The US is an absolutely shitpile lately, and it's hard to know what to do about it. I didn't always agree with Prince's politics, but with crap-ass 45 going halfway to Nazi this week, I just can't help but wonder how he'd be reacting to everything that's going on. I'm pretty sure I know where he'd come down on this stuff - hell, he may have been even motivated to encourage folks to vote.

His music is absolutely a balm during hard times. I'm so thankful for what we have, and I don't care right now that it feels selfish to say I wish we had more.

[Edited 6/19/18 21:49pm]

Play his music. His music always cheers me up.

Put on Let's Go Crazy and crank it up!

luv4u said:

Play his music. His music always cheers me up.

Put on Let's Go Crazy and crank it up!

thanks, needed that today

MendesCity said:

luv4u said:

Play his music. His music always cheers me up.

Put on Let's Go Crazy and crank it up!

thanks, needed that today

yw

Death can be very hard to deal with. At least for me it is, but that just could be because I'm pretty young. Even when I had to put my dog down, I balled like a baby for like a week straight. It can be the same for people you don't even know, or haven't even met. I was sad when he died, and still am sometimes, because you feel like you get to know them through their music, like they're your friend.

This could be just because I'm a realist or just the fact that I'm being my generally moody Cancer self, but it does sort of help to know that, ya know, everything dies basically and people die everyday. Some people die young, like Prince, but unfortunetly that's just part of life.

[Edited 6/19/18 22:18pm]

luv4u said:

Play his music. His music always cheers me up.

Put on Let's Go Crazy and crank it up!

KR

There are some days when I do so love that man (his looks, talent, charisma, mystique, mystery, drama, songs, humor, work ethic, etc) . And some days, when I want to go back in time and smack the crap out of him, knock some sense into him, tell him to do just things the easy way and trust others to do their jobs, tell him to stop harping about perfect sound and cruely calling out his sound engineers on stage. And, there are other days when I am like, "Prince give them hell. Don't let them screw up your beautiful sound." The dude was confounding and beautiful and a dream and a nightmare. And If I had met him, I think it would have been love at first sight (from me anyhow) , despite and maybe partly because of all of that stuff I just described..

[Edited 6/19/18 23:31pm]

Prince had some conservative leanings. But he was no party-line type of dude and supported black lives matter. Prince assumed Trump would not win and didn't seem to want him to.. I think he would seen him as a racist, primitive man who didn't know how to "listen" to what others were going through or their ideas. Prince wasn't the greatest listener all the time, but he seemed to want to be in this interview.

Prince 2015 at the beginning of the election..

"We're in the feminine aspect now," he says. "That's where society is. You're gonna get a woman president soon. Men have gone as far as they can, right? ... I learn from women a lot quicker than I do from men. ... At a certain point, you're supposed to know what it means to be a man, but now what do you know about what it means to be a woman? Do you know how to listen? Most men don't know how to listen."

I don't know if he would have voted or encouraged it, but I imagine he would have sang about Trump's treatment of immigrants (imagine a song called Xenophobia and not just an album title). and may have thrown some concerts like the one he did in Baltimore for Peace before he died.

SkipperLove said:

Strive said:

Reminder that Prince was a Jehovah's Witness. He didn't vote or participate in government. He wasn't a blind partisan. Making yourself miserable by religiously following the eternal outrage machine (on either side) is something he would've frowned on. luv4u is right though. Listen to his music. Find comfort in the words. But go towards the back part of his catalog.

Handle your heart with care It's as delicate as a wing When the storms come again Pray for resolution Either you will or you won't (Either you will or you won't) Either you do or you don't Will you want resolution?

Sorry, but the pre-JW portion of his catalog speaks to me much more, both musically and in its ideaology. We can all appreciate him in our own way. And in times as dark as these, you better believe I'm going to vote, and remind anyone in the US who doesn't that they're passively sitting on the sidelines as true monsters hijack our nation. But that's a conversation for another forum.

