kewlschool said:

I personally think his current music is good overall, however his lyrics seem to sometimes lack honesty or strong emotion lately. Perhaps a guarded, somewhat insulated lifestyle from different perspectives can cause that?? And if you want to blame his religion for his music or lameness as you put it, I just don't think that's fair or balanced.

Plus, there are some here that just think Prince's lyrics are just dandy.

I don't think it's the religion mostly either, this part I highlighted says a lot though

in an interview in the 1990's he said something about not writing from an angry place, and I totally disagree with him on that. Even his bible will tell you 'be angry and sin not' so anger is not a bad thing, it's a natural emotion just like happiness

You would clench off on emotions and expressing yourself, it will damper that creative part of yourself, and in bad ways turn to others who may not have connected creative output to fill in the gaps you've closed yourself off to

steakfinger said:

Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not all-powerful.

Is he able, but not willing? Then he is an flaming arsehole.

Is he both able and willing? Then evil cannot exist?

Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?

God is either not real OR not worth two squirts of your least-favorite bodily fluid, so there's no need to get upset. There's really nothing there.

Now that we've solved that age-old mystery sufficiently enough to empty out all churches forever, we can get on to talking about music.

I believe that Prince's new jamz are as good anything he's done since the demise of his so-called Golden Age. I am thoroughly enjoying them.

The god stuff is fact, the music stuff is opinion. Good day.

lol um, wow you have some issues, you took the steering wheel and went down your own road bud

how many ground breaking tunes can one man write. give him a break already. this guy has been flipping out album after album 4 30 yrs hardly without any thing repeating. u try it. the guy is the best there is at crafting songs u guys expect 2 much. breakfast can wait slams u guys are crazy as all get out.

OldFriends4Sale said:

kewlschool said:

I personally think his current music is good overall, however his lyrics seem to sometimes lack honesty or strong emotion lately. Perhaps a guarded, somewhat insulated lifestyle from different perspectives can cause that?? And if you want to blame his religion for his music or lameness as you put it, I just don't think that's fair or balanced.

Plus, there are some here that just think Prince's lyrics are just dandy.

I don't think it's the religion mostly either, this part I highlighted says a lot though

in an interview in the 1990's he said something about not writing from an angry place, and I totally disagree with him on that. Even his bible will tell you 'be angry and sin not' so anger is not a bad thing, it's a natural emotion just like happiness

You would clench off on emotions and expressing yourself, it will damper that creative part of yourself, and in bad ways turn to others who may not have connected creative output to fill in the gaps you've closed yourself off to

I think BJB from the Gold album is from anger or at least annoyance. But, I get where Prince is coming from if you harbor anger you become anger. And if you write angry songs it resonates in your soul. Like the NPG exodus album feels very angry when I hear it. But I love this album. I just wish Prince was lead vocal.

I like some angry music, but I have to limit it. It brings such negativity to me.

kewlschool said:

OldFriends4Sale said:

I don't think it's the religion mostly either, this part I highlighted says a lot though

in an interview in the 1990's he said something about not writing from an angry place, and I totally disagree with him on that. Even his bible will tell you 'be angry and sin not' so anger is not a bad thing, it's a natural emotion just like happiness

You would clench off on emotions and expressing yourself, it will damper that creative part of yourself, and in bad ways turn to others who may not have connected creative output to fill in the gaps you've closed yourself off to

I think BJB from the Gold album is from anger or at least annoyance. But, I get where Prince is coming from if you harbor anger you become anger. And if you write angry songs it resonates in your soul. Like the NPG exodus album feels very angry when I hear it. But I love this album. I just wish Prince was lead vocal.

I like some angry music, but I have to limit it. It brings such negativity to me.

He said the Black album was angry, and i just didn't get that feel it hear it

I Hate U, was probably from anger + hurt,

which leads to another issue, Anger in a lot of cases is an expression of Hurt, if you pretend it's not there it can mess you up in so many places in your life

Artists are known to draw paint write sing dance it out

well...he did produce great songs while he was Jehova...for instance; call my name, u're gonna c me, one nite alone, last december, boom, dreamer, 3121, Love and more...still i understand your point, a searching Prince created a Crystal Ball, almost got lost in the Black Album and got his find in Lovesexy..that sure was the most interesting part of Prince's carreer imo.

