Susannah said there was an earthquake in Los Angeles that freaked Prince out and he wanted to leave L.A. now. They looked at the front page of the L.A. Times and it said in big bold letters of someone dying in France of AIDS. With the earthquake and the front page being so vivid in his mind at that time, he wrote the song.

Remember the uproar Nancy caused when she decided to buy new expensive china for the lavish dinners that were held at the White House? That was another scandal during the Reagan years...

PeteSilas said:

PennyPurple said:

Yes, yes and yes!!

it's strange seeing people who idealize reagan and totally forget how unpopular he was at the end of his second term. I've seen people i grew up with put pics of ronnie on their facebooks in a "good old days" sort of fashion which is actually kind of sad because i really don't think they were good for very many people. the aids thing was almost like the middle ages, people were acting so crazy and hysterical mostly because it was such a deadly and unknown quantity, we couldn't find out facts quickly enough to outrun the public paranoia.

OldFriends4Sale said:

Susannah said there was an earthquake in Los Angeles that freaked Prince out and he wanted to leave L.A. now. They looked at the front page of the L.A. Times and it said in big bold letters of someone dying in France of AIDS. With the earthquake and the front page being so vivid in his mind at that time, he wrote the song.

Yes, another example of his immediate reaction to feelings/events that he had to put to music.

jdcxc said:

PennyPurple said:

I agree with you Blue. It was just stuff happening at the time.

There were some rumblings before 85 though of AIDS, although Reagan denied there was a problem.

Name a mainstream pop artist who put a song about AIDS/Gang Warfare/Military Industrial Complex in the TOP TEN. U ppl are not giving Prince enough credit for these socially powerful lyrics and his profound revolutionary statement.

Right. First musician/artist to sing about the AIDS crisis and make it a hit on radio.

kingricefan said:

Remember the uproar Nancy caused when she decided to buy new expensive china for the lavish dinners that were held at the White House? That was another scandal during the Reagan years...

PeteSilas said:

it's strange seeing people who idealize reagan and totally forget how unpopular he was at the end of his second term. I've seen people i grew up with put pics of ronnie on their facebooks in a "good old days" sort of fashion which is actually kind of sad because i really don't think they were good for very many people. the aids thing was almost like the middle ages, people were acting so crazy and hysterical mostly because it was such a deadly and unknown quantity, we couldn't find out facts quickly enough to outrun the public paranoia.

i think i do, i never did follow stuff that closely but I distinctly remembered that he was seriously disliked at the end of the second term and that there were rumors, probably true, that his memory was badly fading. It's just strange how history changes things when you saw how it really was, Nancy also supposedly had astrologers and shit giving advice on the country. Then, we had people in every day life like one of my teachers who would point out the obvious, that he was an actor from hollywood and that he was "dumb as a post" not sure about that because people will call anyone they hate dumb. I've said it a million times about trump, you hate him ok but that man is very cunning and smart, i see the word idiot all the time directed at him, i think that's one of the reasons he got elected, people underestimated him.

[Edited 3/9/19 19:57pm]

violetcrush said:

jdcxc said:

PennyPurple said: Name a mainstream pop artist who put a song about AIDS/Gang Warfare/Military Industrial Complex in the TOP TEN. U ppl are not giving Prince enough credit for these socially powerful lyrics and his profound revolutionary statement.

Right. First musician/artist to sing about the AIDS crisis and make it a hit on radio.

also, in those days, people were still fairly religious, so "signs of the times" were talked about all the time in the various christian/religious sects and I think Prince was raised in an apocalyptic religion too which was a theme he went back to over and over again since 1999.

[Edited 3/9/19 19:56pm]

Don't even get me started on President Cheetohead! LOL

PeteSilas said:

kingricefan said:

Remember the uproar Nancy caused when she decided to buy new expensive china for the lavish dinners that were held at the White House? That was another scandal during the Reagan years...

i think i do, i never did follow stuff that closely but I distinctly remembered that he was seriously disliked at the end of the second term and that there were rumors, probably true, that his memory was badly fading. It's just strange how history changes things when you saw how it really was, Nancy also supposedly had astrologers and shit giving advice on the country. Then, we had people in every day life like one of my teachers who would point out the obvious, that he was an actor from hollywood and that he was "dumb as a post" not sure about that because people will call anyone they hate dumb. I've said it a million times about trump, you hate him ok but that many is very cunning and smart, i see the word idiot all the time directed at him, i think that's one of the reasons he got elected, people underestimated him.

