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Thread started 12/18/17 2:29pm

SupaFunkyOrgan
grinderSexy

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Crystal Ball - I hate asking this question!!

OK, has Prince ever spoke about the concept behind the song Crystal Ball? I know the imagery of an actual Crystal Ball has been used but this question never occured to me until after his death.


Is it possible that he is singing about Crystal Meth? I know that cocaine comes in 8 balls and maybe Crystal Meth has a similar slang term. I always took it as a ball like a dance but it could be a drugged out sex ball (balling).

If you have any mention from Prince, any band members or his label, please post here. I'd hate to think it was in reference to that evil drug.

[Edited 12/18/17 14:30pm]

2010: Healing the Wounds of the Past.... http://prince.org/msg/8/325740
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Reply #1 posted 12/18/17 2:49pm

djThunderfunk

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SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

OK, has Prince ever spoke about the concept behind the song Crystal Ball? I know the imagery of an actual Crystal Ball has been used but this question never occured to me until after his death.


Is it possible that he is singing about Crystal Meth? I know that cocaine comes in 8 balls and maybe Crystal Meth has a similar slang term. I always took it as a ball like a dance but it could be a drugged out sex ball (balling).

If you have any mention from Prince, any band members or his label, please post here. I'd hate to think it was in reference to that evil drug.

[Edited 12/18/17 14:30pm]


I don't think it has ever been suggested that there are drug references is this song whatsoever by Prince or by anyone associated with him.

That said, I imagine it would play nicely at "a drugged out sex ball". lol


[Edited 12/18/17 14:49pm]

Don't hate your neighbors. Hate the media that tells you to hate your neighbors.
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Reply #2 posted 12/18/17 4:09pm

TrivialPursuit

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Sorry, it's the Hodgkin's talking.
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Reply #3 posted 12/18/17 4:15pm

OnlyNDaUsa

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i think it means really good sex... balling is slang for sex...

"Keep on shilling for Big Pharm!"
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Reply #4 posted 12/18/17 9:01pm

sexyisintheima
gination

I'm onna honor the genius of this here song and thank Prince for making all the noises save for 2 contributors, Susanna Melvoin, and someone doing some orchestra part I'm sorry don't know their name. But do you get that Prince played all the parts he wrote over the recording a lot of times straight through. He just like created it in some kind of genius flow of creation.

This song is a meditative experience on the mozart like genius of the 21st century- Prince Rodgers Nelson. When I first heard this song this past October...I went wow I am in love with the musical genius of this funky trance track even the wonky flute is dope. I played it over and over and marinated my brain in the vibes.

We can all hear his voice even though he's not talking no more.
And the only thing that matters is the love we make...
Prince gave himself to us in love of his musical children.
When hate advances on the right has a sound that blows past.
Do you get the emotion of it all.

Ya'll need to know
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Reply #5 posted 12/18/17 10:12pm

sagedi

Deleted - l'ange bleu - moderator

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Reply #6 posted 12/19/17 1:59am

BartVanHemelen

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sexyisintheimagination said:

the mozart like genius of the 21st century- Prince Rodgers Nelson.

.

Gotta love Prince fans who want to sound soooo deep but can't even spell the name of their hero correctly.

© Bart Van Hemelen
This posting is provided AS IS with no warranties, and confers no rights.
It is not authorized by Prince or the NPG Music Club. You assume all risk for
your use. All rights reserved.
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Reply #7 posted 12/19/17 5:31am

Empress

BartVanHemelen said:

sexyisintheimagination said:

the mozart like genius of the 21st century- Prince Rodgers Nelson.

.

Gotta love Prince fans who want to sound soooo deep but can't even spell the name of their hero correctly.

falloff

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Reply #8 posted 12/19/17 5:43am

OnlyNDaUsa

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BartVanHemelen said:

sexyisintheimagination said:

the mozart like genius of the 21st century- Prince Rodgers Nelson.

.

Gotta love Prince fans who want to sound soooo deep but can't even spell the name of their hero correctly.

be nice... but then again only heard it in October? I consider myself late and i had it by Oct 1989...

"Keep on shilling for Big Pharm!"
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Reply #9 posted 12/19/17 8:37am

herb4

OnlyNDaUsa said:

i think it means really good sex... balling is slang for sex...

