I always assumed that the references to Jesus / water all referred to Grace and baptism. It also always appeared to me to be very autobiographical. That's why I believe the "Picture upon the wall". Is the famous When Dove Cry image (and poster) of the two eyes. One is staring ahead as if at nothing and the other has the tear descending from it. Felt like he was reflecting back on the height of his success ("I can still see the picture upon the wall") and regretting that he was so focused on the wrong things.

May be completely wrong, but I have always found this interpretation to be a very powerful statement on his religious transition and rebirth.

hales said:

I always assumed that the references to Jesus / water all referred to Grace and baptism. It also always appeared to me to be very autobiographical. That's why I believe the "Picture upon the wall". Is the famous When Dove Cry image (and poster) of the two eyes. One is staring ahead as if at nothing and the other has the tear descending from it. Felt like he was reflecting back on the height of his success ("I can still see the picture upon the wall") and regretting that he was so focused on the wrong things.

May be completely wrong, but I have always found this interpretation to be a very powerful statement on his religious transition and rebirth.

I'm pretty much with you on this. Never seemed horribly complicated, or at all allegorical. Pretty straightforward repentance/redemption story, with (as often is the case with Prince) a woman used as the reason he turns toward God.

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These tears are real, and meaningful, and joyful. The other one (the one from Doves) was an act or at best born of pain.

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Always liked the song, even if I don't share his faith. I still love the rebirth and baptism imagery, and in this song it's played out in a convincing way.

EddieC said:

hales said:

I always assumed that the references to Jesus / water all referred to Grace and baptism. It also always appeared to me to be very autobiographical. That's why I believe the "Picture upon the wall". Is the famous When Dove Cry image (and poster) of the two eyes. One is staring ahead as if at nothing and the other has the tear descending from it. Felt like he was reflecting back on the height of his success ("I can still see the picture upon the wall") and regretting that he was so focused on the wrong things.

May be completely wrong, but I have always found this interpretation to be a very powerful statement on his religious transition and rebirth.

I'm pretty much with you on this. Never seemed horribly complicated, or at all allegorical. Pretty straightforward repentance/redemption story, with (as often is the case with Prince) a woman used as the reason he turns toward God.

.

These tears are real, and meaningful, and joyful. The other one (the one from Doves) was an act or at best born of pain.

.

Always liked the song, even if I don't share his faith. I still love the rebirth and baptism imagery, and in this song it's played out in a convincing way.

Right on.