DarkKnight1 said:

As a lifelong Prince fan, I have never considered him an aggressive political activist through his music. He was always just general enough in his political songs to say what he wanted to say in a very non-aggressive manner....and I liked it that way. He took a significantly more aggressive stance regarding human sexuality than he did politics.

Does anybody hear us pray
For Michael Brown or Freddie Gray?

DarkKnight1 said:

As a lifelong Prince fan, I have never considered him an aggressive political activist through his music. He was always just general enough in his political songs to say what he wanted to say in a very non-aggressive manner....and I liked it that way. He took a significantly more aggressive stance regarding human sexuality than he did politics.

I agree

poppys said:

DarkKnight1 said:

As a lifelong Prince fan, I have never considered him an aggressive political activist through his music. He was always just general enough in his political songs to say what he wanted to say in a very non-aggressive manner....and I liked it that way. He took a significantly more aggressive stance regarding human sexuality than he did politics.

violetcrush said:

poppys said:

Does anybody hear us pray
For Michael Brown or Freddie Gray?

Right. He did the Rally For Peace in Baltimore to support Freddie Gray's family and the Black Lives Matter movement. He had many religious, socio-economic and political songs throughout the years, bit they became more intense and specific in later years.

People hear what they want to hear. They are drawn to what resonates with them. That is the selective nature of art in general, especially when there is 40 years of material to choose from.

But to say a song like Baltimore is not politically aggressive is reductive at best.

violetcrush said:

poppys said:

Does anybody hear us pray
For Michael Brown or Freddie Gray?

Right. He did the Rally For Peace in Baltimore to support Freddie Gray's family and the Black Lives Matter movement. He had many religious, socio-economic and political songs throughout the years, bit they became more intense and specific in later years.

I agree with Darknight, and the quote of those lyrics agree with what Darknight said.

Does anyone hear us pray... is not an aggressive polical lyric or song.

Let's take all the guns away -Baltimore
everybody say gun control! Gun control! -Annie Christian 81

Probably more aggressive in 1981

From Ronnie Talk 2 Russia Annie Christian Free to America it was his way of doing things, but not 'aggressive'

His support of BLM was not aggressive either, it was more private

How do u all feel about the video?

In 1987 I did not even know there was a video for SOTT

It is something I could see played behind him on a screen as he performs it accoustic, maybe at an aftershow.

OldFriends4Sale said:

OldFriends4Sale said:

violetcrush said:

OldFriends4Sale said:

How do u all feel about the video?

In 1987 I did not even know there was a video for SOTT

It is something I could see played behind him on a screen as he performs it accoustic, maybe at an aftershow.

I remember this video very well - watching it on MTV. It was very innovative at that time compared to what was being done. He clearly wanted to make a statement and make sure his lyrics stood out.

As a HUGE fan off his, it never registered on my radar. Didn't even know it existed

violetcrush said:

OldFriends4Sale said:

I agree with Darknight, and the quote of those lyrics agree with what Darknight said.

Does anyone hear us pray... is not an aggressive polical lyric or song.

Let's take all the guns away -Baltimore
everybody say gun control! Gun control! -Annie Christian 81

Probably more aggressive in 1981

From Ronnie Talk 2 Russia Annie Christian Free to America it was his way of doing things, but not 'aggressive'

His support of BLM was not aggressive either, it was more private

But, those lyrics are political - he'd been advocating for gun control in his lyrics for years - ever since John Lennon was shot. He also got much heavier into the religious and political dialog in the early 2000's. He had that whole political opening to his show where he was stating that Lincoln was a racist. * He was an artist - a musician - and he was able to "soften" his stance by singing and playing a funky or melodic beat. Much different than just standing still and speaking the words.

I didn't say they were not political. I said I agree with Darknight that Prince was never aggressively political.

violetcrush said:

OldFriends4Sale said:

I agree with Darknight, and the quote of those lyrics agree with what Darknight said.

Does anyone hear us pray... is not an aggressive polical lyric or song.