MendesCity said:

luv4u said:

Play his music. His music always cheers me up.

Put on Let's Go Crazy and crank it up!

For a long time I couldn't listen to his music, but I'm back listening to it regularly again and it does cheer me up most of the time. I guess it depends on the song, but just listening to something like Sexy MF puts a smile on my face.

Empress said:

luv4u said:

Play his music. His music always cheers me up.

Put on Let's Go Crazy and crank it up!

For a long time I couldn't listen to his music, but I'm back listening to it regularly again and it does cheer me up most of the time. I guess it depends on the song, but just listening to something like Sexy MF puts a smile on my face.

For a long time I could not listen to his music or watch any videos either.

I tried watching the Party Man video and there is a part of it where he looks at the camera at you and when I saw that look and his smile I --- I had to stop the video.

luv4u said:

Empress said:

For a long time I couldn't listen to his music, but I'm back listening to it regularly again and it does cheer me up most of the time. I guess it depends on the song, but just listening to something like Sexy MF puts a smile on my face.

For a long time I could not listen to his music or watch any videos either.

I tried watching the Party Man video and there is a part of it where he looks at the camera at you and when I saw that look and his smile I --- I had to stop the video.

I know the feeling

. Heartbreaking how much you miss him. I have the opposite reaction..it reminds me his life wasn't just how he died but more how he lived. That funny moment in the video is preserved forever.

luv4u said:

Empress said:

For a long time I couldn't listen to his music, but I'm back listening to it regularly again and it does cheer me up most of the time. I guess it depends on the song, but just listening to something like Sexy MF puts a smile on my face.

For a long time I could not listen to his music or watch any videos either.

I tried watching the Party Man video and there is a part of it where he looks at the camera at you and when I saw that look and his smile I --- I had to stop the video.

Strive said:

Reminder that Prince was a Jehovah's Witness. He didn't vote or participate in government. He wasn't a blind partisan.

.

He had moderated his beliefs past the strict JW-ness he adopted in the early 2000s. He was studying world religions, discussing politics with friends and acquaintances.
.

He leaned right in the 1980s, as reflected in songs like "Free" and "America".
"Prince gave $2,000 to Minnesota Sen. Rudy Boschwitz, a Republican, in 1990." http://thehill.com/homene...-political

.

Later, his support and donations shifted leftward. He was a strong supporter of Democratic Minneapolis mayor Sharon Sayles Belton and had hosted fundraisers at Paisley Park.

Don't forget that he DID play at the White House and was very complimentary to Barack Obama.
.

He was stronger in his "blackness" than ever, in the past 6-8 years....and would not have put up with the crap that's going on.
He put up a large amount of money to get Black Lives Matter off the ground. If that's not political, what IS?

.

Don't ever say he was strictly letting anyone tell him what to do or believe.

Graciegirl719 said:

Death can be very hard to deal with. At least for me it is, but that just could be because I'm pretty young. Even when I had to put my dog down, I balled like a baby for like a week straight. It can be the same for people you don't even know, or haven't even met. I was sad when he died, and still am sometimes, because you feel like you get to know them through their music, like they're your friend.

This could be just because I'm a realist or just the fact that I'm being my generally moody Cancer self, but it does sort of help to know that, ya know, everything dies basically and people die everyday. Some people die young, like Prince, but unfortunetly that's just part of life.

[Edited 6/19/18 22:18pm]

I agreed. Prince left a big mark on this planet and also that was his intention.

But I am going to play 17 Days to bring him back alive for now.

[Edited 6/20/18 14:45pm]

To be humanitarian is almost intrinsically political. Prince maybe not have aligned with any one party or belief system, but he didn't 'transcend' politics. To be supportive of communities who are in need, particularly black communities (and groups like Black Lives Matter), is very political, and quite frankly, it's the right kind of political. The left may have its share of problems, but I have to support any group that fights for the general betterment of society and all of its people. I don't believe in the party of "every man for himself", who fights to hurt minorities instead of lifting them up and them blames them for their own problems, who would rather make the rich richer than selflessly give to those in need. I want to believe that Prince didn't buy into that right-wing shit either.

