Hey Everyone,

My paper, "Dance with the Devil: Sin, Temptation, and Prince's SpookyElectric Lyrics" has been accepted as a chapter for Theology and Prince (thanks to the orger who posted the CFP).

The paper is on Prince's lyrics dealing with the devil (in various guises, ie. SpookyElectric), demonic figures (ie. the witch, Shockadelica), Hell and Hellish landscapes (Sinaplenty), sin, blasphemy, temptation, damnation, etc. Since so many Prince songs were lust-driven, I'm only dealing with those that find Prince sinning by way of sex (in Head, he interferes with the Christian sacrament of marriage by devirginize a bride-to-be on her way to the altar), or meditating on lust (Temptation, Lust U Always, etc). Since he likened SpookyElectric to Camille, I'll also give at least passing reference to the Camille tracks and the Black Album, especially Erotic City.

My canon thus far includes:

Head

Annie Christian

Lady Cab Driver

Lust U Always

Extraloveable '83

Possessed

Let's Go Crazy

Computer Blue

Darling Nikki

Erotic City

Possessed

The Ladder

Temptation

Christopher Tracy's Parade

Mountains

Shockadelica

The Camille Album

The Black Album

Scarlet Pussy

My Name is Prince

Damn U

3 Chains o' Gold

Damned If I Do, Damned If I Don't

Fury

I know many of you are more knowledgable about Prince's giant body of work than I and there are probably tracks I know well that I overlooked; what am I missing?

Whoops, left out:

Eye No

Positivity

Electric Chair

Batdance

Dance with the Devil

Prince did not seem (to me) to have had a particularly harsh/punitive religious upbringing.

Where did his cocern about the Devil, Hell, God etc come from?

He seemed to be waging an internal war.

Spanky said:

peggyon said:

Prince did not seem (to me) to have had a particularly harsh/punitive religious upbringing.

Where did his cocern about the Devil, Hell, God etc come from?

He seemed to be waging an internal war.

I always had the sense he had a heavy church background but not puritanical like. The whole being healed from epilepsy at 7 a lot of churchiness there.

Krystalkisses said:

Congratulations! Just a question. are you compensated for getting published?

No. Strictly a labour of love.

AnnaStesia10 said:

What about his song Others Here With Us?

Thanks!

peggyon said:

Prince did not seem (to me) to have had a particularly harsh/punitive religious upbringing.

Where did his cocern about the Devil, Hell, God etc come from?

He seemed to be waging an internal war.

We are all waging an internal war..

Prince was just more honest about it that most..

Adding "Arrogance" and "3rd Eye" to the list for Edenic/Original Sin references.

In Head he has sex with the lady after they got married... " you fool you married me instead".

roverlo said:

In Head he has sex with the lady after they got married... " you fool you married me instead".

Yeah, they get married after he purple rains all over her wedding gown.

"I'm just a virgin and I'm on my way to be wed, but you're such a hunk, so full of spunk, I'll give you head."

Oral sex is intercourse, kids.

Lovejunky said:

peggyon said:

Prince did not seem (to me) to have had a particularly harsh/punitive religious upbringing.

Where did his cocern about the Devil, Hell, God etc come from?

He seemed to be waging an internal war.

We are all waging an internal war..

Prince was just more honest about it that most..

I do not relate at all to the war he was waging. Love Prince, but I think it had to do with some of his less savory behavior.

Points to cover around this:

- Spooky Electric is the oppsite of The Dance Electric; which is his metaphor for redemption. You should include lyrical analysis of 'God' and 'The Dance Electric'', which both take the sentiment of 1999 to a more religious meaning.

- You need to ensure you don't fall into the common trap of associating Camille as tracks with a speeded up voice. There is no 'Camille voice', it incorporates a period of reflection where Prince looks back, after the break up with Suzannah and recognises he lost his way. It's summed up in the words of the Lovesexy tour book, where Camille was duped by 'Spooky Electric' (The devil) to make a negative album (Black) which doesn't speed up the voice.

- You might want to make reference to Prince's periods of 'darkness' and temptation away from God always follow a major relationship breakup.

- I would add the follow tracks for lyrical analysis: Annastesia, Gold, Solo, The Everlasting Now.

SquirrelMeat said:

Points to cover around this:

- Spooky Electric is the oppsite of The Dance Electric; which is his metaphor for redemption. You should include lyrical analysis of 'God' and 'The Dance Electric'', which both take the sentiment of 1999 to a more religious meaning.

- You need to ensure you don't fall into the common trap of associating Camille as tracks with a speeded up voice. There is no 'Camille voice', it incorporates a period of reflection where Prince looks back, after the break up with Suzannah and recognises he lost his way. It's summed up in the words of the Lovesexy tour book, where Camille was duped by 'Spooky Electric' (The devil) to make a negative album (Black) which doesn't speed up the voice.

- You might want to make reference to Prince's periods of 'darkness' and temptation away from God always follow a major relationship breakup.

- I would add the follow tracks for lyrical analysis: Annastesia, Gold, Solo, The Everlasting Now.

Thank you, I will delve deeper. My point is that I try not to engage in behavior that requires

profound forgiveness and resultant redemption.

I do not hold it against him at all...I am just curious why he "went there" so often?

IMO, his major break-ups were often the result of his behavior...infidelity, duplicity etc.

[Edited 10/4/18 9:43am]

peggyon said:

SquirrelMeat said:

Points to cover around this:

- Spooky Electric is the oppsite of The Dance Electric; which is his metaphor for redemption. You should include lyrical analysis of 'God' and 'The Dance Electric'', which both take the sentiment of 1999 to a more religious meaning.

- You need to ensure you don't fall into the common trap of associating Camille as tracks with a speeded up voice. There is no 'Camille voice', it incorporates a period of reflection where Prince looks back, after the break up with Suzannah and recognises he lost his way. It's summed up in the words of the Lovesexy tour book, where Camille was duped by 'Spooky Electric' (The devil) to make a negative album (Black) which doesn't speed up the voice.

- You might want to make reference to Prince's periods of 'darkness' and temptation away from God always follow a major relationship breakup.

- I would add the follow tracks for lyrical analysis: Annastesia, Gold, Solo, The Everlasting Now.

Thank you, I will delve deeper. My point is that I try not to engage in behavior that requires

profound forgiveness and resultant redemption.

I do not hold it against him at all...I am just curious why he "went there" so often?

IMO, his major break-ups were often the result of his behavior...infidelity, duplicity etc.

[Edited 10/4/18 9:43am]

Yeah, I suppose its common the world over. A negative event leads to negative throughts. For some its drink, other its sex, but the latter depends on your upbringing. Prince's conflict between love, sex and god was obviosuly a conflict his entire life. I think the extended version of Computer Blue and The Dance Electric lyrics serve a great insight.

SquirrelMeat said:

peggyon said:

Thank you, I will delve deeper. My point is that I try not to engage in behavior that requires

profound forgiveness and resultant redemption.

I do not hold it against him at all...I am just curious why he "went there" so often?

IMO, his major break-ups were often the result of his behavior...infidelity, duplicity etc.

[Edited 10/4/18 9:43am]

Yeah, I suppose its common the world over. A negative event leads to negative throughts. For some its drink, other its sex, but the latter depends on your upbringing. Prince's conflict between love, sex and god was obviosuly a conflict his entire life. I think the extended version of Computer Blue and The Dance Electric lyrics serve a great insight.

No judgement at all for him. I find it interesting that he struggled on that level and it may have led to choosing that religion, (JW) which I think is rather severe and restrictive. It seems he felt he needed that kind of outside supervision. He struck me as someone with intense drives and some attraction to some darker issues, more than most, i believe.

I will listen to Computer Blue and Dance Electric again.

SquirrelMeat said:

Points to cover around this:

- Spooky Electric is the oppsite of The Dance Electric; which is his metaphor for redemption. You should include lyrical analysis of 'God' and 'The Dance Electric'', which both take the sentiment of 1999 to a more religious meaning.

- You need to ensure you don't fall into the common trap of associating Camille as tracks with a speeded up voice. There is no 'Camille voice', it incorporates a period of reflection where Prince looks back, after the break up with Suzannah and recognises he lost his way. It's summed up in the words of the Lovesexy tour book, where Camille was duped by 'Spooky Electric' (The devil) to make a negative album (Black) which doesn't speed up the voice.

- You might want to make reference to Prince's periods of 'darkness' and temptation away from God always follow a major relationship breakup.

- I would add the follow tracks for lyrical analysis: Annastesia, Gold, Solo, The Everlasting Now.

Very helpful, thanks. I've already started to compare Spooky with "The Dance Electric" and other references to electricity in his lyrics. Do you know where I can read a copy of the Lovesexy tour book?

peggyon said:

SquirrelMeat said:

Yeah, I suppose its common the world over. A negative event leads to negative throughts. For some its drink, other its sex, but the latter depends on your upbringing. Prince's conflict between love, sex and god was obviosuly a conflict his entire life. I think the extended version of Computer Blue and The Dance Electric lyrics serve a great insight.

No judgement at all for him. I find it interesting that he struggled on that level and it may have led to choosing that religion, (JW) which I think is rather severe and restrictive. It seems he felt he needed that kind of outside supervision. He struck me as someone with intense drives and some attraction to some darker issues, more than most, i believe.

