This track - the 3121 version - gets me every time. I am so emotionally attached to it for so many reasons including the fact that it was the song (as instrumental) that opened that aftershow which ended with my own dance with Prince...

I think it is one of the most sensual, flirtatious yet soul-stirring Prince track I have ever listened to. The dramatic intro, incredible piano harmonies throughout, the enchanting vocals, the happy-sad tango atmosphere in the middle, the synth and tight handclaps, everything on this track is so perfectly placed.

The passion at the end gets so intense and the screams are oh so similar to those in 'The Beautiful Ones' and so crushing to hear as I remember leaving the venue after that surreal show, my last Prince aftershow...

I don't know, maybe it's just me and those incredible memories, but I think it is one of Prince's most exquisite song ever.

[Edited 8/12/19 17:06pm]

I feel like I'm the only one who prefers The Chocolate Invasion version and feels the need to crowbar in that Tidal still hasn't issued the proper/actual sequence as originally released... "B-b-but Prince gave them that version!" K. It's still inaccurate to history.... and I prefer the Bart Von Hammerstein theory that an engineer or intermediary simply grabbed the wrong configuration to forward.

It's a fantastic song, I've always loved it.

[Edited 8/12/19 15:51pm]

WhisperingDandelions said:

I feel like I'm the only one who prefers The Chocolate Invasion version and feels the need to crowbar in that Tidal still hasn't issued the proper/actual sequence as originally released... "B-b-but Prince gave them that version!" K. It's still inaccurate to history.... and I prefer the Bart Von Hammerstein theory that an engineer or intermediary simply grabbed the wrong configuration to forward.

[Edited 8/12/19 15:36pm]

The 3121 and Chocolate Invasion versions are very different. I think the 3121 version has more musical depth and drama. It originally took me a while to get into it but that's because I didn't listen to it long enough. This song is like a story: there is an emotional progression which can only work if you listen from start to finish. The screams at the end are very intense and really close to his 1999/Purple Rain era screams.

[Edited 8/12/19 16:38pm]

love the original version so very much, it's simply beautiful.

don't care for the 3121 version at all, in fact it's probably in
my top ten 'least listened to prince songs ever'. might have
listened to it five times in total, just to make sure.

having said that, it's happened before that a song clicks for
me years later. not often, but sometimes. so who knows.

but the original, oh, that's a nice one. so simple and sweet

I love it.

IstenSzek said:

love the original version so very much, it's simply beautiful.

don't care for the 3121 version at all, in fact it's probably in
my top ten 'least listened to prince songs ever'. might have
listened to it five times in total, just to make sure.

having said that, it's happened before that a song clicks for
me years later. not often, but sometimes. so who knows.

but the original, oh, that's a nice one. so simple and sweet

Yes, it's definitely one of these songs. I would definitely give it another try... or two.

It's just not fair!

He could have made a great video for this song, perhaps with Misty Copeland. 💃🏽🕺🏽

the Dance is one of my fav songs. It's gorgeous!

The original version for me, but actually it isnt one of my favs - it sounds like a Emacipation throwaway.

[Edited 8/14/19 8:59am]

The two versions of The Dance are bookends to his relationship with Manuela.

In the first (The Chocolate Invasion), he is a man just coming out of the tragedy of his first marriage. He's resistant to this new love, tentative about it. He doesn't want to hold her hand or - most especially - see her dance - because that's how it all started last time and look how that ended up. He can't risk being hurt again - but he may not be able to help it.

In the second (3121), the love exists. They have done The Dance - with all that implies. (The full orchestration tells the tale.) And then, at 4:08, we hear a shift. The love is gone - and what's left is anger. This is a relationship that is ending - if not completely over. (We know that by the time 3121 was released, the marriage actually was over - they had separated much earlier and Manuela filed for divorce two months after 3121 came out.)

The only kind of song Prince wrote better than a love song was a fuck you song. With The Dance, he ultimately ended up writing both.

[Edited 8/14/19 13:07pm]

Genesia said:

The two versions of The Dance are bookends to his relationship with Manuela.

In the first (The Chocolate Invasion), he is a man just coming out of the tragedy of his first marriage. He's resistant to this new love, tentative about it. He doesn't want to hold her hand or - most especially - see her dance - because that's how it all started last time and look how that ended up. He can't risk being hurt again - but he may not be able to help it.

In the second (3121), the love exists. They have done The Dance - with all that implies. (The full orchestration tells the tale.) And then, at 4:08, we hear a shift. The love is gone - and what's left is anger. This is a relationship that is ending - if not completely over. (We know that by the time 3121 was released, the marriage actually was over - they had separated much earlier and Manuela filed for divorce two months after 3121 came out.)

The only kind of song Prince wrote better than a love song was a fuck you song. With The Dance, he ultimately ended up writing both.

[Edited 8/14/19 13:07pm]

It all makes perfect sense, thanks Genesia.

Genesia said:

Genesia said:

The two versions of The Dance are bookends to his relationship with Manuela.

In the first (The Chocolate Invasion), he is a man just coming out of the tragedy of his first marriage. He's resistant to this new love, tentative about it. He doesn't want to hold her hand or - most especially - see her dance - because that's how it all started last time and look how that ended up. He can't risk being hurt again - but he may not be able to help it.

In the second (3121), the love exists. They have done The Dance - with all that implies. (The full orchestration tells the tale.) And then, at 4:08, we hear a shift. The love is gone - and what's left is anger. This is a relationship that is ending - if not completely over. (We know that by the time 3121 was released, the marriage actually was over - they had separated much earlier and Manuela filed for divorce two months after 3121 came out.)

