prodigalfan said:

lotusboy said:

Your asking if they changed the lyrics AND u say u like the way they sung the song...CONFUSION!!

I like the way they interpreted the arrangement etc. They did not change the vibe of the song. OI like the way TBoz voice sounded singing it. However, since they also did not change the lyrics, I prefer Prince's version better since a man singing this song to his girlfriend is much different than a woman singing to an attached man she wants to "pull".

STILL does not make sense..your original post asked the questions.."did they sing if i was your GIRLfriend?",, and "did they change the lyrics"?..yet at the same time u are an expert on the song...what gives?

BorisFishpaw said:

amberella said:

I still think it's an incredibly strange song-the vocals, the lyrics, and even the beat. I thought, maybe when I'm older I'll understand why people like it, but..no. My friend says that's her favorite song by Prince and I'm like "not you too!" Tell me why you like it cuz I aint gettin' it.

Have you watched the performance on the Sign O' The Times DVD? If not, then you should.

It's far superior musically IMO and will really help you appreciate the song.

I have to admit that even though I now love If I Was Your Girlfriend, I didn't used to. I can

remember hearing it for the first time back in '87 when the album was released and really

didn't think that much of it. However, I loved it after I saw it performed live.

For me, it's one of a few Prince songs that always works SO much better live. The studio version

always seemed rather flat to me. It has a muted sound to it that also lacks dynamic range and

the whole 'feel' of it is kinda claustrophobic and downbeat. However, live, all this is corrected.

The vocals soar and the more prominent hammond organ and bass really lifts the song up to

where it should be.

.

[Edited 12/11/10 7:03am]

Hey Boris, do you have a live performance in particular that you would recommend listening to?

Love the song!

And it's true in my life; girlfriends are on many (if not most) levels closer to eachother than their spouses.

Even as a young girl I thought that man would come and go, however girlfriends are most important because we protect eachother and support eachother.

And I was right. Not all girls have been capable of supporting eachother through tough times, however, most of my girlfriends supported eachother and me so well. And I remember the nights I spend with girlfriends who drank too much (showering her and washing her hair because she was wasted), the nights I spend helping her with screaming baby and sick child (girlfriends are a better help than husbands...), making soup and telling everything will be allright after a break-up, telling her she should not live in denial and know that boyfriend is cheating on her, and most of the time, just sharing the day to day practical stuf, eg buying the christmas trees.

Boyfriends have been jalous on my bond with girlfriends, however, girlfriends have allways been my priority, and looking back, I'm very happy I made them priority at all times. They proved to really be loyal and have my best interest in mind.

dJJ said:

Love the song!

And it's true in my life; girlfriends are on many (if not most) levels closer to eachother than their spouses.

Even as a young girl I thought that man would come and go, however girlfriends are most important because we protect eachother and support eachother.

And I was right. Not all girls have been capable of supporting eachother through tough times, however, most of my girlfriends supported eachother and me so well. And I remember the nights I spend with girlfriends who drank too much (showering her and washing her hair because she was wasted), the nights I spend helping her with screaming baby and sick child (girlfriends are a better help than husbands...), making soup and telling everything will be allright after a break-up, telling her she should not live in denial and know that boyfriend is cheating on her, and most of the time, just sharing the day to day practical stuf, eg buying the christmas trees.

Boyfriends have been jalous on my bond with girlfriends, however, girlfriends have allways been my priority, and looking back, I'm very happy I made them priority at all times. They proved to really be loyal and have my best interest in mind.

So if u were married, you'd care more about your girlfriends then your husband?

nursev said:

Always hated the song-has to be my least played Prince song ever Just never liked it Still ya though Prince

Seriously, in my opinion, this is one of the 3 or 4 songs that are a true testament to Prince's genius as an artist. When Doves Cry is #1 on that list, and If I Was Your Girlfriend is a close second. I was seven years old in 1987 and I loved the song even then, without being able to understand its lyrical depth. Years later when the lyrics finally did click for me, that was it: the song became a true masterpiece in my mind. The lyric Would u run 2 me if somebody hurt u, even if that somebody was me? is the BEST lyric Prince has ever written, IMO.

I won't bother going into the details of what makes the song go amazing, since many others have explained it perfectly already on this thread. How anybody can NOT dig this tune is an absolute mystery to me, but I guess everyone's taste is different.

[Edited 12/15/10 6:06am]

chocolate1 said:

I looked at your profile to see how old you are and noticed you're a teen...

Do you have BFF? Another girl that you tell EVERYTHING to? Someone you don't mind changing in front of, sharing clothes, even makeup with?

That's what Prince is singing about: How women are really close to each other in an intimate way... sometimes closer than to the guys they're with.

He's asking if he was her "girlfriend", would she then share those kinds of things with him?

I love it... it's a deep concept.

Beautifully said, though when it first came out I was confused as to its meaning. I had to revisit the song as an adult to appreciate what he was singing about.

hhhhdmt said:

dJJ said:

Love the song!

And it's true in my life; girlfriends are on many (if not most) levels closer to eachother than their spouses.

Even as a young girl I thought that man would come and go, however girlfriends are most important because we protect eachother and support eachother.

And I was right. Not all girls have been capable of supporting eachother through tough times, however, most of my girlfriends supported eachother and me so well. And I remember the nights I spend with girlfriends who drank too much (showering her and washing her hair because she was wasted), the nights I spend helping her with screaming baby and sick child (girlfriends are a better help than husbands...), making soup and telling everything will be allright after a break-up, telling her she should not live in denial and know that boyfriend is cheating on her, and most of the time, just sharing the day to day practical stuf, eg buying the christmas trees.

Boyfriends have been jalous on my bond with girlfriends, however, girlfriends have allways been my priority, and looking back, I'm very happy I made them priority at all times. They proved to really be loyal and have my best interest in mind.

So if u were married, you'd care more about your girlfriends then your husband?

I did not say anything about caring or loving them more or less than a spouse.

It is just different and in many aspects it is closer because it hasn't got the power issues and day-to-day irritations that are present with a spouse. Girlfriends can be very honest without getting into some powerstruggle or emotional draining jalouzy that occurs with spouses. However, the love in a romantic relationship is very different and I'm not saying less. Just not comparable.

I got this record the week it came out. Instantly If was U're Girlfriend became my favorite song on the record, and I would still list it as in my 10 favorite Prince songs of all time.

It's those airy minor chords in the background and the general hypnotic-ness of the beat. The slowed down background vocals, the sweet sounding lead line that interpolates with the chords, the raw funky bass on what is essentially a ballad. Every musical idea in that song is creative/new idea. The song is mysterious and dark and longing. Also, it's also kind of Prince's most intimate song. When he yells out "Please" it seems to me like that's the most naked he's ever been on record. The song gets really spooky in parts and it seems to imply that the subject matter he's talking about, relationships and longing for love, are part of a larger existential drama. The song is it's own universe. It's brilliant.

Lyrically I, especially as a queer teenager, was really fascinated his by his relationship to gender. His freedom around gender and masculinity. The song is really important to me because of that as well as the music. I have many times imagined that this song was being sung to a man. A man who doesn't take his male relationships so seriously... Totally aplicable to my life! LoL!

1987 was really a mind-blowing year for me.

This song was at ground zero with all that.

chocolate1 said:

Efan said:

What chocolate1 said...

The line "Would U run 2 me if somebody hurt U, even if that somebody was me?" is particularly great.

So is the way he says, "Then tell me what will!" after talking about dancing a naked ballet.

Nice!

that's the one line I don't like. It sounds like he's trying to manipulate the woman he's singing too. why would she run to that which is dangerous and unhealthy for her? a true girlfriend wouldn't do that.

DesireeNevermind said:

chocolate1 said:

Nice!

that's the one line I don't like. It sounds like he's trying to manipulate the woman he's singing too. why would she run to that which is dangerous and unhealthy for her? a true girlfriend wouldn't do that.

I think they would. Being able to call up a friend and say, "You know, what you said/did really hurt/bothered me" is a hallmark of a healthy, strong relationship. That's how I take the line. To me, it seems to be speaking to how some people play games in a relationship and will be mad about something but not explain what it is. I don't think he's saying she has to keep running back to him no matter how many times he hurts her; I think it's just calling for clear communication. That's my take on it, anyway.

Efan said:

DesireeNevermind said:

that's the one line I don't like. It sounds like he's trying to manipulate the woman he's singing too. why would she run to that which is dangerous and unhealthy for her? a true girlfriend wouldn't do that.

I think they would. Being able to call up a friend and say, "You know, what you said/did really hurt/bothered me" is a hallmark of a healthy, strong relationship. That's how I take the line. To me, it seems to be speaking to how some people play games in a relationship and will be mad about something but not explain what it is. I don't think he's saying she has to keep running back to him no matter how many times he hurts her; I think it's just calling for clear communication. That's my take on it, anyway.

that's pretty good. I didn't think of it that way. still sounds unhealthy but I do see how a woman would go back for clarification if not closure.

Efan said:

DesireeNevermind said:

that's the one line I don't like. It sounds like he's trying to manipulate the woman he's singing too. why would she run to that which is dangerous and unhealthy for her? a true girlfriend wouldn't do that.

I think they would. Being able to call up a friend and say, "You know, what you said/did really hurt/bothered me" is a hallmark of a healthy, strong relationship. That's how I take the line. To me, it seems to be speaking to how some people play games in a relationship and will be mad about something but not explain what it is. I don't think he's saying she has to keep running back to him no matter how many times he hurts her; I think it's just calling for clear communication. That's my take on it, anyway.

Yeah, I agree... so many times, you will see a disagreement or miscommunication between couples and the "hurt" party will run to their friends to talk about it rather than talking to their partner to clear things up.

I dont think the line is about abuse or anything like that.

Efan said:

DesireeNevermind said:

that's the one line I don't like. It sounds like he's trying to manipulate the woman he's singing too. why would she run to that which is dangerous and unhealthy for her? a true girlfriend wouldn't do that.

I think they would. Being able to call up a friend and say, "You know, what you said/did really hurt/bothered me" is a hallmark of a healthy, strong relationship. That's how I take the line. To me, it seems to be speaking to how some people play games in a relationship and will be mad about something but not explain what it is. I don't think he's saying she has to keep running back to him no matter how many times he hurts her; I think it's just calling for clear communication. That's my take on it, anyway.

wow. bitter pills are hard to swallow. usually the one that inflicts the pain, is the only one that can take it away.(make it better,forgivenss,etc.)

lotusboy said:

bluefish said:

Efan said:

DesireeNevermind said:

that's the one line I don't like. It sounds like he's trying to manipulate the woman he's singing too. why would she run to that which is dangerous and unhealthy for her? a true girlfriend wouldn't do that.

I think they would. Being able to call up a friend and say, "You know, what you said/did really hurt/bothered me" is a hallmark of a healthy, strong relationship. That's how I take the line. To me, it seems to be speaking to how some people play games in a relationship and will be mad about something but not explain what it is. I don't think he's saying she has to keep running back to him no matter how many times he hurts her; I think it's just calling for clear communication. That's my take on it, anyway.

prodigalfan said:

lotusboy said:

STILL does not make sense..your original post asked the questions.."did they sing if i was your GIRLfriend?",, and "did they change the lyrics"?..yet at the same time u are an expert on the song...what gives?

Sorry you are confused [Edited 12/17/10 10:24am]

sorry youve confused us.

i get it

lotusboy said:

Good lord. I blame text messaging.

prodigalfan said:

lotusboy said:

sorry youve confused us.

the only one I see talking about confusion is YOU.

if u re-read your original reply that I responded to..you will see the confusion, im just the only one speaking up about the contradictions...juss saying.

The bass is way too deep in the mix on this track. Sad. It's a great song, but I sure wish it was mastered properly and you could hear the bass underneath that extremely loud and treble-y beat.

Spinlight said:

The bass is way too deep in the mix on this track. Sad. It's a great song, but I sure wish it was mastered properly and you could hear the bass underneath that extremely loud and treble-y beat.

Maybe P wanted it that way? The Mona Lisa could have used a a broader smile..but maybe LEONARDO WANTED IT THAT WAY!!

I have never liked this song. I dont get why people like it

dandeeland said:

I have never liked this song. I dont get why people like it

C/S

It's coo for what it is but nothing spectacular

lotusboy said:

prodigalfan said:

lotusboy said: the only one I see talking about confusion is YOU.

if u re-read your original reply that I responded to..you will see the confusion, im just the only one speaking up about the contradictions...juss saying.

jtfolden said:

and in some ways, its THE song that ruined Prince's career.

Uhhh, NO. How do you even arrive at that curious idea?

Releasing it as the 2nd single from SOTT, killed SOTT as huge commercial success. It was with this song that radio convinced itself that Prince was too weird and said " Nobody digs your music but yourself!"...... sure "I could never take the place" saved the album enough for a Grammy nom but by then it was too late.

emesem said:

jtfolden said:

Uhhh, NO. How do you even arrive at that curious idea?

Releasing it as the 2nd single from SOTT, killed SOTT as huge commercial success. It was with this song that radio convinced itself that Prince was too weird and said " Nobody digs your music but yourself!"...... sure "I could never take the place" saved the album enough for a Grammy nom but by then it was too late.

Why? Was it because of the lyrics? or the musical arrangement? or the Camille voice? Because I thought all parts worked well.

But I know some people had problems with the lyrics from a man..."if I were your GIRLfriend."

Just wondering if this is why you think the song almost killed Prince's career.

prodigalfan said:

emesem said:

Releasing it as the 2nd single from SOTT, killed SOTT as huge commercial success. It was with this song that radio convinced itself that Prince was too weird and said " Nobody digs your music but yourself!"...... sure "I could never take the place" saved the album enough for a Grammy nom but by then it was too late.

Why? Was it because of the lyrics? or the musical arrangement? or the Camille voice? Because I thought all parts worked well.

But I know some people had problems with the lyrics from a man..."if I were your GIRLfriend."

Just wondering if this is why you think the song almost killed Prince's career.

Nope, Prince's androgyny was no surprise, although by 1987 and the rise of rap, things had definitely taken a more macho turn. I dont think it was the lyrics. While the Camile voice worked in erotic city, here, in a ballad, the camile voice for sure was a turn off. I really wonder how it would have done it the way he does it live like in the SOTT film.