I will listen to Computer Blue and Dance Electric again.

I found the extended version of Computer Blue very insightful, thank you.

Did his father contribute to the lyrics?

mtlfan said:

SquirrelMeat said:

Points to cover around this:

- Spooky Electric is the oppsite of The Dance Electric; which is his metaphor for redemption. You should include lyrical analysis of 'God' and 'The Dance Electric'', which both take the sentiment of 1999 to a more religious meaning.

- You need to ensure you don't fall into the common trap of associating Camille as tracks with a speeded up voice. There is no 'Camille voice', it incorporates a period of reflection where Prince looks back, after the break up with Suzannah and recognises he lost his way. It's summed up in the words of the Lovesexy tour book, where Camille was duped by 'Spooky Electric' (The devil) to make a negative album (Black) which doesn't speed up the voice.

- You might want to make reference to Prince's periods of 'darkness' and temptation away from God always follow a major relationship breakup.

- I would add the follow tracks for lyrical analysis: Annastesia, Gold, Solo, The Everlasting Now.

Very helpful, thanks. I've already started to compare Spooky with "The Dance Electric" and other references to electricity in his lyrics. Do you know where I can read a copy of the Lovesexy tour book?

Words from the Lovesexy tour book:


Time upon a once
There was a boy named Camille
Now this boy named Camille
didn't know how 2 feel.
Sometimes he was lonely
sometimes he was sad
but most times
he just took 4 granted
all the nice things
that he had.

Some people said they loved him
but Camille said
"Contempt!
Winter, Spring,
Summer, or Fall,
love is no good
unless it's felt by all"

So, naive & terrifically in need
Camille started looking for answers
His paintbrush the questioner,
his canvas the arena,
Camille set out to silence his critics.
"No longer daring" - his enemies laughed.
"No longer glam, his funk is half-assed...
one leg is much shorter
than the other one is weak.
His strokes are tepid,
his colors are meek."

So Camille found a new color.
The color black:
strongest hue of them all.
He painted a picture
called Le Grind --
hittin' so tall.
And then Cindy C --
THE vogue fantasy.
Horns & vocals 2 die 4.
Lollipops -- in yours!

Stroke after stroke callin' all others a joke.
Superfunkycalifragisexi.

Camille rocked hard in a funky place. Stuck his long
funk in competition's face. Tuesday came. Blue Tuesday.
His canvas full, and lying on the table, Camille mustered
all the hate that he was able. Hate 4 the ones who ever
doubted his game. Hate 4 the ones who ever doubted his name.

"Tis nobody funkier -- let the Black Album fly." Spooky
Electric was talking, Camille started 2 cry. Tricked.
A fool he had been. In the lowest utmostest. He had allowed
the dark side of him 2 create something evil. 2 Nigs United
4 West Compton. Camille and his ego. Bob George. Why?
Spooky Electric must die. Die in the hearts of all who
want love. Die in the hearts of men who want change.
Die in the bodies of women who want babies that will grow up
with a New Power Soul. Love Life, Lovesexy -- the feeling
u get when u fall in love, not with a girl or boy but with the
heavens above. Lovesexy -- endorphin. Camille figured out
what 2 feel. Glam Slam Escape -- the Sexuality Real.
Tonight we make love with only words. Girls first. This
feeling's so good in every single way.
God is alive! Let Him touch u and He will quench
every thirst. Let him touch u and an aura of peace will adorn u.
God is alive!
Let Him touch u and your own Lovesexy will be born.
Let Him touch u, let Him touch u, and Heaven is yours.
Welcome 2 the New Power Generation.

SquirrelMeat said:

mtlfan said:

Very helpful, thanks. I've already started to compare Spooky with "The Dance Electric" and other references to electricity in his lyrics. Do you know where I can read a copy of the Lovesexy tour book?

Words from the Lovesexy tour book:


Time upon a once
There was a boy named Camille
Now this boy named Camille
didn't know how 2 feel.
Sometimes he was lonely
sometimes he was sad
but most times
he just took 4 granted
all the nice things
that he had.

Some people said they loved him
but Camille said
"Contempt!
Winter, Spring,
Summer, or Fall,
love is no good
unless it's felt by all"

So, naive & terrifically in need
Camille started looking for answers
His paintbrush the questioner,
his canvas the arena,
Camille set out to silence his critics.
"No longer daring" - his enemies laughed.
"No longer glam, his funk is half-assed...
one leg is much shorter
than the other one is weak.
His strokes are tepid,
his colors are meek."

So Camille found a new color.
The color black:
strongest hue of them all.
He painted a picture
called Le Grind --
hittin' so tall.
And then Cindy C --
THE vogue fantasy.
Horns & vocals 2 die 4.
Lollipops -- in yours!

