."
I do actually like this one, i love your description of the way it flows, brilliant Walk don't walk - In essence this is a pretty song but I have never remembered any lyrics except for the first and last line of the first verse. It's the chorus that I don't like in this song. The music or the words. I particularly like this one BECAUSE of the words, I think its a great insight into Ps mind at the time and in fact his ongoing battle with powers that be who try to control everything plus i think its a statement on the history of segregation, being told even where to walk, to look when to speak i think this comes from his passion for african american history, he often sings about these types of things, i think because he puts these kind of heavy lyrics in such a fun enjoyable way the message doesnt seem so heavy and ultimately the very people hes talking about may even play his tune without realising the content, its politics by stealth and i love it: walk dont walk: Walk on their side of the street Don't walk where it feels the best Walk away from people U meet Don't talk 2 strangers unless They walk the way U want them 2 Don't walk unless the others do I said walk like U could use a ride Don't walk with a confident stride Then people will walk over U But don't talk till they tell U 2 Don't talk if it's against the rules Just walk away and be a fool That's what they want cha 2 do Yeah, that's what they want U 2 do Sha, na, na, na, na {x4} Don't talk if it's against the rules Just walk away and be a fool That's what they want U 2 do So U gotta walk like U wanna make it Don't walk like U just can't take it G'on walk on whatever side U like Don't walk wherever they tell U 2 - psyche! The sun will shine upon U one day If U're always walkin' your way Oh, the sun will shine upon U one day If U're always walkin' your way (Hey) Sha, na, na, na, na {x4} (Checkin' me now just walkin') Said I'm walkin' on your side of the street (Checkin' me now just walkin') I'm talkin' 2 the people I meet (Checkin' me now just walkin') Alright Hey (Alright) Walk - don't walk Talk - don't talk Walk - don't walk {fade out} Talk - don't talk Walk - don't walk Talk - don't talk The Ladder - I don't have this cd but I had the cassette years ago. I liked this song & I know the words had more of an impact on me than the music. I love the line "everybody's looking for the ladder, everybody wants salvation of the soul." Now when I re-read the lyrics to remind myself, the part about the King and Elektra, reminds me of Suzanne Vega's "The Queen and the soldier." I also re-member the "Everybody's looking 4 the answers How the story started and how it will end, What's the use in half a story, half a dream U have 2 climb all of the steps in between " because I know his voice changes in this part and so does the tune. It's a good song this and shares a similar message to M. Scott Peck's The Road less travelled. Im not so keen on this one, its big like a cinema score maybe but I just cant play it all the way through. plus i keep thinking everyones looking for graphitti bridge or is it the ladder - naaaah dont like it Race - Don't know this one. check out my myspace link  This may actually be princes best 'rap' it was contempory as he seemed so determined to be at that time, but it actually works, its a black and white message alluding to the keys on his piano a bit like ebony and ivory by paul macartney and stevie wonder, I actually quite like it, the videos fun too, I like the enrgy of it.