[Edited 6/20/18 18:58pm]

I didn't know about the support of the democratic mayor. Too often people label him as a republican because of that one campaign contribution and some of his war-hawk beliefs in the 80's and some of his religious beliefs (Rogers and Leeds contribute to that simplistic take.) But neither of them hung out with him after 2002 (and the last time, Leeds hung with Prince, P was pretty conservative due to his recent conversion . PLus, even back in the day, his views weren't consistently conservative. He seemed to always be for gun control. He later supported environmentalism, black lives matter, pacism (against the Iraq War), tolerance towards Muslims, gun control, hiring women. He never was a big fan of big government but due to Jones' discussions, I think he started to see some of its necessity. I would say he was a moderate libertarian (not Tea Party neo-confederate pseudo-libertarian) who shifted back and forth when a reasonable argument changed his mind or when his spirituality pulled him one way or the other. I do think his views on homosexuality were lightening up at the very end of his life as well--and like someone else said, it wasn't until his early days of JW zealousness that he seemed to care who bedded whom.

laytonian said:

Strive said:

Reminder that Prince was a Jehovah's Witness. He didn't vote or participate in government. He wasn't a blind partisan.

.

He had moderated his beliefs past the strict JW-ness he adopted in the early 2000s. He was studying world religions, discussing politics with friends and acquaintances.
.

He leaned right in the 1980s, as reflected in songs like "Free" and "America".
"Prince gave $2,000 to Minnesota Sen. Rudy Boschwitz, a Republican, in 1990." http://thehill.com/homene...-political

.

Later, his support and donations shifted leftward. He was a strong supporter of Democratic Minneapolis mayor Sharon Sayles Belton and had hosted fundraisers at Paisley Park.

Don't forget that he DID play at the White House and was very complimentary to Barack Obama.
.

He was stronger in his "blackness" than ever, in the past 6-8 years....and would not have put up with the crap that's going on.
He put up a large amount of money to get Black Lives Matter off the ground. If that's not political, what IS?

.

Don't ever say he was strictly letting anyone tell him what to do or believe.

[Edited 6/20/18 19:25pm]

mbdtyler said:

ladygirl99 said:

Graciegirl719 said:

Death can be very hard to deal with. At least for me it is, but that just could be because I'm pretty young. Even when I had to put my dog down, I balled like a baby for like a week straight. It can be the same for people you don't even know, or haven't even met. I was sad when he died, and still am sometimes, because you feel like you get to know them through their music, like they're your friend.

This could be just because I'm a realist or just the fact that I'm being my generally moody Cancer self, but it does sort of help to know that, ya know, everything dies basically and people die everyday. Some people die young, like Prince, but unfortunetly that's just part of life.

[Edited 6/19/18 22:18pm]

I agreed. Prince left a big mark on this planet and also that was his intention.

But I am going to play 17 Days to bring him back alive for now.

[Edited 6/20/18 14:45pm]

mbdtyler said:

To be humanitarian is almost intrinsically political. Prince maybe not have aligned with any one party or belief system, but he didn't 'transcend' politics. To be supportive of communities who are in need, particularly black communities (and groups like Black Lives Matter), is very political, and quite frankly, it's the right kind of political. The left may have its share of problems, but I have to support any group that fights for the general betterment of society and all of its people. I don't believe in the party of "every man for himself", who fights to hurt minorities instead of lifting them up and them blames them for their own problems, who would rather make the rich richer than selflessly give to those in need. I want to believe that Prince didn't buy into that right-wing shit either.

[Edited 6/20/18 18:58pm]

He was a fan of Bill Maher and also there was a rumor he liked Alex Jones too. So he was willing to listen to all political points of view.

But overall I agree with your post as I want to leave it at that so this thread wouldn't go off the subject into politics.