Terrible ass thread

nursev said:

Terrible ass thread

1ststatestereo said:

I'm sorry if you don't agree. I just need to say it. We love Prince because he's raw (or was). The JWs and his new wacky beliefs have made him lame.

I'm not talking about him cleaning up his lyrics. I'm referring to the fact that his songs are now Saltines when they were once fine cuisine (sorry, for the food metaphor, I'm hungry). He doesn't need to be raunchy, just genuine. Genuine emotion. When was the last time you actually believed something he sang? Anything in the last 10 years sound like Adore? Nope. Sometimes it Snows in April? Nope. These aren't dirty songs, they're just geniune.

Anyway, this has been bugging me for years. After hearing Screwdriver, I just needed to say it.

i'm so glad you finally let us know where you stood with this.... i for one have been sick with worry

Ok I'm just gonna say this and be done. Everyone acts like JW's are like freakin zombies. Like we can't do ANYTHING. That is not the case. Prince was a musician wayyyy before he became a jw. So therefore he can still sing about whatever he wants. The Witnesses are NOT going to stop him, because it's his JOB, it's his love. Besides Prince is happy with who he has become, and he's steady evolving. With that his music is going to change along with him. He's not going to do the same stuff he did years ago, because he already has done it. It would be boring for him. So just be happy for the man, and just enjoy th music. Take your mind in different directions with his new music and sound, cause if you're waiting for the old sounding Prince, then you're going to be disappointed. Let his music be what it is, and jam along with him, and stop critcisng everything he puts out. This is why he doesn't like releasing new material to the USA, cause we don't appreciate it. I'm just sayin'.

purplebarbie18 said:

Ok I'm just gonna say this and be done. Everyone acts like JW's are like freakin zombies. Like we can't do ANYTHING. That is not the case. Prince was a musician wayyyy before he became a jw. So therefore he can still sing about whatever he wants. The Witnesses are NOT going to stop him, because it's his JOB, it's his love. Besides Prince is happy with who he has become, and he's steady evolving. With that his music is going to change along with him. He's not going to do the same stuff he did years ago, because he already has done it. It would be boring for him. So just be happy for the man, and just enjoy th music. Take your mind in different directions with his new music and sound, cause if you're waiting for the old sounding Prince, then you're going to be disappointed. Let his music be what it is, and jam along with him, and stop critcisng everything he puts out. This is why he doesn't like releasing new material to the USA, cause we don't appreciate it. I'm just sayin'.

Well stated. If his faith is what gives him happiness then that's all that matters. People take for granted the amount of great music Prince has made already. So leaving the JWs, will make most fans happy as long as they can get a great song out of it?

MoBetterBliss said:

1ststatestereo said:

I'm sorry if you don't agree. I just need to say it. We love Prince because he's raw (or was). The JWs and his new wacky beliefs have made him lame.

I'm not talking about him cleaning up his lyrics. I'm referring to the fact that his songs are now Saltines when they were once fine cuisine (sorry, for the food metaphor, I'm hungry). He doesn't need to be raunchy, just genuine. Genuine emotion. When was the last time you actually believed something he sang? Anything in the last 10 years sound like Adore? Nope. Sometimes it Snows in April? Nope. These aren't dirty songs, they're just geniune.

Anyway, this has been bugging me for years. After hearing Screwdriver, I just needed to say it.

i'm so glad you finally let us know where you stood with this.... i for one have been sick with worry

skywalker said:

I've said this before, and will say it again:

1. Prince has always been about a Christian G-O-D.

It's always been in your face and been present in live performances (long winded dialog with "God" as the centerpiece to the Purple Rain tour), and in his lyrics/music since, at least, 1981. Christian bible thumping was ALL over the Controversy album/tour/cover.

People typically say things like "Well, back then it was a more all inclusive dogma/vibe." Yeah, what if you weren't/aren't a Christian? Was it easier to ignore Prince's rock n' roll sermonizing about Jesus in the 80's? I don't think so. To me, his faith is not much different in how it affects me as a listener/fan.

2. Prince has always been about fucking.

Some of Prince's most sexual lyrics are found on The Rainbow Children album. His ode to being a Witness.There NEVER was a time when Prince didn't sing/write about sex in the most steamiest sense. I'll say it again..NEVER. He stopped swearing. That's it.

About Prince and 4 letter words.

Let's be honest: In the 80's Prince said a few well placed curse words here and there. In the early 90's he started swearing A LOT more. On record and live. Watch a Prince concert from 1990, then watch Act II. Everyother word is "fuck" in the 1993 shows. Then, in the late 90's, he cut out swearing. It was gradual. As late as 2000 he would still say ass and damn.Then, he started altering song lyrics live in concert. Sometimes he doesn't though. Sometimes he does both.

When Prince played "Gett Off" on the 2000 hit and run tour, he reverted back to singing the lyrics "positions" and not "scriptures". In fact, on the same tour (when he was JW) he still performed "Darling Nikki" complete with onstage humping moves.

Does he alter song lyrics now? Yes. Sometimes, I am not sure why. Take the lyric change on "DMSR"

Then: "Wear lingerie to restaraunts."

Now: "Get busy in the middle of a a restaraunt."

You tell me which is "dirtier": Wearing a corset to Applebees, or fucking in the middle of Applebees?

Bottom line: Prince, by in large, the same as he's ever been. He's got 2 sides, and they're both friends.

[Edited 2/7/13 8:26am]

[Edited 2/7/13 8:26am]

And that duality has been at the center of most blues-rooted music... Marvin Gaye, etc. People who sang the most licentious lyrics at the jukejoint on Saturday night would be sitting in the choir on Sunday morning.

bashraka said:

purplebarbie18 said:

Ok I'm just gonna say this and be done. Everyone acts like JW's are like freakin zombies. Like we can't do ANYTHING. That is not the case. Prince was a musician wayyyy before he became a jw. So therefore he can still sing about whatever he wants. The Witnesses are NOT going to stop him, because it's his JOB, it's his love. Besides Prince is happy with who he has become, and he's steady evolving. With that his music is going to change along with him. He's not going to do the same stuff he did years ago, because he already has done it. It would be boring for him. So just be happy for the man, and just enjoy th music. Take your mind in different directions with his new music and sound, cause if you're waiting for the old sounding Prince, then you're going to be disappointed. Let his music be what it is, and jam along with him, and stop critcisng everything he puts out. This is why he doesn't like releasing new material to the USA, cause we don't appreciate it. I'm just sayin'.

Well stated. If his faith is what gives him happiness then that's all that matters. People take for granted the amount of great music Prince has made already. So leaving the JWs, will make most fans happy as long as they can get a great song out of it?

I actually like him this way. All that other stuff he was doing before he became a jw was getting tired. I say let the man live, and be happy for him. I'm 18 and is a JW so I DEF know where he's coming from.

purplebarbie18 said:

Ok I'm just gonna say this and be done. Everyone acts like JW's are like freakin zombies. Like we can't do ANYTHING. That is not the case.

It's also not the point. It's about mental, and therefore creative, restriction. All religions involve some amount of brainwashing and psychological conditioning -- the JWs more than others because they are more strict than others. An artist thrives outside of rigid structure by challenging and questioning beliefs, not by being obedient and a follower.

Prince was a musician wayyyy before he became a jw. So therefore he can still sing about whatever he wants.The Witnesses are NOT going to stop him, because it's his JOB, it's his love.

?? The JWs consider allegiance to their god-driven principles and god to be the highest focus -- not one's job. In fact, they impose many restrictions on job schedules and job behaviors. HOw can you be a JW and say this?

They don't care what his job is and if he loves it. Prince has done interviews about how his life and approach to music has changed since because of his JW affiiliation; in particular, I remember one where he was sitting with Larry Graham and Mayte.

Now I do highly doubt the JWs would interfere or excommunicate someone like Prince, but the religion itself will cause and has caused Prince to self-restrict. Also, the JW material I just read speaks of a believer's responsibility to protect his own conscience and the consciences of any JW person that might observe his work.

Besides Prince is happy with who he has become, and he's steady evolving.

It's more like devolving. Putting on shackles of religion is never evolving. There are some ridiculous beliefs among Jehovah's Witnesses... about government, nonbelievers, other religions, the small pool of elite 144,000 goign to Heaven, etc. Embracing these things would be more like mental regression.

A human born with a sense of there being a spiritual world out there can explore that journey and relationship with divine entities that may be .... without having their minds brainwashed and molded with dogma.

Religions are a crutch ... a tricycle for people until they feel comfortable exploriing spirituality on their own. It is the furthest thing from evolution.

He's older, hopefully more mature. Evolved? We need more evidence.

Is Prince happy? We don't really know. This is his choice for now; that's all we can really say. Stagnancy and happiness don't really go together. I'm sure he's searching for happiness as we all are.

With that his music is going to change along with him. He's not going to do the same stuff he did years ago, because he already has done it. It would be boring for him.

Wanting Prince to be freethinker beyond the box of organized religion is not the same as wanting him to do the same things he's done before. That's a simplistic reading of the argument. One can progress with a free mind far more so than a brainwashed one.

He's seemed more bored during the JW years than when he appeared to be a free thinker

So just be happy for the man, and just enjoy th music. Take your mind in different directions with his new music and sound, cause if you're waiting for the old sounding Prince, then you're going to be disappointed. Let his music be what it is, and jam along with him, and stop critcisng everything he puts out. This is why he doesn't like releasing new material to the USA, cause we don't appreciate it. I'm just sayin'.

Nope. Criticism is valuable to the thinker and to artistic discussion in general. I doubt many are waiting for the old-sounding Prince as much as the Prince that rises to the skill level he's demonstrated or beyond that. It's not the same.

I do find several of new songs enjoyable. So, criticizing and enjoying the music aren't mutually exclusive.

[Edited 2/11/13 11:49am]

jstar69 said:

Agreed - it puts boundaries on his output/creativity/artistry- something that didn't exist prior to his JW commitments. Sad

skywalker said:

I've said this before, and will say it again:

1. Prince has always been about a Christian G-O-D.

It's always been in your face and been present in live performances (long winded dialog with "God" as the centerpiece to the Purple Rain tour), and in his lyrics/music since, at least, 1981. Christian bible thumping was ALL over the Controversy album/tour/cover.

People typically say things like "Well, back then it was a more all inclusive dogma/vibe." Yeah, what if you weren't/aren't a Christian? Was it easier to ignore Prince's rock n' roll sermonizing about Jesus in the 80's? I don't think so. To me, his faith is not much different in how it affects me as a listener/fan.

2. Prince has always been about fucking.

Some of Prince's most sexual lyrics are found on The Rainbow Children album. His ode to being a Witness.There NEVER was a time when Prince didn't sing/write about sex in the most steamiest sense. I'll say it again..NEVER. He stopped swearing. That's it.

About Prince and 4 letter words.

Let's be honest: In the 80's Prince said a few well placed curse words here and there. In the early 90's he started swearing A LOT more. On record and live. Watch a Prince concert from 1990, then watch Act II. Everyother word is "fuck" in the 1993 shows. Then, in the late 90's, he cut out swearing. It was gradual. As late as 2000 he would still say ass and damn.Then, he started altering song lyrics live in concert. Sometimes he doesn't though. Sometimes he does both.

When Prince played "Gett Off" on the 2000 hit and run tour, he reverted back to singing the lyrics "positions" and not "scriptures". In fact, on the same tour (when he was JW) he still performed "Darling Nikki" complete with onstage humping moves.

Does he alter song lyrics now? Yes. Sometimes, I am not sure why. Take the lyric change on "DMSR"

Then: "Wear lingerie to restaraunts."

Now: "Get busy in the middle of a a restaraunt."

You tell me which is "dirtier": Wearing a corset to Applebees, or fucking in the middle of Applebees?

Bottom line: Prince, by in large, the same as he's ever been. He's got 2 sides, and they're both friends.

[Edited 2/7/13 8:26am]

[Edited 2/7/13 8:26am]

THIS WAS SUCH A GOOD POST! I agree with most of what you are saying. You also placed an interesting perspective in how he changed lyrics. They are still sexual..LOL. Sometimes even more so. He does have two sides, and they are both friends. I don't think he has changed much lyrically. PEOPLE must realize his audience..He can't sing about such things when he has a lot young people at his concerts. He has developed as the years has passed. I got to make a separate thread about it, otherwise I'll gett off topic! Thanks for the inspiration though!

I think the title of this thread, and your summary lacks understanding, and with that lacking, I don't see how anyone can take your point, SERIOUSLY.

Prince does not live by 'Producing Songs' for you, because he acknowledges God in his life. Even if he did ditch 'Jehovah' it would be his personal choice, that would have NOTHING to do with anyone besides himself.

He's an artist, he includes us into SOME of his personal views, but not all of them. Your thread is just as justified as someone saying; Prince should ditch sexual songs, or political ones. He writes what he is inspired by, it's not just God and Sex; although these are two consistent themes in his life and music, they're not the only ones.

He's spoke about GUN Control, and has spoke about other themes which were reflections of 'The Sign O' The Times! IF someone tells him, he should STOP talking about that, he would probably laugh. He's an artist, he is inspired to create...AND he creates what he's inspired by.

Since God is a great aspect of his creation, he speaks on it. I mean, when you look at an artist, they express exactly what they wish. No one really has the authority to numb down their creations, the biggest thing you can do, is stop being apart of his artistic virtues. When I speak about authority, I am not saying you can't talk about his art or express emotion against what he is doing.

BUT, judging whether his songs are 'good' IF they acknowledge God is very disrespectful. BUT it's not even that, it's funny to me. Because it is almost as if there is a 'Obligation' you believe Prince has to you....I don't want to get carried away.

BUT, I welcome you to Paradise Clarity..Understand; that this is who Prince is. You have very little 'Say' in what he does.

EyeJester7 said:

I think the title of this thread, and your summary lacks understanding, and with that lacking, I don't see how anyone can take your point, SERIOUSLY.

Prince does not live by 'Producing Songs' for you, because he acknowledges God in his life. Even if he did ditch 'Jehovah' it would be his personal choice, that would have NOTHING to do with anyone besides himself.

He's an artist, he includes us into SOME of his personal views, but not all of them. Your thread is just as justified as someone saying; Prince should ditch sexual songs, or political ones. He writes what he is inspired by, it's not just God and Sex; although these are two consistent themes in his life and music, they're not the only ones.

He's spoke about GUN Control, and has spoke about other themes which were reflections of 'The Sign O' The Times! IF someone tells him, he should STOP talking about that, he would probably laugh. He's an artist, he is inspired to create...AND he creates what he's inspired by.

Since God is a great aspect of his creation, he speaks on it. I mean, when you look at an artist, they express exactly what they wish. No one really has the authority to numb down their creations, the biggest thing you can do, is stop being apart of his artistic virtues. When I speak about authority, I am not saying you can't talk about his art or express emotion against what he is doing.

BUT, judging whether his songs are 'good' IF they acknowledge God is very disrespectful. BUT it's not even that, it's funny to me. Because it is almost as if there is a 'Obligation' you believe Prince has to you....I don't want to get carried away.

BUT, I welcome you to Paradise Clarity..Understand; that this is who Prince is. You have very little 'Say' in what he does.

" /> That's what I was trying to say in my post. Thank you. All in the end Prince is gonna do what Prince wants. Our opinions don't matter. I'm just happy for him and with him.

