1.) It might be my favorite Prince song

2.) I realize that the 87 version is the cream of the crop musically speaking. But I have to say I like the 3rdeyegirl version better and here is why..content. In other words, the original version sounds somewhat light hearted, ironic, a bit affectionate, noble, but not particularly empathetic of the plight of the girl he is singing about...despite what the lyrics state. Its almost self-congratutory (like Prince is saying I am not going to take advantage of this woman, what a moral victory for myself) Yes, it has Leeds, Sheila and Pirnce shining in all their glory (talking about SOTT film here) but the later version has the bluesy feel I would associate with lyrics about a woman whose husband left her "with a baby and another one on the way". The phrasing (and even look on his face) while singing "Baby don't waste your time" shows sadness and longing that the original more triumphant version doens't have. Don't get me wrong--the original is not hard-hearted. But the later version (which keeps getting removed from online--Damn-it) has compassion and empathy that feels much deeper and justifiably morose. Musically, the later is not nearly as sophisticated (and maybe Prince borrowed the mood from covers of his own song) with Prince mostly playing rhythm but I was moved so much more. I appreciate his vocals more as well (deeper, stronger, more emotive, and from the chest). This change in tone showed a sensitivity the lyrics always seem to allude to (almost as if Prince the narrator and the desperate lonely woman are sharing the same loneliness/longing but he is smart enough to realize that a relationship should not be based on just mutual sadness alone especially when one knows that the lady is still hung up on her man..and he doesnt want to take advantage)

[Edited 3/23/18 13:06pm]

[Edited 3/23/18 13:13pm]

Great analysis

PRH I totally agree. You described exactly what I feel too.
I’ll just add I feel the older version is fun, humorous almost, and the later version is perfectly indicative of Prince maturing into a man.
I love the TEG performances of this too. There’s one from the UK tour 2014 that I have watched and listened to so many times. It’s even IMO slightly better than the 2013 Montreux. He’s in a more comfortable venue and it shows.
[Edited 3/23/18 13:42pm]

the 2014 is my favorite by far. (where he is wearing the white tunic with hs face with the third eye glasses) That part where he and Donna played echoing each other at the end is really cool too.

anangellooksdown said:

PRH I totally agree. You described exactly what I feel too. I’ll just add I feel the older version is fun, humorous almost, and the later version is perfectly indicative of Prince maturing into a man. I love the TEG performances of this too. There’s one from the UK tour 2014 that I have watched and listened to so many times. It’s even IMO slightly better than the 2013 Montreux. He’s in a more comfortable venue and it shows. [Edited 3/23/18 13:42pm]

Great analysis. I’d argue the P&M versions were great too. You could really feel the emotion in the song/lyrics.

The older version has a real Carole King, Brill Building pop sound that's reminiscent sonically and lyrically of the music of that era. A perfect pop throwback.

The ballad version is equally effective, for the reasons listed above. The best version is in Chicago in 2012, due to both Prince's delivery and a scorching guitar solo.

1.) It IS my favorite song (has been since I first heard it )

2.) Spot on. I love every version and that is so versatile. Nice statement

Great post!!

I love this song also and the 3RDEYEGIRL version is my favourite. The way it's been reworked and slowed down is fantastic.