But back to the subject, if Prince was alive now, I am picturing him writing a controversial song and shading about current events. And probably working music with a new muse.

Strive said:

Users that assume Prince would speak out directly against Trump or encourage people to vote in an election fundamentally misunderstand his religious beliefs. Jehovah's Witnesses do not vote. They do not participate in politics. Any participation in man's system is viewed as a corrupting act. They also highly value peace. Baltimore and Rally 4 Peace was his way to try to help the people.

There's a reason why the guitar solo in Baltimore wasn't one of fury or anger. It was a sad groove. His music was meant to heal and uplift.

He was human so he had his moments of confusion and conflicting thought but most of his later music spoke the same message. The teachings of his religion and compassion for the people.

If you're feeling down because you are overly invested in man's kingdom, try looking for bigger picture.


edit: SkipperLove said:

Prince 2015 at the beginning of the election..

January 25th, 2014 is when the interview you're quoting took place. https://www.rollingstone....y-20160502 [Edited 6/20/18 1:16am]

Very true. "Baltimore" is much more potent because of that.
Some of the lines may sound extremely naive, but it's not that.
Prince writes a statement, he doesn't play lyricist, there's no need, the problem is heavy,
but to Prince the solution is quite simple.
It's more hard 2 love than it is 2 hate, right?
There's a heavenly utopia that springs out of Baltimore.
By the time the songs ends, you're uplifted, every time.
This song reaaly grows on you.

I wouldn't call being worried about the present sad fuck state of the moral across western countries
being "overtly invested". Turning to Buddha or the Nazarean is not going to help much with these fuckers in command.

Funny to notice, you don't hear any of these so-called stars putting out a record à la "We Are The World" nowadays.
From people drowning to separation of families, unarmed crowds mass shootings, dictators ass rimming,
biliionaires hitting a record every year, and so do the wave heats, there are a tons of subjects
at hand for a little pop social consciousness. Just to remember that art can be more than entertainment,
but also meaningful social commentary.

But no, they're too busy instagramming their new ass tattoo.

bonatoc said:

I wouldn't call being worried about the present sad fuck state of the moral across western countries
being "overtly invested". Turning to Buddha or the Nazarean is not going to help much with these fuckers in command.

I'm just trying to explain the Jehovah's Witness mindset. They only look towards God's Kingdom. No matter what hardships or horror they face.

During World War 2, they were murdered by the Nazis for not going along with them and imprisoned in America for not going along with them.

You can say there's no choice but there always is. You can choose to be misled and enraged by the media for their agenda or you can look at the bigger picture and put your faith in the coming of His Kingdom. I could go into details about how you're being mislead today but that isn't really a conversation for this forum.

Pray and care for your fellow man. Don't pray and care for the false systems that man built.

luv4u said:

Empress said:

For a long time I couldn't listen to his music, but I'm back listening to it regularly again and it does cheer me up most of the time. I guess it depends on the song, but just listening to something like Sexy MF puts a smile on my face.

For a long time I could not listen to his music or watch any videos either.

I tried watching the Party Man video and there is a part of it where he looks at the camera at you and when I saw that look and his smile I --- I had to stop the video.

I know, I think I know the part you are talking about....gets to you.

Strive said:

bonatoc said:

I wouldn't call being worried about the present sad fuck state of the moral across western countries
being "overtly invested". Turning to Buddha or the Nazarean is not going to help much with these fuckers in command.

I'm just trying to explain the Jehovah's Witness mindset. They only look towards God's Kingdom. No matter what hardships or horror they face.

During World War 2, they were murdered by the Nazis for not going along with them and imprisoned in America for not going along with them.

You can say there's no choice but there always is. You can choose to be misled and enraged by the media for their agenda or you can look at the bigger picture and put your faith in the coming of His Kingdom. I could go into details about how you're being mislead today but that isn't really a conversation for this forum.

Pray and care for your fellow man. Don't pray and care for the false systems that man built.

Amen. Every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess...