When Prince thought he had the answers (in a very specific way), his lyrics became a bit too preachy. I love Deliverance and its general enough that it doesn't offend me (but this song is basically apocalyptic and about the JW's second resurrection).

Songs like Beautiful Strange are better lyrically because they acknowledge that a feeling is more important than doctrine, that mystery is more compelling than one man's truth. this is a more inclusive song lyrically for that reason.

He is more relatable in his lyrics when he doesnt know the answers entirely.

Sure. I think this goes for a lot of performing arts, and conversation in general: it's more fun when people work things out on the spot - or even remain in open wonder - than it is when they know all the answers.

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Regarding Prince, his early stuff is charged with doubt. The chorus of WDC is a series of questions with no answers. The first line of LRC, the chorus of Erotic City, and most of 1999 - he's guessing. When he finally comes up with an answers, they're mostly temporary, simple, and relatable: "kiss", "uptown", "take me with you", and even "purple rain", which stays vague, but poetic and beautiful. Paisley Park (no thanks) is just a place in your heart (oh, okay).

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The change comes by the late 80's. After the Black Album, after he moves into Paisley, after "Anna Stesia". The point of no return is "New Power Generation" - where Prince has finally become enlightened, and has his answers. He's passive aggressive, snide, and the bad news is the only thing that's in his way is you (me?). Instead of selling "uptown", he wants me to join ... some vague cult?Which becomes the band. Which stays to the end.

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By which time the answers are / have been: egypt, numerology, veganism, carthage, the jw's, money, lavaux, chemtrails, and his guitar. I liked his guitar

True goes for shows also...early shows= blitzed by the music fun....later shows ....Atlantic City was him on the soapbox about what foods not to eat....at a Philadelphia show on & on he went about Jimi's family not getting paid blah blah blah...thought he would never shut up...after his soapbox talks the air of fun was taken from the room= downer.

True goes for shows also...early shows= blitzed by the music fun....later shows ....Atlantic City was him on the soapbox about what foods not to eat....at a Philadelphia show on & on he went about Jimi's family not getting paid blah blah blah...thought he would never shut up...after his soapbox talks the air of fun was taken from the room= downer.

purplerabbithole said:

When Prince thought he had the answers (in a very specific way), his lyrics became a bit too preachy. I love Deliverance and its general enough that it doesn't offend me (but this song is basically apocalyptic and about the JW's second resurrection).

Songs like Beautiful Strange are better lyrically because they acknowledge that a feeling is more important than doctrine, that mystery is more compelling than one man's truth. this is a more inclusive song lyrically for that reason.

He is more relatable in his lyrics when he doesnt know the answers entirely.

Great post. I always loved the line in Gold where he states.."that's a theory, and if you don't want to know..." not telling us - he's right and you're wrong - but offering it up. For us non-believers, these kind of lyrics were a breath of fresh air.

Good post people,thoughtful comments by all.