Stroke after stroke callin' all others a joke.
Superfunkycalifragisexi.

Camille rocked hard in a funky place. Stuck his long
funk in competition's face. Tuesday came. Blue Tuesday.
His canvas full, and lying on the table, Camille mustered
all the hate that he was able. Hate 4 the ones who ever
doubted his game. Hate 4 the ones who ever doubted his name.

"Tis nobody funkier -- let the Black Album fly." Spooky
Electric was talking, Camille started 2 cry. Tricked.
A fool he had been. In the lowest utmostest. He had allowed
the dark side of him 2 create something evil. 2 Nigs United
4 West Compton. Camille and his ego. Bob George. Why?
Spooky Electric must die. Die in the hearts of all who
want love. Die in the hearts of men who want change.
Die in the bodies of women who want babies that will grow up
with a New Power Soul. Love Life, Lovesexy -- the feeling
u get when u fall in love, not with a girl or boy but with the
heavens above. Lovesexy -- endorphin. Camille figured out
what 2 feel. Glam Slam Escape -- the Sexuality Real.
Tonight we make love with only words. Girls first. This
feeling's so good in every single way.
God is alive! Let Him touch u and He will quench
every thirst. Let him touch u and an aura of peace will adorn u.
God is alive!
Let Him touch u and your own Lovesexy will be born.
Let Him touch u, let Him touch u, and Heaven is yours.
Welcome 2 the New Power Generation.

Hugely helpful, thanks again!

Lovejunky said:

peggyon said:

Prince did not seem (to me) to have had a particularly harsh/punitive religious upbringing.

Where did his cocern about the Devil, Hell, God etc come from?

He seemed to be waging an internal war.

We are all waging an internal war..

Prince was just more honest about it that most..

Truth

peggyon said:

SquirrelMeat said:

Points to cover around this:

- Spooky Electric is the oppsite of The Dance Electric; which is his metaphor for redemption. You should include lyrical analysis of 'God' and 'The Dance Electric'', which both take the sentiment of 1999 to a more religious meaning.

- You need to ensure you don't fall into the common trap of associating Camille as tracks with a speeded up voice. There is no 'Camille voice', it incorporates a period of reflection where Prince looks back, after the break up with Suzannah and recognises he lost his way. It's summed up in the words of the Lovesexy tour book, where Camille was duped by 'Spooky Electric' (The devil) to make a negative album (Black) which doesn't speed up the voice.

- You might want to make reference to Prince's periods of 'darkness' and temptation away from God always follow a major relationship breakup.

- I would add the follow tracks for lyrical analysis: Annastesia, Gold, Solo, The Everlasting Now.

Thank you, I will delve deeper. My point is that I try not to engage in behavior that requires

profound forgiveness and resultant redemption.

I do not hold it against him at all...I am just curious why he "went there" so often?

IMO, his major break-ups were often the result of his behavior...infidelity, duplicity etc.

[Edited 10/4/18 9:43am]

Thanks for your contribution to the book; can't wait until it is out. I know it's your opinion, and you said "often", but why does it seem like the onus for the break-ups are attributed to him? How do we know that his partners did not act in some form or fashion which caused him to react (in maybe not the best manner, but still as a reaction). I am not attempting to minimize any of his actions or behaviors, just wondering why this seems to be the take, that the break ups were mainly because he cheated, he couldn't trust, etc.

Asenath said:

peggyon said:

Thank you, I will delve deeper. My point is that I try not to engage in behavior that requires

profound forgiveness and resultant redemption.

I do not hold it against him at all...I am just curious why he "went there" so often?

IMO, his major break-ups were often the result of his behavior...infidelity, duplicity etc.

[Edited 10/4/18 9:43am]

Thanks for your contribution to the book; can't wait until it is out. I know it's your opinion, and you said "often", but why does it seem like the onus for the break-ups are attributed to him? How do we know that his partners did not act in some form or fashion which caused him to react (in maybe not the best manner, but still as a reaction). I am not attempting to minimize any of his actions or behaviors, just wondering why this seems to be the take, that the break ups were mainly because he cheated, he couldn't trust, etc.

No, I did not know him, but was struck by a common thread throughout much of my reading about him. He seemed to be unable to commit and I think serial infidelity caused a great deal of pain to his girlfriends. They handled it differently, but most seemed to experience quite a bit of pain and eventually left him. I got the sense he applied one set of rules to himself (seeing a number of women while in a 'committed' relationship), and another to his partners.

He, himself, must not have been OK with some of his behaviors if he was asking for forgiveness to the extent he did. Why not just avoid behavior that needs forgiveness on that level?

[Edited 10/5/18 15:13pm]

peggyon said:

Asenath said: