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pplrain said: Rebeljuice said: What exactly does that have to do with anything? Or are you implying that it is a song only for a select few and as I am not a part of that select few I should just shut up and keep my opinion to myself? If I find a song boring then it is boring to me no matter what the subject matter. Just because he has decided to make some sort of "statement" in the song does not mean that we should automatically like the song. He could be singing about shagging white women in the back of his car, the holocaust or peanut butter sandwiches for all I care. The song is just shite to me. I dont like it. The melody (or lack of) sucks, the lyrics are poorly written in places, it is complete overkill with the guitar and is more of a device to say "hey, look how good my guitar skills are". Nope, crap song. Could that be you just don't understand what he is singing about. I wish someone could break that down for you... I am sure someone will oblige. Thats funny! Unfortunately, I do know what he is going on about. Still doesnt make me care for the song. And anyway, since when has understanding what someone is singing about a key factor in liking a song? The content and lyrics can be crystal clear but if the music doesnt do it for you then as a whole, the song aint that great to your ears. What about Beck? Does anyone have any idea what on earth he sings about? Probably not. By your reasoning no one should like his music as they dont understand what he is singing about. On the flip side, the Spice girls were very clear what they were singing about and most people understood it. Does that make it good music? I wish you would break it down in your own head and come to an understanding of the point. I am sure you wont oblige however... [Edited 11/18/09 0:40am] |
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Tame said: The music is excellent. I Love both the song and the lyrics.
The lyrics are concious of today's lingering racism, although I would like to believe that's gone or dying with the eldest still living...and not breathing in their children or grandchildren. If the world is to unite through togetherness, and share and care for our Planet... it's a lot more than getting along. Dreams coming true start with Dreamer's...So You can call me a dreamer too.  ... it's a lot more than getting along.
I think that that is ultimately what The Raindow Children also suggests; 'scuse the parallelism Snare drum pound on the 2 & 4 | |
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Rebeljuice said: pplrain said: Could that be you just don't understand what he is singing about. I wish someone could break that down for you... I am sure someone will oblige. Thats funny! Unfortunately, I do know what he is going on about. Still doesnt make me care for the song. And anyway, since when has understanding what someone is singing about a key factor in liking a song? The content and lyrics can be crystal clear but if the music doesnt do it for you then as a whole, the song aint that great to your ears. What about Beck? Does anyone have any idea what on earth he sings about? Probably not. By your reasoning no one should like his music as they dont understand what he is singing about. On the flip side, the Spice girls were very clear what they were singing about and most people understood it. Does that make it good music? I wish you would break it down in your own head and come to an understanding of the point. I am sure you wont oblige however... [Edited 11/18/09 0:40am] I think you're right Rebeljuice. There are songs I listen to in foreign languages where I don't have a clue what they're singing about or what it means, but the music means enough. It moves me. It's always the music first. "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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pplrain said: Dreamer Lyrics
I was born, raised on the same plantation In the United States, of the red, white and blue Never knew that I was different, till Dr. King was on a balcony Lyin' in a bloody pool I expected so much more from a loving A loving, loving society A truthful explanation, you know what I got another, another conspiracy If it was just a dream, listen, call me, call me a dreamer too With more rewards and accolades, then anyone before or after 21st century, oh what a shame, what a shame Race, race still matters A race to what, and where we going We in the same boat, but I'm the only one rowing Last time I checked, you were sleeping, but you can call me a dreamer too (What's up with this) Peanut butter logic, served on a bed of lies Don't go down too easy, when you've seen your father cry Have you ever clutched the steering wheel in your car too tight Praying that police sirens just pass you by that night While the helicopter circles us, this theory's getting deep Think they're spraying chemicals over the city While we sleep Come on, I'm staying awake you can call me a dreamer too (Ahhh, I got one eye open for these devils) (Wake up, wake up) (I pledge allegiance, to..) So what do you think was Prince's reason for writing this song? [Edited 11/17/09 7:38am] I LOVE THIS SONG, THE MUSIC AND THE LYRICS | |
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I love the music but the lyrics sound like something from the 60's
and some of the lyrics don't really match what it seems like Prince's life is like. Does he really get afraid if(when) he is driving and a cop drives by? I know racism is still alive, does someone like Prince, really experience racism. Sometime, alot of times, when people reach a certain fame status, a large percentage of the population sees them beyond a racial designation. I think subjects like this for Prince is similar to wealthy upperclass white men who attained their status/wealth etc and then subjects like ethnicity, weither their own or others, becomes cultural table conversation. | |
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pplrain said: Ok, I have another question:
Does this song affect a black person differently than it does a white person? I think it does. This is what the issue in this song revolve around that even today race still matters. I look at those lyrics as affecting class differently, weither white or black, poor whites you'll find get similar treatment as blacks. I doubt Prince is experiencing a lot of this. | |
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sweething said: Innocense lost and disparity found. It is a huge shock when you grown up in an environment where you are taugt to love all based on their character but are then introduced to a different values system based not on character but on color and/or race--it is unmistakeable and undeniable. Not an excuse but a reality one that can be overcome but still does exist in far too many places and circumstances. Some people are better prepared to "overcome" and others do not have the training, exposure, intellect and support systems to be successful. Regardless, we as a collective society should not deny the past.