Let's take all the guns away -Baltimore
everybody say gun control! Gun control! -Annie Christian 81

Probably more aggressive in 1981

From Ronnie Talk 2 Russia Annie Christian Free to America it was his way of doing things, but not 'aggressive'

His support of BLM was not aggressive either, it was more private

But, those lyrics are political - he'd been advocating for gun control in his lyrics for years - ever since John Lennon was shot. He also got much heavier into the religious and political dialog in the early 2000's. He had that whole political opening to his show where he was stating that Lincoln was a racist. * He was an artist - a musician - and he was able to "soften" his stance by singing and playing a funky or melodic beat. Much different than just standing still and speaking the words.

Prince knew what he was doing. His political meanderings were pillowy soft at best. Ask non-Prince fans if they have ever heard the track Baltimore. The answer will be a resounding no. If he was louder and more aggressive with his stances and opinions, it wouldve been news.

Revisionism is tricky.

We don't agree and that's ok - at least with me it is. An opinion about Prince's politics is certainly not life or death.

OldFriends4Sale said:

DarkKnight1 said:

DarkKnight1 said:

The pushback alone shows us how much some want him to be non-political. This is not new here.

poppys said:

The pushback alone shows us how much some want him to be non-political. This is not new here.

He was political. I don't see why people have a problem with Prince being political.

violetcrush said:

mediumdry said:

.

To me, the part about Nate is the best part. Most of the song is trying to sound "deep", yet his conclusions are almost all wrong or without thinking things through... That song, more than most of his other songs made him sound dumb and uninformed.

.

Shame really, as the song is great. Good thing that for me lyrics aren't as important.

What part of the lyrics were "dumb and uninformed"?? Here's the breakdown:

*

In France, a skinny man died of a big disease with a little name (AIDS)
By chance his girlfriend came across a needle and soon she did the same

^^ talking about the AIDS crisis - WAY before mass media was focusing on it

*
At home there are seventeen-year-old boys and their idea of fun
Is being in a gang called 'The Disciples'
High on crack and totin' a machine gun

^^ talking about the rising gang violence in the US, especially in LA - major problem

*

Hurricane Annie ripped the ceiling of a church and killed everyone inside
You turn on the telly and every other story is tellin' you somebody died

^^ talking about the negative focus of the news media - very true and still true today

*
A sister killed her baby 'cause she couldn't afford to feed it
And yet we're sending people to the moon

^^ talking about the government spending billions on NASA but not providing viable solutions for the poor and people going hungry

*
In September, my cousin tried reefer for the very first time
Now he's doing horse, it's June, unh

^^ talking about the heroine epidemic back then - way ahead of his time as it's now one of the leading causes of death

*

It's silly, no?
When a rocket ship explodes and everybody still wants to fly
But some say a man ain't happy unless a man truly dies

^^talking about the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion which had just happened - killing all passengers including a Teacher, and the program continuing

*

Baby make a speech, Star Wars fly
Neighbors just shine it on
But if a night falls and a bomb falls
Will anybody see the dawn?

^^talking about the dangers of politics and nuclear warfare

*

Sign o' the times mess with your mind
Hurry before it's too late
Let's fall in love, get married, have a baby
We'll call him Nate
If it's a boy

^^I think this is his sarcastic way of saying most people just carry on with life and ignore the bigger problems

Nice analysis of this song VC. When I first heard it on the radio, I remember hoping that they would play it again, 'cause I relly missed out on some of the lyrics. I was glad when MTV played the video with all the color graphics, as I did not yet have the album. Couldn't just cue it up on Spotify or Tidal back then.

Anyhow, I had missed this thread the other day, too busy outside enjoying spring. When you put your thoughts out there, others will always try to break it down. Peace................

