Music, by its nature, is universal and meant to be interpreted in many different ways... I was wondering today, as I listened to Prince's "The Exodus Has Begun" and other songs on the Exodus album about the different levels of interpretation that could be ascribed to it--spiritually, of course. Although Prince has been a JW for 10 years--do you think that with a song such as this one and others he was still willing to attribute and acknowledge other people who fell under the "Christian" umbrella, even if they didn't believe in his so-called JW pariticulars? Do you think that Prince has become more or less inclusive of other "Christian" spirtual theologies that don't necessarily agree with his own? (This is setting aside his more inclusive works for anyone who was searching for connection with "God" such as "Annastecia.)

The best music, whether of a specific spiritual root or not, is that which is universally applicable to anyone who expouses a belief in a singular Higher Power, which P does. It takes away from his legacy of spiritual searching when he makes it so narrow that it is not applicable to the equally valid spiritual/carnal struggle that most of humanity deals with. I'm conflicted about that--some of his latter work I feel is exclusive and others more inclusive...i.e. not directly dictated by a single spiritual doctrine. What do you think?

[Edited 7/5/10 20:32pm]

they say Lucifer was the angel of music

PicklesMcMillan said:

they say Lucifer was the angel of music

Geez, Pickles! I was tryin' to do a serious subject about Prince music without going into the usual divisive religious stuff! Can't even get a serious response from you?!! Then I'll close it down! Just stick with the BS!

poetcorner61 said:

PicklesMcMillan said:

they say Lucifer was the angel of music

Geez, Pickles! I was tryin' to do a serious subject about Prince music without going into the usual divisive religious stuff! Can't even get a serious response from you?!! Then I'll close it down! Just stick with the BS!

oh no poet

it was a very good question and i just couldn't come up with a good answer

all i kept thinking about was Lucifer being the supposed angel of music

sorr-wee

I do believe in the recent Ebony interview it notes Prince as a "questioning" Jehovahs Witness which I interpret as while he is a baptized JW, his life experiences and life lessons have also provided spiritual food and thoughts which may or may not be in total agreement/allignment with srict JW doctrine; that being said, there is option for a broader christian thought process. (This is my speculation/interpretation.)

JWs believe non JWs can have everlasting life too through baptism and refraining from the works of the flesh.

I've never heard the Exodus album (make note) however in recent albums (3121) he invites us to "Get on the Boat" and to read "The Word"; in neither example does he insist that we get on the JW boat or read the Watchtower; instead he suggests that we "get saved".

i've never heard exodus, but on the other issues, and in my opinion, music is not meant to be religion's patsy, but it CAN be a vehicle for Truth.

whether or not an artist is inclusive or exclusive in their spiritual views expressed through their work, is up to them i guess.

they'll be able to tell pretty quickly from the feedback they receive from their audience, whether their lyrics warm, or repel the listener.

imo, Prince's best work was when he spoke simply about his own thoughts and feelings. people love it when an artist can express their feelings for them in such a concise and humble way.

if Prince has diverged from that lately, and his lyrics are more exclusive, preachy, defensive and judgemental, then whatever his religious beliefs are dont seem to be working for him as an artist.

pride comes before a fall.

I would add that not all of his songs of late allude to spiritual endeavor. Those listeners who do not wish to hear his spiritual urgings should not get "caught up" on the few songs that do; the songs are there for whomever wishes to listen to the message, otherwise FF to the next song, I guess.

///

[Edited 7/5/10 23:50pm]

PicklesMcMillan said:

they say Lucifer was the angel of music

true