JW aren't the problem. It's just time more than anything else up. Prince is older and slower and less inspired and that pretty much sums up what his music is sounding like. I haven't heard all the new songs, but I was relieved that he wasn't trying to tie every song to the watchtower like he was before. No need to fault the JW this go round.

you know, i wouldn't be surprised if this thread was nominated for " the tackiest, classless, tasteless thread title on a music fan website, in the history of the world... ever... and i do mean EVER" at the grammys this year

best of luck to you

^Newbie alert!

These kind of theory is posted regularly on the org...

[Edited 2/10/13 2:33am]

funkomatic said:

^Newbie alert!

These kind of theory is posted regularly on the org...

[Edited 2/10/13 2:33am]

1. i've been coming here on and off for 12 years

2. read the thread title again... put on a sane person hat and just READ IT

.

[Edited 2/10/13 4:51am]

Prince could do with experiencing the real world more. Go to a coffee shop, the cinema etc. It's not 1984, he's not #1 anymore. I believe he could lead a relatively 'normal' life if he so chose to, he just chooses not to.

His art, his writing, suffers for this reason, He has a limited palette and that's nothing to do with his religion.

.

[Edited 2/10/13 4:46am]

great music comes from being in the company of other great musicians who push you and inspire you. plus prince used to steal lisa and andre"s ideas all the time ... once those and other cats were not around anymore he only had his own ideas .. thats why his music dropped in quality .. hell even tony m came up with the hook to sexy mf .. andre wrote do me baby .. he stole back kiss because his band turned it into a hot song without him .. diamonds and money dont matter are rosie gaines ... when prince was not directly stealing and uncrediting his bands ideas at very least his ego made him try hard to compete with the musicians that were of a high caliber .. even the time was showing him up on stage .. he was pushed to make better songs by this group .. while at the same time he got mad and jealous and did what he could to prevent the time from stealing his thunder .. all while not crediting those who actually came up with those groves .. i get the feeling he really screwed over a lot of his friends .. which is why he got so lonely he turned to junk like JW .. usually its the worst kind of people that need those kinds of religions/ cults.

Marrk said:

Prince could do with experiencing the real world more. Go to a coffee shop, the cinema etc. It's not 1984, he's not #1 anymore. I believe he could lead a relatively 'normal' life if he so chose to, he just chooses not to.

His art, his writing, suffers for this reason, He has a limited palette and that's nothing to do with his religion.

.

[Edited 2/10/13 4:46am]

How do you know he doesn't? Assumptions on your part. Here in MPLS/St Paul there are funny little news items all of the time about Prince being out and about doing "normal" type of things.

skywalker said:

Marrk said:

Prince could do with experiencing the real world more. Go to a coffee shop, the cinema etc. It's not 1984, he's not #1 anymore. I believe he could lead a relatively 'normal' life if he so chose to, he just chooses not to.

His art, his writing, suffers for this reason, He has a limited palette and that's nothing to do with his religion.

.

[Edited 2/10/13 4:46am]

How do you know he doesn't? Assumptions on your part. Here in MPLS/St Paul there are funny little news items all of the time about Prince being out and about doing "normal" type of things.

That's good. Next time he's in Costa, filling his car, or stood in a queue grab a pic.

What would you do if he ditched Jehovah and he still didn't produce a great song in your eyes?

Marrk said:

Prince could do with experiencing the real world more. Go to a coffee shop, the cinema etc. It's not 1984, he's not #1 anymore. I believe he could lead a relatively 'normal' life if he so chose to, he just chooses not to.

His art, his writing, suffers for this reason, He has a limited palette and that's nothing to do with his religion.

.

[Edited 2/10/13 4:46am]

This could be true but we don't know what Prince does on a day to day basis.

Marrk said:

skywalker said:

How do you know he doesn't? Assumptions on your part. Here in MPLS/St Paul there are funny little news items all of the time about Prince being out and about doing "normal" type of things.

That's good. Next time he's in Costa, filling his car, or stood in a queue grab a pic.

Just sayin'...

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