Cinnamon Girl - Still newish to me & *blush* I don't know the lyrics except Cinnamon girl & a few words like pray & Babylon. But the music captured me immediately. The chorus has such a loving sound. The following guitar beats are not that special but all the different parts of the song blend well. Now as I listen and read together..... ahaa this is just another jewel. I love the idea of the "blood red sky" and the Cinnamon as colour. What a wonderful piece of work, music and lyrics match perfectly. So I know this song will continue to grow on me. The "war drums" idea sounds tribal and mmmgrrrr love it! I really like this again BECAUSE of the words, P is very good at imagery when he puts his mind to it, the cinnamon refers to her skin tone, its about 911 and the racial hatred that started in the west towards fellow citizens if they looked like they maybe Iraqi or muslim. The lyrics are beautifully constructed and i like the pop feel to this, again politics by stealth i bet this got played all over the states - theres no doubting p's politics when he writes stuff like this, he may choose not to vote because of his faith but he sure knows how to get his view and thoughts across, he might be a purple hippy banging on about love but i think thats what we all need every now and then someone pointing the obvious out to us and doing it in such an entertaining way! Love it. Lyrics: As war drums beat in Babylon Cinnamon girl starts 2 pray Eye've never heard a prayer like this 1 Never b4 that day Tearful words of love 4 people she had never met b4 Asking God 2 grant them mercy in this face of a holy war Cinnamon Girl Cinnamon Girl of mixed heritage Never knew the meaning of color lines 911 turned that all around When she got accused of this crime So began the mass illusion, war on terror alibi What's the use when the god of confusion keeps on telling the same lie? Cinnamon Girl Don't cry, don't shed no tears 1 night won't make us feel Cause we know how this movie's ending Cinnamon Girl As war drums beat in Babylon And scorch the blood red sky Militants bomb the foreign gun Both sides truly die Cinnamon girl opens the book she knows will settle all the scores Then she prays after the war that there will not b anymore Cinnamon Girl The Cross - Is self explanatory. The intro to this song always makes me stop whatever I'm doing or thinking. Even though it gets heavy at the end I can take it because the whole song is a journey. I find the lyrics very meaningful. Whether I believe that my problems will be taken by the cross or not, it's a soulful line "we all have our problems, some are big, some are small." It is relevant to everybody this song and it gives you a feeling of, no matter what you're going through, you're not alone and we're all in this together." Great song! America - Liked the song because at the time I listened to it, I was fighting for political change in my own country. Knew it was politically motivated but never really concentrated on the lyrics. Can still remember the chorus off by heart though. "God shed his grace on thee and keep the children free." Powerful message in a musically strong song. Poplife, Money don't matter - I could probably write a book about it so I'll stop there! [Edited 9/25/09 7:58am] Thank you for your thoughts! walk with crooked shoes www.myspace/syblepurplelishous | |
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SYBLE, Spacelink gives an invalid message 4me but thanks for the offer.
I like your interpretation of the ending of the SOTT, I suppose one could see it that way.Actually, when it came out, I lived in a country that America had placed sanctions on so we didn't hear a lot. While I agreed with the sanctions imposed upon us, America's blind eye to racism over the years on its own doorstep irritated me to death, which is why I appreciate Prince's political stances. Especially in "MONEY DON"T MATTER" so what if we're controlling all the oil is it worth a child dying for. Yes, Mr Man should be male oriented, but one man to me is not enough to complain to or revolt against. The image I would like to picture needs to be bigger. Perhaps an anagram of some large organisation would have made a better title. Also mentally prepares you for what we're up against. Ta for the lyrics. Cinnamon girl is really perfect. It seems you definitely adopt tunes for the words while I tend to do it based on the sound first and then the lyrics. Though sometimes both....Unfortunately, I'm really not into rap of any form! There my taste turns to authentic African music or Latin. I know all the words to Rappers Delight still though  but contemporary rap just comes over as agressive,and un-melodic and unsoulful to me.
I will buy TRC in time, but for now I have enough new music and I want time to let it sink in. "Free URself, B the best that U can B, 3rd Apartment from the Sun, nothing left to fear" Prince Rogers Nelson - Forever in my Life - | |
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Bohemian67 said: SYBLE, Spacelink gives an invalid message 4me but thanks for the offer.
I like your interpretation of the ending of the SOTT, I suppose one could see it that way.Actually, when it came out, I lived in a country that America had placed sanctions on so we didn't hear a lot. While I agreed with the sanctions imposed upon us, America's blind eye to racism over the years on its own doorstep irritated me to death, which is why I appreciate Prince's political stances. Especially in "MONEY DON"T MATTER" so what if we're controlling all the oil is it worth a child dying for. Yes, Mr Man should be male oriented, but one man to me is not enough to complain to or revolt against. The image I would like to picture needs to be bigger. Perhaps an anagram of some large organisation would have made a better title. Also mentally prepares you for what we're up against. Ta for the lyrics. Cinnamon girl is really perfect. It seems you definitely adopt tunes for the words while I tend to do it based on the sound first and then the lyrics. Though sometimes both....Unfortunately, I'm really not into rap of any form! There my taste turns to authentic African music or Latin. I know all the words to Rappers Delight still though but contemporary rap just comes over as agressive,and un-melodic and unsoulful to me.
