What song, lyric, video or such like is your favourite when it comes to Prince having a go at media stories and perceptions?

For example, Don't Play Me is the obvious song. The moment in the Partyman video where the monkey has the banana which says "psych" on it, a dig at the story Prince had somehow mind-controlled Michael Jackson's monkey.

And my personal favourite - Cream is a song Prince says he wrote looking into the mirror, and the lyrics fit that. So, when he says "you've got the horn so why don't you blow it?", he's taking the p*ss out of the whole cut-out-his-ribs-to-give-himself-head nonsense.......

alxndrstff said:

"Billy Jack Bitch" would be my top choice for its open, deeply vulnerable and insightful writing. The song challenges an unnamed media personality (widely speculated to be Cheryl Johnson--"CJ"--gossip columnist at the Minneapolis Star Tribune) to imagine being subjected to the kind of judgement and demeaning language he felt they had been leveling against him. It's an honest attempt on his part to communicate and respond to misconceptions, but also to understand this person's hostility toward him and for himself to be better understood by his detractors in the media.

"Hello (Fresh dance mix)":

I tried 2 tell them that I didn't want 2 sing But I'd gladly write a song instead They said OK and everything was cool Till a camera tried 2 get in my bed (Hello) My bed (Hello) (Hello) I was sittin' pretty with a beautiful friend ("Oh darling") When this man tries 2 get in the car ("Hey Prince, come on, give us a smile, eh?") No introduction, "How've U been?" Just - "Up yours! Smile, that's right, U're a star!" (Star)

I haven't lost my desire I wouldn't beg U Instead of playin' deduction of what 2 do They called me rude often When I called their hand They judged me and told me that we're through "Why can't U be like the others?" I cried out over and again "Why can't U learn 2 play by the rules?" But maybe at last it's the end Because I am not like others I'm unique in the respect I'm not U I know in my heart I would try 2 love U I wouldn't try 2 hurt U despite all the ways U try 2 hurt me U call me a fraud, an uncaring wretch But I'm an artist and my only aim is 2 please Between U and yours, myself and mine Isn't life cruel enough without cruel words, cruel words? U see, words are like shoes They're just something 2 stand on I wish U could be in my shoes But they're probably so high, U'd fall off and die 4 U words are definitely not shoes They're weapons and tools of destruction And your time is boring unless U're putting something down What would life be if we believed what we read And a smile is just hiding a frown? Come now, isn't life a little better with a pair of good shoes?