I've been thinking about this quote from him lately. I wonder if keeping the young women around him for years, especially the past dozen or so, was his way to fight off aging and death. Neal Karlen said he was often lonely and depressed, and afraid of dying alone. IMO just one more thing that he presented a game face to the world but in private it was a different story.

Bunsterdk said:

I was wondering when I heard that about his fear of dying alone, if it was the actual moment of dying or more afraid that he would grow old and lonely in the end. When money, fame and the ability to make music and perform ran out, would he have friends? He would and I think he knew that at the end. It was said earlier in his life, wasn't it, the part about being afraid to die alone? But thinking how his life was likely to be before too long has helped me come to terms with his early death. Not all there yet, but Prince at age 80? No. Not with the knowledge we have now about the pain. Sitting in a rocking chair at PP with a blanket wrapped around him? Sorry, no, I don't think he would've been happy. He died still doing what he loved. I try to hold on to that thought.

I thought Prince would live well into his golden years. However, still doing music until his last breath. I pictured him as the old sage imparting all of his knowledge and wisdom to young artists. Maybe starting up a school. It's still hard to accept he's transitioned this soon. This is his biggest jaw dropper ever.

For some reason, I get the vibe Prince was detached and isolated constantly. I am not sure how to explain it. It seems like he desired this connection emotionally and socially but just couldn't find it or do it.

I think the only time Prince was not depressed or lonely may be with creating music and performing. Perhaps it was his escape from it, which is why he worked crazy mad. Not that it is a bad thing.

Even when I see him smiling or enjoying himself, I get this vibe. It may be depression or as others have alluded, abandonement when he was younger.

I don't think he feared death as he spoke of God and the afterlife.

Like his life, he was at odds with himself, almost contradictory. He's passing at Paisley Park is comforting as that was his home, his constant so to speak. As for dying alone, I think his faith and believes kept him from any fear and provided comfort.

Fame sometimes = loneliness. Not just the going out in public thing they all talk about.But,many develope trust issues,Become hermits,Become paranoid w/a paranoid personality disorder...And he fits the profile of a (child Star)Money and fame does not equal happiness.Just look at all the celebs that have passed that were in his era.I see why he always said he doesn't look back

endiadj said:

^I've always felt there was a bit of sadness in his eyes and his music from the moment I saw him and heard his music. I can't explain it either. I've been a fan since '80. His music, not even the lyrics, just the music of early songs like LRC/IWBYL Controversy/WYWM/PR, etc., have always given me goosebumps and I get teary eyed while listening to them. His eyes never seemed peaceful to me when I would see pics of him. It was like there was something restless or sad about them. [Edited 6/28/16 10:42am]

I always felt that there was sadness in his eyes also. I kind of feel like although he always said that he was always looking forward, deep down inside he really couldn't help but to look back, being that his childhood wasn't so great and pretty lonely and sad.

Totally agree. Even in the fast-paced funky songs, you hear pathos in the screams, etc. There is no way a person can experience such deep childhood trauma and not have it leave an imprint.

endiadj said:

^I've always felt there was a bit of sadness in his eyes and his music from the moment I saw him and heard his music. I can't explain it either. I've been a fan since '80. His music, not even the lyrics, just the music of early songs like LRC/IWBYL Controversy/WYWM/PR, etc., have always given me goosebumps and I get teary eyed while listening to them. His eyes never seemed peaceful to me when I would see pics of him. It was like there was something restless or sad about them. [Edited 6/28/16 10:42am]

Wow I have said this for years. He had sad eyes and sometimes depressing lyrics set to up tempo music. Remember the guy throwing the party is not always enjoying the party.

endiadj said:

^I've always felt there was a bit of sadness in his eyes and his music from the moment I saw him and heard his music. I can't explain it either. I've been a fan since '80. His music, not even the lyrics, just the music of early songs like LRC/IWBYL Controversy/WYWM/PR, etc., have always given me goosebumps and I get teary eyed while listening to them. His eyes never seemed peaceful to me when I would see pics of him. It was like there was something restless or sad about them. [Edited 6/28/16 10:42am]

There's sadness in all of us, we all say about letting our past behind, but deep down, it's not true, we never let our past behind; we just sort of learn to deal with it. I've always said that in most of his music, there is some kind of sadness, in most of his songs even the sexual ones.

I remember seeing this interview a week or two after he died, and hearing this quote just stopped me in my tracks. I had to rewind and re-watch. It stunned me, and made me say, "Wow..." but when I thought about it for a few moments more, I knew that he was already celebrating in the afterworld, and that made me happy. Thanks for putting this in the forums!

endiadj said:

^I've always felt there was a bit of sadness in his eyes and his music from the moment I saw him and heard his music. I can't explain it either. I've been a fan since '80. His music, not even the lyrics, just the music of early songs like LRC/IWBYL Controversy/WYWM/PR, etc., have always given me goosebumps and I get teary eyed while listening to them. His eyes never seemed peaceful to me when I would see pics of him. It was like there was something restless or sad about them. [Edited 6/28/16 10:42am]

Yep, me too. Especially Controversy (one of my favorite albums).