I will buy TRC in time, but for now I have enough new music and I want time to let it sink in. http://www.myspace.syblepurplelishous sorry the org hasnt allowed enough characters in my signature link I dont hink mr man means a man, its a term meaning the whole of corporations, the state, the men in suits, everyone who controls and makes decisions for us all. I dont think hed ever actually name an organisation except perhaps WB. it could also be interpreted as 'mankind' a general complaint against us all for allowing these things to have happened in history, id love to know which it is but i think its the first. Perhaps one day my prince will come out from behind his persona and do the mother of all interviews and explain some of his thoughts behind his lyrics! walk with crooked shoes www.myspace/syblepurplelishous | |
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I'm thinking more along the lines of Mister Head of State...
Thinking of how the media crucified MJ on anything he said, it's probably better if Prince doesn't do that. "Free URself, B the best that U can B, 3rd Apartment from the Sun, nothing left to fear" Prince Rogers Nelson - Forever in my Life - | |
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IMO Prince has always been very awkward and naive when it comes to dealing with social and political issues in his music.
And a song like Colonized Mind shows he still doesnt 'get it'. Apart from the song Sign of the Times maybe, I think he should leave these subjects alone in his lyrics. It is definitely not his strongest point. | |
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We March, Mr. Man, Colonized Man and Free  | |
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always liked America, SOTT, Free, Mr, Man
Prince's social commentary music (love that description) is merely meant to address social issues, not thouroughly disect them and come up with solutions. At least that is what I think. He wants to bring attention to an issue and force others to think about it indepth. Many artists do that. Conceptualize the wheel but not actually build it. Also, if some feel he doesn't touch seriously enough on a particular issue perhaps we should consider that he, along with many popular artists, hasn't had an education beyond highschool, has had the same job all his life and maybe has not had enough interaciton with people outside what could be considered a privileged group. Plus, he may not have spent a great deal of time researching any particular social issue. Maybe he does what many people may do, that is read the paper and talk to your friends and repeat what ever a popular pundit has to say. I give him props though for the effort and good thing that he's thinking social issues and not just putting out music about dancing, falling in and out of love, and getting laid.  | |
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definitely not his "strong suit", but sign o the times (the song) is pretty touching and still resonant (did i use that properly  ) to this day  For all time I am with you, you are with me. | |
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Well, Prince simply doesnt seem very 'intelligent' when it comes to dealing with political subjects.
The lyrics of Ronnie talk to Russia are as ridicolously simplistic as can be, portraying the russians as the 'bad guys' and the USA (leaded by 'Ronnie') as the saviours. The song America is sometimes mistaken as being 'ironic' but I think he really doesnt 'get it' and thinks there is some blatant black-white difference between 'the free USA' and 'the communistic USSR'. The lyrics of Dear Mr. Man are ridicolous. Like 'not voting' is the only option. What about using your opportunity in the free USA to start your own movement of change, or a new political party? Colonized Mind is even worse. He is playing the 'victim' of alleged racism and The Powers That be on a level that is simply laughable. Tying things together that are farfetched: misguided, paranoid, out of touch with reality. | |
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Riverpoet31 said: Well, Prince simply doesnt seem very 'intelligent' when it comes to dealing with political subjects.
!
The lyrics of Ronnie talk to Russia are as ridicolously simplistic as can be, portraying the russians as the 'bad guys' and the USA (leaded by 'Ronnie') as the saviours. The song America is sometimes mistaken as being 'ironic' but I think he really doesnt 'get it' and thinks there is some blatant black-white difference between 'the free USA' and 'the communistic USSR'. The lyrics of Dear Mr. Man are ridicolous. Like 'not voting' is the only option. What about using your opportunity in the free USA to start your own movement of change, or a new political party? Colonized Mind is even worse. He is playing the 'victim' of alleged racism and The Powers That be on a level that is simply laughable. Tying things together that are farfetched: misguided, paranoid, out of touch with reality. Well said. Colonized Mind is the worst of all. It is bad enough when he discusses politics, something he knows little about. In this song, he gives his take on science. Give me a break! I abdicated the throne in Ithaca, but now I am...
Albany's Number 1 Prince Fan | |
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strangely enough i think his political/social songs are actually pretty good, well written pop songs. i love colonized mind, i think its pretty good and works well as a song. maybe his views come over as flippant but i think they are informed views, plus songs like america were merely pop songs from a long time ago and he was very young. walk with crooked shoes www.myspace/syblepurplelishous | |
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Riverpoet31 said: Well, Prince simply doesnt seem very 'intelligent' when it comes to dealing with political subjects.
The lyrics of Ronnie talk to Russia are as ridicolously simplistic as can be, portraying the russians as the 'bad guys' and the USA (leaded by 'Ronnie') as the saviours. The song America is sometimes mistaken as being 'ironic' but I think he really doesnt 'get it' and thinks there is some blatant black-white difference between 'the free USA' and 'the communistic USSR'. The lyrics of Dear Mr. Man are ridicolous. Like 'not voting' is the only option. What about using your opportunity in the free USA to start your own movement of change, or a new political party? Colonized Mind is even worse. He is playing the 'victim' of alleged racism and The Powers That be on a level that is simply laughable. Tying things together that are farfetched: misguided, paranoid, out of touch with reality. Riverpoet, do you get paid to stir the cauldron here?  In the other forum you're putting down MJ to put Prince on a pedastel and now your putting Prince down? 
While I don't agree with all the lyrics, Mr Man IS a diplomatic violent-free rant against the hiprocrasy of it all. When America is always calling out their God bless America hallalujahs but keep poking their guns at everybody what kind of a value is that? Voting with only two parties is not exactly a choice either, but I personally, would have given my vote to aid Obama to power. Racism is still prevalent in countries other than the US it's a nasty fact of life. As for aid and welfare there are two sides of the coin. On the negative side, NGOs are meant to aid the less fortunate but in recent Oxfam figures, the press printed that only 50% of the aid goes to the unfortunate people anyway. They have become large organisations which also need regulation because in any large organisation with capital there is corruption and mis-use of funds. Why work around the clock to pay your bigger mortgage and buy everything that society tells you "you can't live without?" Where's the quality of life in that, not to mention family neglection. Slaves to the system. Water is "so precious" and we must reduce pollution they say...but they're pumping up water in third world countries that are dying of thirst to sell in bottles to the first world countries who love wasting! Just one article for you to read. Http://www.treehugger.com..._water.php Doesn't sound ridiculous to me. It's just highlighting the hipocrasy of it all. The first step in changing things is making people aware. Perhaps you can post some meaningful text from these "fantastic artists" you listen to who "touch you." I'd be interested to to read them (remember in the in the MJ thread?)"Free URself, B the best that U can B, 3rd Apartment from the Sun, nothing left to fear" Prince Rogers Nelson - Forever in my Life - | |
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ernestsewell said: Free
Annie Christian Sexuality Party Up America Paisley Park Hello Sign O The Times The Cross Positivity Dance On Money Don't Matter 2 Nite Live 4 Love Race Right The Wrong Cinnamon Girl Dear Mr. Man Colonized Mind 2045: Radical Man One Song Peace S.S.T. Silicon When Will We B Paid? Da Da Da.  .....to name a few.
[Edited 9/25/09 11:59am] Da, Da, Da....Emancipation....Free..don't think I ain't..! London 21 Nights...Clap your hands...you know the rest..
James Brown & Michael Jackson RIP, your music still lives with us! | |
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LondonStyle said: ernestsewell said: Free
Annie Christian Sexuality Party Up America Paisley Park Hello Sign O The Times The Cross Positivity Dance On Money Don't Matter 2 Nite Live 4 Love Race Right The Wrong Cinnamon Girl Dear Mr. Man Colonized Mind 2045: Radical Man One Song Peace S.S.T. Silicon When Will We B Paid? Da Da Da. .....to name a few.