Excellent explanation. [Edited 11/18/09 6:42am] | |
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OldFriends4Sale said: I love the music but the lyrics sound like something from the 60's
and some of the lyrics don't really match what it seems like Prince's life is like. Does he really get afraid if(when) he is driving and a cop drives by? I know racism is still alive, does someone like Prince, really experience racism. Sometime, alot of times, when people reach a certain fame status, a large percentage of the population sees them beyond a racial designation. I think subjects like this for Prince is similar to wealthy upperclass white men who attained their status/wealth etc and then subjects like ethnicity, weither their own or others, becomes cultural table conversation. Are they meant to match Prince's life though? Can he not as a voice, sing for "people" and be their voice. So no he doesn't get scared when a cop drives by but maybe others do, or feel they're going to be scrutinised more because of the colour of their skin. I think he makes valid points in this song. I don't think he's playing victim to anything. He's just making an observation and trying to imagine what it's like for others who are not in his priviliged position. I wonder if this song was written and produced before Obama was voted 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: OldFriends4Sale said: I love the music but the lyrics sound like something from the 60's
and some of the lyrics don't really match what it seems like Prince's life is like. Does he really get afraid if(when) he is driving and a cop drives by? I know racism is still alive, does someone like Prince, really experience racism. Sometime, alot of times, when people reach a certain fame status, a large percentage of the population sees them beyond a racial designation. I think subjects like this for Prince is similar to wealthy upperclass white men who attained their status/wealth etc and then subjects like ethnicity, weither their own or others, becomes cultural table conversation. Are they meant to match Prince's life though? Can he not as a voice, sing for "people" and be their voice. So no he doesn't get scared when a cop drives by but maybe others do, or feel they're going to be scrutinised more because of the colour of their skin. I think he makes valid points in this song. I don't think he's playing victim to anything. He's just making an observation and trying to imagine what it's like for others who are not in his priviliged position. I wonder if this song was written and produced before Obama was voted in. Exactly. Bono from U2 has been involved in bringing awareness to the situation in Darfur, and hunger in the U.S. and globally, yet he doesn't live the life of any of the people he is trying to educate the masses about, I commend him for work, because honestly, he doesn't have to do it, but he does. Secondly, I'm sure Prince knows friends who have experienced racial profiling. Example: Look what happened to Danny Glover who couldn't get a cab in NYC to take him uptown, and I believe he had to get a white person to help him get a cab, because the cabbies wouldn't take him, and Danny was so angry about it, he brought public attention to it. Oprah also experienced racial profiling as well. Not sure if it was in NYC or Chicago, but she was going to a boutique, and the storeowner locked the door when she and her friends wanted to come in and shop, and was told the store was closed;minutes later, they saw en a white person approach the same store, and the storeowner unlocked the door and let the individual in the shop. I believe, right after Oprah saw that, Oprah and her friends went back to the store, knocked on the door questioning why they were refused to be let in. I'm not sure if Oprah sued the storeowner, but she did mention it on her show a while back. There's different forms of racial profiling. It doesn't always have to involve cops. The part of the lyrics in dreamer that states "holding the steering wheel tight in your car, praying the police sirens pass you by " is a reference to racial profiling, and that is the part of the song apparently inspired by Dick Gregory. [Edited 11/18/09 7:30am] | |
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Rebeljuice said: daPrettyman said: Have u ever experienced any of the situations mentioned in the song? What exactly does that have to do with anything? Or are you implying that it is a song only for a select few and as I am not a part of that select few I should just shut up and keep my opinion to myself? If I find a song boring then it is boring to me no matter what the subject matter. Just because he has decided to make some sort of "statement" in the song does not mean that we should automatically like the song. He could be singing about shagging white women in the back of his car, the holocaust or peanut butter sandwiches for all I care. The song is just shite to me. I dont like it. The melody (or lack of) sucks, the lyrics are poorly written in places, it is complete overkill with the guitar and is more of a device to say "hey, look how good my guitar skills are". Nope, crap song. I don't have a problem with you not liking the song. My issue is you said it was uninspired. They song was definitely inspired by Dick Gregory. It just may not be the type of lyric or arrangement that you might like. **--••--**--••**--••--**--••**--••--**--••**--••-
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Norwayman said: It is to much Hendrix (Voodo child) and I have always prefered his funk over his rock. Take away songs like Kiss, When doves cry or even Dance 4 me from his cataloge and you have a rather ordinary songwriter.
----- I think everyone is entitled to their opinion but I think if you dislike P’s rock stuff you might just like dislike rock in general and this song does have some of the best lyrics he ever wrote I don’t get way he gets hated on when he does write something with some depth when you have so many people complaining about other songs with silly lyrics. It kind of appears that he can’t win for losing. | |
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The inspiration for "Dreamer"
Part 1 Part 2 Part3 Part 4 **--••--**--••**--••--**--••**--••--**--••**--••-
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daPrettyman said: Rebeljuice said: Nope, crap song. I don't have a problem with you not liking the song. My issue is you said it was uninspired. They song was definitely inspired by Dick Gregory. It just may not be the type of lyric or arrangement that you might like. Who was Dick Gregory? - OOps thanks, just saw the videos posted.
RIVERPOET, my dear RIVERPOET. We've exchanged some ideas before about MJ and I'd like to exchange one here about your comment, where you state "they shouldn't blame us because they're still in ghettos" or something to that effect. We should really not under estimate the power of culture. Suppressing a people for however many years probably takes quadruple that time to recover from the effects, if not more. [Edited 11/18/09 7:54am] "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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"Think they're spraying chemicals over the city "
He has listen 2 Larry way 2 much!Plus HE was only in the City until 16-after that HE become "PRINCE"away from The City-In HIS own LITTLE locked up world!He puts up gates and bars 2 keep all of US out! Until HE need another PAY DAY!It works both way 4 HIM until HE try 2 change the RULES that HE made! | |
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what does he know about any of that, he had and still has a privileged lifestyle. Every day should b a COSMIC DAY! | |
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cosmicday2010 said: what does he know about any of that, he had and still has a privileged lifestyle.
Yes, but it doesn't mean he has to turn a blind eye from where he came from, or his roots, to be more precise. Mr Gregory is a funny guy  thanks for posting."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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daPrettyman said: The inspiration for "Dreamer"
Part 1 Part 2 Part3 Part 4 Thank you for posting that youtube video. That is the SOBU conference I was referring to in my earlier post (reply #22), where Dick Gregory made that statement about " holding onto the steering wheel tight..."in part 3 in that video,. I do believe that is where Prince got the inspiration to incorporate that statement into the song "Dreamer". [Edited 11/20/09 20:46pm] | |
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DMSRCMC12 said: "Think they're spraying chemicals over the city "He has listen 2 Larry way 2 much!Plus HE was only in the City until 16-after that HE become "PRINCE"away from The City-In HIS own LITTLE locked up world!He puts up gates and bars 2 keep all of US out! Until HE need another PAY DAY!It works both way 4 HIM until HE try 2 change the RULES that HE made!
How can you say it was Larry? How do you know this? It was Dick Gregory who spoke of chemtrails or spraying chemicals into the air during the SOBU conference. Look at the youtube vid that "daprettyman" posted, and you'll see what I mean. Once again, I do remember Prince giving credit to Dick Gregory for some of the lyrics in "Dreamer", during his interview. The verse that starts with Peanut Butter lies and talks about "holding on to the steering wheel so tight....." [Edited 11/18/09 8:36am] | |
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cosmicday2010 said: what does he know about any of that, he had and still has a privileged lifestyle.
He has family and friends doesn't he? Just because he is in a different lifestyle doesn't mean he is not aware of social ills that still exist in this society. Can the same be said to Bono of U2 or Alicia Keys, or other artists that get involved in social or political causes to bring awareness to the masses regarding specific social/global situations like Aids, World Hunger? Jon Bon Jovi is involved in a program called HELP USA that deals with homelessness. Doesn't mean one has to turn their back, once their lifestyle changes. The man makes donations to many charities, you can't fault him for that. Magic Johnson, brought many franchises into many areas, which produced jobs within specific communities. He didn't have to do it, but he did. [Edited 11/18/09 9:40am] | |
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Bohemian67 said: daPrettyman said: I don't have a problem with you not liking the song. My issue is you said it was uninspired. They song was definitely inspired by Dick Gregory. It just may not be the type of lyric or arrangement that you might like. Who was Dick Gregory? - OOps thanks, just saw the videos posted.
RIVERPOET, my dear RIVERPOET. We've exchanged some ideas before about MJ and I'd like to exchange one here about your comment, where you state "they shouldn't blame us because they're still in ghettos" or something to that effect. We should really not under estimate the power of culture. Suppressing a people for however many years probably takes quadruple that time to recover from the effects, if not more. [Edited 11/18/09 7:54am] Dick Gregory is a comedian and civil rights activist. http://en.wikipedia.org/w...ck_Gregory **--••--**--••**--••--**--••**--••--**--••**--••-
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Rebeljuice said: pplrain said: Could that be you just don't understand what he is singing about. I wish someone could break that down for you... I am sure someone will oblige. Thats funny! Unfortunately, I do know what he is going on about. Still doesnt make me care for the song. And anyway, since when has understanding what someone is singing about a key factor in liking a song? The content and lyrics can be crystal clear but if the music doesnt do it for you then as a whole, the song aint that great to your ears. What about Beck? Does anyone have any idea what on earth he sings about? Probably not. By your reasoning no one should like his music as they dont understand what he is singing about. On the flip side, the Spice girls were very clear what they were singing about and most people understood it. Does that make it good music? I wish you would break it down in your own head and come to an understanding of the point. I am sure you wont oblige however... [Edited 11/18/09 0:40am] You are entitled to like what you want and have an opinion. However I disagree when you said "the lyrics are poorly written", I should have bolded that part, that is why I wondered if you understood the lyrics at all. I find them very cohesive, he is not taking random sentences and attaching them together to make this song. I understand what he is saying in this song. P's rock songs sound very much like this on the guitar... I love it. | |
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I love it! One of his greatest rock songs! But..The only thing I cant get into, is him singing about racial issues as if they apply to him. Ive never read one thing, nor heard of one issue he had regarding his race. The majority of his career he didnt even claim to be african american. He claimed multiple races. Regardless, Prince had the keys to the kingdom handed to him at the age of 17. He had his way at warner bros and made more money than any of us can count. I dont think his "color" ever held him back.
But, i still love Dreamer. Wish he would rock like that more often. | |
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Dick Gregory makes up more lies-than BUSH!Prince needs 2 make lyrics that He KNOWs r FACTS!NOT Gregory LIES!!!!! | |
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DMSRCMC12 said: Dick Gregory makes up more lies-than BUSH!Prince needs 2 make lyrics that He KNOWs r FACTS!NOT Gregory LIES!!!!!
Which part would you say is a lie? He states facts and asks people to think differently. Is it a lie that malt liquor is mostly sold to minorities? No. Is it a lie that a lot of black youths are angry for no reason? No. Don't fall victim to the "colonized mind". **--••--**--••**--••--**--••**--••--**--••**--••-
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DMSRCMC12 said: Dick Gregory makes up more lies-than BUSH!Prince needs 2 make lyrics that He KNOWs r FACTS!NOT Gregory LIES!!!!!
Not true.
I'm glad Prince released that song. Lot of truth to those lyrics and speaks of "uncomfortable truths". Sometimes people play blind to societal ills they don't want to accept, and when someone exposes it, often times it causes a lot of uncomfortable feelings among the masses. Dick Gregory is not a liar, when he talks about specific products being sold in certain communities, whether they are communities of color on a lower, economic level or poor, white communities. He is not a liar, when he talks about racial profiling and other social/political/economic situations. Part of the lyrics in "Dreamer" only speaks of a very, small portion of existing, social ills in the U.S. Dick Gregory is a well-respected civil rights/social activist and author. Telling the truth is not a crime. [Edited 11/19/09 7:42am] | |
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Sorry I meant DAVID Gregory on NBC!He is full of lies! | |
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DMSRCMC12 said: Sorry I meant DAVID Gregory on NBC!He is full of lies!
Wow....now that is a BIG difference for sure.... | |
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daPrettyman said: Riverpoet31 said: He has done worse, but i am not very fond of this song.
Why? Musicwise he can do a lot better then yet another 'Hendrix-pastiche'. It appears like some cheap bid. Just like you thought he had left his Hendrix-fixation behind with Purple Rain and Another Lonely Christmas years and years ago, he is portraying himself again as some Hendrix-ripoff years on. Lyricwise he is playing the annoying 'victim'-card again. How long are black people going on with blaming others for all of their problems? How long are black people going to whine against white people: your ancestors were slavetraders, so you 'owe' me something! The simple fact is: white people nowadays 'owe' you nothing at all. You have the opportunity to make something out of your life. I don't feel responsible for my slavedwelling ancestors, and i sure don't feel responsible for blacks playing the victim / racism-card. Its your own life, dont blame others. That's not the intention of the song at all. Listen/read the lyrics closely. P is not playing the victim card at all. He is simply stating facts as to how we as black people continue to get treated. Being a minority (not just Black either) in America is something that is hard to describe. I can't speak for other races in America, but as a Black person, I can tell you that it is not a fun experience to be judged before someone gets to know you. It's not a good expereince to have Caucasion women to clutch their purses in an elevator when you stand next to them. It's not fun when a cop pulls you over for driving while black. I get where P is coming from with this song. He's not blaming anyone or trying to say white people owe him something, he's just stating the state of the world we live in. If we could all live in an equal society, then that would be the perfect dream. Until then "call me a dreamer too".    | |
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OldFriends4Sale said: pplrain said: Ok, I have another question:
Does this song affect a black person differently than it does a white person? I think it does. This is what the issue in this song revolve around that even today race still matters. I look at those lyrics as affecting class differently, weither white or black, poor whites you'll find get similar treatment as blacks. I doubt Prince is experiencing a lot of this. You are probably right that Prince is not experiencing the general harassment others face DWB, being followed around the store, etc. -- however, at his level in his field I would guess he's experience some form of racism; most likely subtle. | |
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Riverpoet31 said: seems u have it all figured out, unfortunately it's that attitude that id part of the problem
The problem is that black people always keep blaming white people for their own misery. You even get black people making excuses for ghetto-behaviour, for pimps, for drugdealing, for whoring, just because they are SO neglected. Take your own responsibility, and dont automatically lay the blame unto others, it will help you forward. --- Please stop embarrassing yourself with this ignorant shit. The song has nothing to do with victimhood at all and you apparently don't know any black people at all because I have been black all my life and I don't know any black folks walking around today in 2009 blaming white people for anything. You need to get out more or just shut the fuck up. | |
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