Seahorsie said:

violetcrush said:

What part of the lyrics were "dumb and uninformed"?? Here's the breakdown:

*

In France, a skinny man died of a big disease with a little name (AIDS)
By chance his girlfriend came across a needle and soon she did the same

^^ talking about the AIDS crisis - WAY before mass media was focusing on it

*
At home there are seventeen-year-old boys and their idea of fun
Is being in a gang called 'The Disciples'
High on crack and totin' a machine gun

^^ talking about the rising gang violence in the US, especially in LA - major problem

*

Hurricane Annie ripped the ceiling of a church and killed everyone inside
You turn on the telly and every other story is tellin' you somebody died

^^ talking about the negative focus of the news media - very true and still true today

*
A sister killed her baby 'cause she couldn't afford to feed it
And yet we're sending people to the moon

^^ talking about the government spending billions on NASA but not providing viable solutions for the poor and people going hungry

*
In September, my cousin tried reefer for the very first time
Now he's doing horse, it's June, unh

^^ talking about the heroine epidemic back then - way ahead of his time as it's now one of the leading causes of death

*

It's silly, no?
When a rocket ship explodes and everybody still wants to fly
But some say a man ain't happy unless a man truly dies

^^talking about the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion which had just happened - killing all passengers including a Teacher, and the program continuing

*

Baby make a speech, Star Wars fly
Neighbors just shine it on
But if a night falls and a bomb falls
Will anybody see the dawn?

^^talking about the dangers of politics and nuclear warfare

*

Sign o' the times mess with your mind
Hurry before it's too late
Let's fall in love, get married, have a baby
We'll call him Nate
If it's a boy

^^I think this is his sarcastic way of saying most people just carry on with life and ignore the bigger problems

Nice analysis of this song VC. When I first heard it on the radio, I remember hoping that they would play it again, 'cause I relly missed out on some of the lyrics. I was glad when MTV played the video with all the color graphics, as I did not yet have the album. Couldn't just cue it up on Spotify or Tidal back then.

Anyhow, I had missed this thread the other day, too busy outside enjoying spring. When you put your thoughts out there, others will always try to break it down. Peace................

Thank you! Yes, back then you had to wait for, and hopefully catch the video being played while you were watching. No DVRs or You Tube back then either!! I don't think they played it too much, because although it was very innovative for the time, most of the MTV watchers (me included) wanted to see the musicians and more action in the videos. I'm sure MTV didn't want them clicking to another channel when the video was played.

PennyPurple said:

poppys said:

The pushback alone shows us how much some want him to be non-political. This is not new here.

He was political. I don't see why people have a problem with Prince being political.

what does 'he was political' mean?

Poppy and I have gone around with this when she first joined in 2016

when they tried to say he was some kind of political figure, which he was not.

Even his JW beliefs forbids entanglements into that stuff, so Prince, like Darknight1 said, was never 'aggresively' political. Which is what we are saying, we never said "Prince is non-Political' which is poppy strawmaning the discussion.

DarkKnight1 said:

violetcrush said:

OldFriends4Sale said: But, those lyrics are political - he'd been advocating for gun control in his lyrics for years - ever since John Lennon was shot. He also got much heavier into the religious and political dialog in the early 2000's. He had that whole political opening to his show where he was stating that Lincoln was a racist. * He was an artist - a musician - and he was able to "soften" his stance by singing and playing a funky or melodic beat. Much different than just standing still and speaking the words.

Prince knew what he was doing. His political meanderings were pillowy soft at best. Ask non-Prince fans if they have ever heard the track Baltimore. The answer will be a resounding no. If he was louder and more aggressive with his stances and opinions, it wouldve been news.

Exactly.

poppys said:

The pushback alone shows us how much some want him to be non-political. This is not new here.

stop trying to flame the thread

No one said he he had no political commentary

Do I need to take you back to that 2016 thread?

violetcrush said:

OldFriends4Sale said:

I agree with Darknight, and the quote of those lyrics agree with what Darknight said.

Does anyone hear us pray... is not an aggressive polical lyric or song.

Let's take all the guns away -Baltimore
everybody say gun control! Gun control! -Annie Christian 81

Probably more aggressive in 1981

From Ronnie Talk 2 Russia Annie Christian Free to America it was his way of doing things, but not 'aggressive'

His support of BLM was not aggressive either, it was more private

But, those lyrics are political - he'd been advocating for gun control in his lyrics for years - ever since John Lennon was shot. He also got much heavier into the religious and political dialog in the early 2000's. He had that whole political opening to his show where he was stating that Lincoln was a racist. * He was an artist - a musician - and he was able to "soften" his stance by singing and playing a funky or melodic beat. Much different than just standing still and speaking the words.

Did I say they were not political?

It's infused with his religiosity.

Was Jesus a political figure?