It's this

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Reply #10 posted 12/19/17 9:01am

paisleypark4

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sexyisintheimagination said:

I'm onna honor the genius of this here song and thank Prince for making all the noises save for 2 contributors, Susanna Melvoin, and someone doing some orchestra part I'm sorry don't know their name. But do you get that Prince played all the parts he wrote over the recording a lot of times straight through. He just like created it in some kind of genius flow of creation. This song is a meditative experience on the mozart like genius of the 21st century- Prince Rodgers Nelson. When I first heard this song this past October...I went wow I am in love with the musical genius of this funky trance track even the wonky flute is dope. I played it over and over and marinated my brain in the vibes. We can all hear his voice even though he's not talking no more. And the only thing that matters is the love we make... Prince gave himself to us in love of his musical children. When hate advances on the right has a sound that blows past. Do you get the emotion of it all. Ya'll need to know


worship

Only the sound of love and prayer echo on a yellow floor...




The song “Crystal Ball” was written in a deepbluefunk depression as Prince pondered his future in a music business that had become more business than music.

His only solace during this time was his continuing search 4 a soul mate. All that matters is the love we make 2nite. The notion of making love during the apocalypse was an interesting notion 2 us at the time.

Susannah Melvoin lends her voice 2 the track and Claire Fischer [sic] arranged and conducted the orchestra. All other noises r made by Prince.

[Edited 12/19/17 9:03am]

Straight Jacket Funk Affair
Album plays and love for vinyl records.
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Reply #11 posted 12/19/17 4:05pm

luvsexy4all

gonads

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Reply #12 posted 12/19/17 11:11pm

sonshine

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SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

OK, has Prince ever spoke about the concept behind the song Crystal Ball? I know the imagery of an actual Crystal Ball has been used but this question never occured to me until after his death.


Is it possible that he is singing about Crystal Meth? I know that cocaine comes in 8 balls and maybe Crystal Meth has a similar slang term. I always took it as a ball like a dance but it could be a drugged out sex ball (balling).

If you have any mention from Prince, any band members or his label, please post here. I'd hate to think it was in reference to that evil drug.

[Edited 12/18/17 14:30pm]



Oh good lawd. No. That's a stretch if ever.
It's a hurtful place, the world, in and of itself. We don't need to add to it. We all need one another. ~ PRN
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Reply #13 posted 12/20/17 12:23am

JorisE73

BartVanHemelen said:

sexyisintheimagination said:

the mozart like genius of the 21st century- Prince Rodgers Nelson.

.

Gotta love Prince fans who want to sound soooo deep but can't even spell the name of their hero correctly.

lol lol lol

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Reply #14 posted 12/20/17 7:01am

laurarichardso
n

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

OK, has Prince ever spoke about the concept behind the song Crystal Ball? I know the imagery of an actual Crystal Ball has been used but this question never occured to me until after his death.


Is it possible that he is singing about Crystal Meth? I know that cocaine comes in 8 balls and maybe Crystal Meth has a similar slang term. I always took it as a ball like a dance but it could be a drugged out sex ball (balling).

If you have any mention from Prince, any band members or his label, please post here. I'd hate to think it was in reference to that evil drug.

[Edited 12/18/17 14:30pm]


— Sex I honestly think some of you need to get out more.
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Reply #15 posted 12/20/17 7:15am

RodeoSchro

BartVanHemelen said:

sexyisintheimagination said:

the mozart like genius of the 21st century- Prince Rodgers Nelson.

.

Gotta love Prince fans who want to sound soooo deep but can't even spell the name of their hero correctly.



You're so nice! I bet you have more friends than anyone else!

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Reply #16 posted 12/20/17 7:24am

laurarichardso
n

BartVanHemelen said:



sexyisintheimagination said:


the mozart like genius of the 21st century- Prince Rodgers Nelson.

.


Gotta love Prince fans who want to sound soooo deep but can't even spell the name of their hero correctly.


—Gotta Love people who worry about spelling on a message board.
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Reply #17 posted 12/20/17 8:01am

fms

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SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

OK, has Prince ever spoke about the concept behind the song Crystal Ball? I know the imagery of an actual Crystal Ball has been used but this question never occured to me until after his death.


Is it possible that he is singing about Crystal Meth? I know that cocaine comes in 8 balls and maybe Crystal Meth has a similar slang term. I always took it as a ball like a dance but it could be a drugged out sex ball (balling).

If you have any mention from Prince, any band members or his label, please post here. I'd hate to think it was in reference to that evil drug.

[Edited 12/18/17 14:30pm]

To your question, I have wondered the same exact thing: Does "ever had a crystal ball" mean "have you ever had sex high on crystal meth?"

There seems to be no evidence to support this reading, however.

Often, with Prince, the significance of words and event, images, etc., and their meanings are never 100% certain. Lots of ambiguity, lots of coincidences and strange similarities but nothing conclusive or definitive. We just have to leave it at that. It's always been that way, and with him gone now, things aren't likely to become any clearer.

Stand at the crossroads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths...(Jeremiah 6:16) www.ancientfaithradio.com

dezinonac eb lliw noitulove ehT
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Reply #18 posted 12/20/17 8:09am

OldFriends4Sal
e

Crystal Ball

the Ball

Tell her your going 2 the Crystal Ball, Hot Thang

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Reply #19 posted 12/20/17 11:07am

OnlyNDaUsa

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OldFriends4Sale said:

Crystal Ball

the Ball

Tell her your going 2 the Crystal Ball, Hot Thang

Everybody get way down,
Tonight we're gonna ball
Tonight we're gonna get the bomb, y'all
I'm talkin' 'bout the Detroit crawl

"Keep on shilling for Big Pharm!"
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Reply #20 posted 12/20/17 11:37am

2freaky4church
1

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He could be talking about his balls.

All you others say Hell Yea!! woot!
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Reply #21 posted 12/20/17 5:11pm

TrivialPursuit

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2freaky4church1 said:

He could be talking about his balls.


You stop!

Sorry, it's the Hodgkin's talking.
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Reply #22 posted 12/20/17 5:19pm

herb4

laurarichardson said:

BartVanHemelen said:

.

Gotta love Prince fans who want to sound soooo deep but can't even spell the name of their hero correctly.

—Gotta Love people who worry about spelling on a message board.


I try to. When a read a post with shitty syntax I tend to gloss over it. Spelling and grammar count.

But, yeah, this song is quite obviously a sex metaphor. He even used it in "Hot Thing". Fucking him would be going to the crystal ball, like a fairy tale. Might have even been true.

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Reply #23 posted 12/21/17 4:11am

laurarichardso
n

herb4 said:

laurarichardson said:

BartVanHemelen said: —Gotta Love people who worry about spelling on a message board.


I try to. When a read a post with shitty syntax I tend to gloss over it. Spelling and grammar count.

But, yeah, this song is quite obviously a sex metaphor. He even used it in "Hot Thing". Fucking him would be going to the crystal ball, like a fairy tale. Might have even been true.

Not when auto-correct on your phone sucks and the old fat finger hits the wrong key. Not that deep on a message board.

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Reply #24 posted 12/21/17 10:15am

sexyisintheima
gination

So I mistyped with auto correct.

Is this a spelling bee?

Also I don't consider myself a fan.
It's short for fanatic.

With love respect and honor for Prince Roger Nelson



I take nothing anyone says personally anyway
You should too. Prince lyrics are what you perceive and are what great art does. Think perceive and feel for self. What you read about drug use has more to do with you than Prince.
[Edited 12/21/17 10:16am]
[Edited 12/21/17 10:20am]
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Reply #25 posted 12/21/17 11:29am

Transformed1

Since I didn't see many serious answers, I'll give it a try.

In the liner notes of Crystal Ball, Prince said that they were into exploring the idea of the end of the world (like the song 1999, etc). A crystal ball is most commonly (at least in the U.S.) associated with a fortune teller or seeing the future.

It would say that it is about, like he said, the end of the world. More specifically making love during the apocolypse. Theres alot of other rambling topics running through that song as well but to me that is the main theme.

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Reply #26 posted 12/21/17 2:47pm

herb4

I think auto correct creates more problems than it fixes overall. Especially depending on what you're into and the things you talk about with certain folks.

Then again, I'm not one of these people who posts at red lights or on my work breaks either and treats my phone like it's my own beating heart so what do I know?

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Reply #27 posted 12/21/17 6:53pm

214

Transformed1 said:

Since I didn't see many serious answers, I'll give it a try.

In the liner notes of Crystal Ball, Prince said that they were into exploring the idea of the end of the world (like the song 1999, etc). A crystal ball is most commonly (at least in the U.S.) associated with a fortune teller or seeing the future.

It would say that it is about, like he said, the end of the world. More specifically making love during the apocolypse. Theres alot of other rambling topics running through that song as well but to me that is the main theme.

I agree with your interpretation, itseems Crystal Clear but with Prince who knows right?

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Reply #28 posted 12/21/17 11:04pm

JorisE73

sexyisintheimagination said:

Also I don't consider myself a fan. It's short for fanatic


What is this 1996?!
I think I threw up in my mouth.

[Edited 12/21/17 23:04pm]

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Reply #29 posted 12/22/17 5:36am

OnlyNDaUsa

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JorisE73 said:

sexyisintheimagination said:

Also I don't consider myself a fan. It's short for fanatic


What is this 1996?!
I think I threw up in my mouth.

[Edited 12/21/17 23:04pm]

for one I am a Prince Fanatic... but other than the letters FAN... Fan and Fanatic DO have somewhat different meanings... FAM is just silly!

"Keep on shilling for Big Pharm!"
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