[Edited 9/25/09 11:59am] walk with crooked shoes www.myspace/syblepurplelishous | |
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I usually hate it when he gets political - but I think Colonized Mind is bloody friggin' brilliant. We don’t mourn artists because we knew them. We mourn them because they helped us know ourselves. | |
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What's your Family name?  | |
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United States Of Division | |
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syble said: LondonStyle said: Paisley Park????There is a park that is known 4 the face it attracts Colorful people whose hair on one side is swept back The smile on their faces, it speaks of profound inner peace Ask where they're going, they'll tell U — "Nowhere" They've taken a lifetime lease on Paisley Park CHORUS: The girl on the seesaw is laughing 4 love is the color this place imparts (Paisley Park) Admission is easy, just say U believe Then come 2 this place in your heart Paisley Park is in your heart There is a woman who sits all alone by the pier Her husband was naughty and caused his wife so many tears He died without knowing forgiveness and now she is sad, so sad Maybe she'll come 2 the park and forgive him And life won't be so bad in Paisley Park CHORUS See the man cry as the city condemns where he lives Memories die but taxes he'll still have 2 give (Who?) Whoever said that elephants were stronger than mules? -----A Republican vs. Democrat reference.....remember, this was the height of the 80's and the Reagan years, and he was just reelected the year prior) Come 2 the Park and play with us There aren't any rules in Paisley Park CHORUS {x2} (Paisley Park is in, yeah, your heart) Your heart (Your heart) Paisley Park Your heart {x3} (Say it — is in your heart) Paisley Park {x3} [Edited 9/26/09 8:31am] | |
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Genesia said: I usually hate it when he gets political - but I think Colonized Mind is bloody friggin' brilliant.
Yes darlin' it is a good tune...! Lyrically one of his best "political" tunes Upload Evolution principle (there is no God - taught everyday in school) Download..No responsibility (Thus if there is no God I can do whatever I want..whenever I want..to whomever I want and there are no eternal consequences) "Upload a child with no father...Download no respect for authority!" All good...All true Diggin it "If you wanted to buy a Sam Cooke album, where would you go?" | |
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sgmusic said: Genesia said: I usually hate it when he gets political - but I think Colonized Mind is bloody friggin' brilliant.
Yes darlin' it is a good tune...! Lyrically one of his best "political" tunes Upload Evolution principle (there is no God - taught everyday in school) Download..No responsibility (Thus if there is no God I can do whatever I want..whenever I want..to whomever I want and there are no eternal consequences) "Upload a child with no father...Download no respect for authority!" All good...All true Diggin it It's clever in his presentation of his views--not in the deeply flawed views themselves. This male-to-female pecking order in the no-father/no-mother statement is a slap in the face of nontraditional families who raise perfectly well adjusted children. And denying evolution in today's day and age is just....sad. Perhpas walking in the light of his old fairy tales is working for Prince, but others have found other ways of being productive citizens. On the surface it's got some neat statements (whether I agree or not), but Prince ultimately it's really just Prince whining about "the system". To me, his best social commentary is Sign of The Times. Both colonized mind and SOTT address the fact that mankind's priorities are out of whack, but Colonized Mind offers unsatisfactory 'solutions'. | |
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sgmusic said: Genesia said: I usually hate it when he gets political - but I think Colonized Mind is bloody friggin' brilliant.
Yes darlin' it is a good tune...! Lyrically one of his best "political" tunes Upload Evolution principle (there is no God - taught everyday in school) Download..No responsibility (Thus if there is no God I can do whatever I want..whenever I want..to whomever I want and there are no eternal consequences) "Upload a child with no father...Download no respect for authority!" All good...All true Diggin it Denial of evolution is stupid and dangerous. I personally wish that people who know nothing about biology would keep their mouths shut about its principals. While the US has nearly 40% of its population denying evolution and many of them pushing for iron age notions of biology taught in schools, other countries are moving way ahead of the US in terms of scientific knowledge and discovery. The creationists are the ones who truly hate America, because they want it to abandon science and essentially become a third world country. On the other side of the coin, Prince is right about the fatherless child thing. I know that some people will (and have already) complained about this because of it being an attack on non-traditional families. Sure there are cases of people doing fine even though they are raised in a single parent household. However, those cases are exceptions to the rule. Boys raised without a father are more than 80% more likely than boys raised with a father to become entangled in the criminal justice system. They are also more likely to go on themselves to shirk on their parental responsibilities. Girls raised without a father have sex at an earlier age, get pregnant at an earlier age, and have lower self-esteems than girls with a father. Children raised in gay and lesbian homes do not suffer the same fates as the general single parent child. I guess that the main reason for this is that raising a child is a 2 person job. For those of you who may be single parents (with little or no help from the other parent), this is not meant to be a knock on you. Statistics mean nothing to the individual. The notion that evolution is fake and that it should not be taught in our schools is dangerous and treasonous. People who deny evolution are ignorant, and they would rather watch America become a third world country than have one of their iron age beliefs challenged. I wish that every evolution denier would convert to Jehovah's Witness and then they would be obliged to refrain from the political system. The notion that fathers are unimportant is a very dangerous notion that is not based on emotion rather than fact. Go to any poor area of the country and you will find a large percentage of people who have been raised or are being raised without their fathers. Go to the affluent parts of the country, and you will find the opposite. Look at groups of Americans who with higher drop out rates, higher unemployment, higher crime levels, higher teenage pregnancy, and more need for state services and you will also find that there is a large incidence of single parent homes. I abdicated the throne in Ithaca, but now I am...
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Darwintheorgangrinder said: sgmusic said: Yes darlin' it is a good tune...! Lyrically one of his best "political" tunes Upload Evolution principle (there is no God - taught everyday in school) Download..No responsibility (Thus if there is no God I can do whatever I want..whenever I want..to whomever I want and there are no eternal consequences) "Upload a child with no father...Download no respect for authority!" All good...All true Diggin it Denial of evolution is stupid and dangerous. I personally wish that people who know nothing about biology would keep their mouths shut about its principals. While the US has nearly 40% of its population denying evolution and many of them pushing for iron age notions of biology taught in schools, other countries are moving way ahead of the US in terms of scientific knowledge and discovery. The creationists are the ones who truly hate America, because they want it to abandon science and essentially become a third world country. On the other side of the coin, Prince is right about the fatherless child thing. I know that some people will (and have already) complained about this because of it being an attack on non-traditional families. Sure there are cases of people doing fine even though they are raised in a single parent household. However, those cases are exceptions to the rule. Boys raised without a father are more than 80% more likely than boys raised with a father to become entangled in the criminal justice system. They are also more likely to go on themselves to shirk on their parental responsibilities. Girls raised without a father have sex at an earlier age, get pregnant at an earlier age, and have lower self-esteems than girls with a father. Children raised in gay and lesbian homes do not suffer the same fates as the general single parent child. I guess that the main reason for this is that raising a child is a 2 person job. For those of you who may be single parents (with little or no help from the other parent), this is not meant to be a knock on you. Statistics mean nothing to the individual. The notion that evolution is fake and that it should not be taught in our schools is dangerous and treasonous. People who deny evolution are ignorant, and they would rather watch America become a third world country than have one of their iron age beliefs challenged. I wish that every evolution denier would convert to Jehovah's Witness and then they would be obliged to refrain from the political system. The notion that fathers are unimportant is a very dangerous notion that is not based on emotion rather than fact. Go to any poor area of the country and you will find a large percentage of people who have been raised or are being raised without their fathers. Go to the affluent parts of the country, and you will find the opposite. Look at groups of Americans who with higher drop out rates, higher unemployment, higher crime levels, higher teenage pregnancy, and more need for state services and you will also find that there is a large incidence of single parent homes. Very well put.  | |
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PatricioRey said: United States Of Division
THAT SONGS ROCKS!!! I listen to it at least 3 times a day.  When  go 2 a Prince concert or related event it's all up in the house but when log onto this site and the miasma of bitchiness is completely overwhelming! | |
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surprised nobody put Slave (to the System) on here yet. i don't have Chocolate Invasion or The Slaughterhouse (not sure if that's where its from) but I've heard it and it fits the bill for this thread.
Colonized Mind is an excellent recent addition (racism IS alive and well and Prince isn't speaking as a "victim", just about its reality and how people are socialized. there IS a default mode that people arrive at in their worldview unless they are intentional about (re)educating themselves. i'm always troubled when "others" seem to speak so easily about the validity of the oppression of other people and how it shows up in their art. | |
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