The only kind of song Prince wrote better than a love song was a fuck you song. With The Dance, he ultimately ended up writing both.

[Edited 8/14/19 13:07pm]

Yep, at the end when he screams "ITS JUST NOT FAIR" you can tell he is angry about something. He sure told her, LOL.

[Edited 8/14/19 13:57pm]

It is a good song. I like both version. I imagine, Cherrymoon, that your special experience associated with the song only enhances it for you. How could it not ?

The Dance

I don't wanna give U my love

Cuz I don't wanna lose my mind

I don't wanna give U my love

Cuz if I do it's gonna be the last time

Ooh, ooh, ooh

Cuz I never want 2 feel this way again

If I can't be your lover

I don't wanna be your friend, no

I don't wanna be friends, no

Ooh, ooh

I don't wanna hold your hand, no (I don't wanna hold your hand)

Cuz I would just follow U everywhere, oh

I don't wanna see U dance (I don't wanna see U, girl)

Cuz I don't even really want 2 take the chance

Of fallin' in love with U, baby

If U ever said those beautiful words 2 me

"If I wanna be your fantasy," yes

I wanna dance, yes

Let's dance, sugar

Ooh ooh ooh, oh

I don't wanna give U my love

Oh baby, this must be temptation

Cuz I just can't get U off my mind

I try and try

But when I close my eyes

I see U every time

I don't wanna go 2 fast, ooh

Cuz if I do I just might stay (Stay with me)

I'd stay with U baby (Yeah)

I guess I better make it last (Make it last)

The longer that I feel this way (The longer that U feel this way, girl)

Ooh oh

Cuz I never want 2 feel this way again

If I can't be your lover

I don't wanna be your friend, no

I don't wanna be friends, no

I don't wanna give U my love, oh honey, baby (No no no)

Baby, r U gonna really just stand there

And act like U don't want this?

Baby, if U do then U know I just don't care

Oh baby, I could find another

Just like U anywhere

Oh baby, they might not have your hips, girl

And all that pretty hair, oh

At least they won't spend all day in the mirror

Tryin' 2 find somethin' 2 wear

At least, they won't wanna make love

Like U do on the stairs, against the pole on the north corner of the...

Oh baby, baby, baby, baby, it's just not fair

It's just not fair!

Oww!

gandorb said:

It is a good song. I like both version. I imagine, Cherrymoon, that your special experience associated with the song only enhances it for you. How could it not ?

Yes, very much so

Love the 3121 version the best.

Genesia said:

The two versions of The Dance are bookends to his relationship with Manuela.

In the first (The Chocolate Invasion), he is a man just coming out of the tragedy of his first marriage. He's resistant to this new love, tentative about it. He doesn't want to hold her hand or - most especially - see her dance - because that's how it all started last time and look how that ended up. He can't risk being hurt again - but he may not be able to help it.

In the second (3121), the love exists. They have done The Dance - with all that implies. (The full orchestration tells the tale.) And then, at 4:08, we hear a shift. The love is gone - and what's left is anger. This is a relationship that is ending - if not completely over. (We know that by the time 3121 was released, the marriage actually was over - they had separated much earlier and Manuela filed for divorce two months after 3121 came out.)

The only kind of song Prince wrote better than a love song was a fuck you song. With The Dance, he ultimately ended up writing both.

[Edited 8/14/19 13:07pm]

Fantastic post.

andrewm7 said:

^co sign! Great post Genesia and also thank you to Cherrymoon for starting this thread and making me finally give this track the attention it deserves

You're welcome!

IN ‘THE DANCE,’ PRINCE TAKES NO CHANCE ON ROMANCE: 365 PRINCE SONGS IN A YEAR

https://diffuser.fm/prince-the-dance/

“The Dance” is one of the most intense lovelorn songs in Prince’s canon since “The Beautiful Ones” appeared on Purple Rain 20 years before. While the original track’s recording date is unknown, assumed to be between 1999 and early 2004, the window encompasses Prince’s separation and eventual divorce from first wife, Mayte Garcia, and his courtship and marriage to Manuela Testolini.

In the song, Prince views falling in love the same way as the kids in Stranger Things feel about falling into the Upside Down. “I don't want to give you my love / 'Cause I don't want to lose my mind,” he sings in the opening chorus. In the first verse, he raises the stakes, “I don't wanna give you my love / 'Cause if I do it's going to be the last time / I never want to feel this way again.” If the song is about Testolini, he was true to his word. They divorced in 2007 and Prince never married again.

As the song unfolds, Prince even delivers a nod to the Beatles hit, but from an Upside Down perspective, by singing “I don't want to hold your hand / 'Cause I would just follow you everywhere.” In Prince’s world at this moment in time, love is a losing game. “I don't want to see you dance / 'Cause I don't even really want to take a chance of falling in love with you baby.”

In the re-recording for 3121, Prince ups the intensity, spending the last, additional minute of the track at first taunting the woman of his affection and rejection, “I could find another just like you anywhere,” before pleading to her in a callback to the desperate coda of “The Beautiful Ones” by singing, “Oh baby, baby, baby, it’s just not fair.”

In an Indigo Nights after show concert circulating on the bootleg circuit, Prince opens his set with an instrumental of “The Dance”, losing none of the intensity while being at a total loss of words.

(That's the same show that Prince invited me for a dance... Now it was me who was at a total loss of words! 💜 )