I think this post is on to something. That line in ‘Way Back Home’ is very telling in the same way that a lot of the late lyrics are (I would love to know what the original lyrics to ‘Breakdown’ were... as I feel that they would have been very insightful)...

I do believe parenthood would have changed him in major ways as a person as well as an artist. I say that as someone who has always preferred to be ‘left alone’. I’m female, successful, 40 years old, etc, and, as my grandmother used to say, set in my ways. I’ve never had much success in relationships, there’s no shortage of men asking me out and I’ve had a few relationships to last up to 2 years but that’s it. No kids. I’m not a Gemini (and there’s no Gemini in my chart at all). I am an INTJ personality type and I think that has the biggest impact on my relationships.

There’s a point in life where a person like this wants to try something new because they realize the void and they get excited about that something new even though it scares them. This might have happened to Prince when Mayte fell pregnant. It’s exciting but scary but if things don’t turn out as planned or envisioned, you revert HARD to what you know: just wanting to be left alone. I was really shocked when he tried another hand at marriage after that.

I can’t imagine what Prince’s life was like. Just reading his insights about his parents had to have formed this duel inside of him from a young age, then add his extraordinary success and fame on top of all of that. The only other person who was at that same level was MJ, and friends of MJ have said straight up, that him having kids is what saved his life in the late 1990s/early 2000s. If only MJ had the financial wherewithal, then he might still be here with those children.

I can see that Prince was trying to open up after 2010 (he gets downright visibly emotional in interviews when anybody shows him some love, he talks about his life in shows, he reaches out more than ever) but he might not have felt there were options at that point because it’s too late in the game. Now that I’m 40, I would like to figure out how to have better relationships and I do believe my life would be fuller if I had or adopted children but this comes in flashes. Even though I think I want that, in the back of my mind, I don’t want my life to change too much because I’m used to what I’m used to. It’s a risky odd cycle. But it’s like you said, what a person wants, or think they want, is not the same as what they need.

Regarding aging, everybody deals with it but it’s got to be on a totally different level if you are an entertainer who has certain specific attributes AND you feel that entertaining is the only reason people love you as if it’s the only thing that makes you special. It’s common for older people to forget things, for hands feet and hips to hurt, to be tired sometimes, etc. If you have a spouse and kids, you can assume that they love you for reasons other than your ability to entertain. But if you don’t have that support system and you feel like you are losing your ability to do what you did when you were the greatest entertainer in the world, what’s left for you, why are you still here, what value do you bring, etc? It’s a devastating scenario.

casi1 said:

I think this post is on to something. That line in ‘Way Back Home’ is very telling in the same way that a lot of the late lyrics are (I would love to know what the original lyrics to ‘Breakdown’ were... as I feel that they would have been very insightful)... I do believe parenthood would have changed him in major ways as a person as well as an artist. I say that as someone who has always preferred to be ‘left alone’. I’m female, successful, 40 years old, etc, and, as my grandmother used to say, set in my ways. I’ve never had much success in relationships, there’s no shortage of men asking me out and I’ve had a few relationships to last up to 2 years but that’s it. No kids. I’m not a Gemini (and there’s no Gemini in my chart at all). I am an INTJ personality type and I think that has the biggest impact on my relationships. There’s a point in life where a person like this wants to try something new because they realize the void and they get excited about that something new even though it scares them. This might have happened to Prince when Mayte fell pregnant. It’s exciting but scary but if things don’t turn out as planned or envisioned, you revert HARD to what you know: just wanting to be left alone. I was really shocked when he tried another hand at marriage after that. I can’t imagine what Prince’s life was like. Just reading his insights about his parents had to have formed this duel inside of him from a young age, then add his extraordinary success and fame on top of all of that. The only other person who was at that same level was MJ, and friends of MJ have said straight up, that him having kids is what saved his life in the late 1990s/early 2000s. If only MJ had the financial wherewithal, then he might still be here with those children. I can see that Prince was trying to open up after 2010 (he gets downright visibly emotional in interviews when anybody shows him some love, he talks about his life in shows, he reaches out more than ever) but he might not have felt there were options at that point because it’s too late in the game. Now that I’m 40, I would like to figure out how to have better relationships and I do believe my life would be fuller if I had or adopted children but this comes in flashes. Even though I think I want that, in the back of my mind, I don’t want my life to change too much because I’m used to what I’m used to. It’s a risky odd cycle. But it’s like you said, what a person wants, or think they want, is not the same as what they need. Regarding aging, everybody deals with it but it’s got to be on a totally different level if you are an entertainer who has certain specific attributes AND you feel that entertaining is the only reason people love you as if it’s the only thing that makes you special. It’s common for older people to forget things, for hands feet and hips to hurt, to be tired sometimes, etc. If you have a spouse and kids, you can assume that they love you for reasons other than your ability to entertain. But if you don’t have that support system and you feel like you are losing your ability to do what you did when you were the greatest entertainer in the world, what’s left for you, why are you still here, what value do you bring, etc? It’s a devastating scenario.

Ah, the human condition...If there is a God, He/She must be frustrated @ times watching all of this unfold ( for everyone)

I think we all wanted what was best for Prince and though we were not in his shoes, we know he was human but he made some frustrating decisions @ times.

My feeling about children is that even though a parent has a child, not all parents have that "now that I have a child, I know what l love is" moment. Some parents put up walls with their children as well as others and I have said this before, but I think Prince would have been high-risk to do that.

One can fantasize about the love children give you etc., but realistically, that though they are really cute, they take from you for a long time which is understood by the best parents.

Hmmm a lot to unpack here. So I will try to address the various things brought up in this thread in very simple terms.

I don’t think Prince’s statement “All I Ever Wandted...Was To Be Left Alone” is that complicated. I think a lot of people here are over thinking it. Prince simply wanted to be a world renowned musician but missed the everyday aspects of just being a normal person in society. He mentions this often. That after he became famous he could no longer just walk around. That bothered him on some deep level. He talks about this on his Indigo nights CD. He mentions that he can’t just run a few errands like a normal person. A simple feeling like making him feel like a fish in a fish bowl and being stared at. So I think he simple wanted to make music and be known for his music. But he also had a deep need to feel like a normal person and be part of a community. Hence why he always went back to Minneapolis. Where he could do this more than anywhere else.

I also don’t think Way Back Home is about his son. For me it’s a simple song about a man who is finally bored of this material world and needs nothing more from it. The song finds himself in a deeply reflective mood and he finds solace and peace in the next life. It’s more a song of acceptance and it doesn’t ring of sadness to me at all. But of closure.

Lastly I want to address what people keep saying it was sad he died alone. I don’t agree at all. I relate to Prince’s lifestyle and choices. He always did things on his terms. He could have easily had as many people around him had he wanted that. But he clearly didn’t. I resonate with that. I am extremely social and have a lot of friends and I am told I am a lot of fun to hang with. And I do a lot with others. But it’s when I choose to. On my terms. I love my solitude as well and appreciate the chance to think in a quiet space. And I often thought that if I died alone and my friends found me later on I wouldn’t have been sad or afraid to have passed on just because no one was there. No one was fiercer in stating they weren’t afraid to die and no one was more clearer that the promise of the after life appealed to him more than Prince. In fact I often think that I get it. Prince’s passing and the way he lived inspired me to live my life in a very similar fashion. And I am in no way unhappy or sad. If fact just the opposite. I feel complete and at peace. I think he was as well. No one can know for sure but for me it makes perfect sense.
[Edited 12/13/20 19:15pm]

vinaysfunk said:

. I also don’t think Way Back Home is about his son. For me it’s a simple song about a man who is finally bored of this material world and needs nothing more from it. The song finds himself in a deeply reflective mood and he finds solace and peace in the next life. It’s more a song of acceptance and it doesn’t ring of sadness to me at all. But of closure.

vinaysfunk said:

Hmmm a lot to unpack here. So I will try to address the various things brought up in this thread in very simple terms. I don’t think Prince’s statement “All I Ever Wandted...Was To Be Left Alone” is that complicated. I think a lot of people here are over thinking it. Prince simply wanted to be a world renowned musician but missed the everyday aspects of just being a normal person in society. He mentions this often. That after he became famous he could no longer just walk around. That bothered him on some deep level. He talks about this on his Indigo nights CD. He mentions that he can’t just run a few errands like a normal person. A simple feeling like making him feel like a fish in a fish bowl and being stared at. So I think he simple wanted to make music and be known for his music. But he also had a deep need to feel like a normal person and be part of a community. Hence why he always went back to Minneapolis. Where he could do this more than anywhere else. I also don’t think Way Back Home is about his son. For me it’s a simple song about a man who is finally bored of this material world and needs nothing more from it. The song finds himself in a deeply reflective mood and he finds solace and peace in the next life. It’s more a song of acceptance and it doesn’t ring of sadness to me at all. But of closure. Lastly I want to address what people keep saying it was sad he died alone. I don’t agree at all. I relate to Prince’s lifestyle and choices. He always did things on his terms. He could have easily had as many people around him had he wanted that. But he clearly didn’t. I resonate with that. I am extremely social and have a lot of friends and I am told I am a lot of fun to hang with. And I do a lot with others. But it’s when I choose to. On my terms. I love my solitude as well and appreciate the chance to think in a quiet space. And I often thought that if I died alone and my friends found me later on I wouldn’t have been sad or afraid to have passed on just because no one was there. No one was fiercer in stating they weren’t afraid to die and no one was more clearer that the promise of the after life appealed to him more than Prince. In fact I often think that I get it. Prince’s passing and the way he lived inspired me to live my life in a very similar fashion. And I am in no way unhappy or sad. If fact just the opposite. I feel complete and at peace. I think he was as well. No one can know for sure but for me it makes perfect sense. [Edited 12/13/20 19:15pm]

thanks so much vinaysfunk. your response is great. i too feel a sense of peace and resignation in the song that i hope was true for him. it truly is a moment of clarity and reflection. can i ask you this, since you resonate with his style of human engagement (on your terms, when you want)? because here's where i feel the quandry lies, if the "engagement" involves mature, authentic, non-superficial, non-hierachical communication, how do you receive "feedback" from those with whom you engage, particularly if its not something you'd want to hear? do they feel comfortable, empowered, bold enough to give you such feedback? because as has been stated, the power dynamic brought about by his celebrity seemingly played into and "hindered" his relationships. to do errands in public is one thing, but beyond the superficial, he seemed to struggle with mature, mutually beneficial relationships when he couldn't "control" the conversation or relational dynamic. that's all i was alluding to and trying to expound on. sure there's no harm in him being alone and even dying alone, and you are correct, he had a clear sense and belief about life beyond this place.(and its not some perpetual dream state like the guy insisting the song is about his son and alluding to twin peaks references)

vinaysfunk said:

Hmmm a lot to unpack here. So I will try to address the various things brought up in this thread in very simple terms. I don’t think Prince’s statement “All I Ever Wandted...Was To Be Left Alone” is that complicated. I think a lot of people here are over thinking it. Prince simply wanted to be a world renowned musician but missed the everyday aspects of just being a normal person in society. He mentions this often. That after he became famous he could no longer just walk around. That bothered him on some deep level. He talks about this on his Indigo nights CD. He mentions that he can’t just run a few errands like a normal person. A simple feeling like making him feel like a fish in a fish bowl and being stared at. So I think he simple wanted to make music and be known for his music. But he also had a deep need to feel like a normal person and be part of a community. Hence why he always went back to Minneapolis. Where he could do this more than anywhere else. I also don’t think Way Back Home is about his son. For me it’s a simple song about a man who is finally bored of this material world and needs nothing more from it. The song finds himself in a deeply reflective mood and he finds solace and peace in the next life. It’s more a song of acceptance and it doesn’t ring of sadness to me at all. But of closure. Lastly I want to address what people keep saying it was sad he died alone. I don’t agree at all. I relate to Prince’s lifestyle and choices. He always did things on his terms. He could have easily had as many people around him had he wanted that. But he clearly didn’t. I resonate with that. I am extremely social and have a lot of friends and I am told I am a lot of fun to hang with. And I do a lot with others. But it’s when I choose to. On my terms. I love my solitude as well and appreciate the chance to think in a quiet space. And I often thought that if I died alone and my friends found me later on I wouldn’t have been sad or afraid to have passed on just because no one was there. No one was fiercer in stating they weren’t afraid to die and no one was more clearer that the promise of the after life appealed to him more than Prince. In fact I often think that I get it. Prince’s passing and the way he lived inspired me to live my life in a very similar fashion. And I am in no way unhappy or sad. If fact just the opposite. I feel complete and at peace. I think he was as well. No one can know for sure but for me it makes perfect sense. [Edited 12/13/20 19:15pm]

You sound like a sunny individual who is comfortable with solitude, quiet alone time and socializing on your terms. He differed from you, at least in those last years in that he was visibly deteriorating, losing substantial weight, immersed in a profound addiction and likely very ill. Those last years were not the man of rugged individualism but someone in dire straits. It was the dark night of the soul,IMO.

He had always talked about the after-life but he was actually facing it in those last years...largely by himself. Dying alone unexpectedly is much different than being ill for some time and knowing you don't have much time. He needed people. It makes me so sad that he was so psychologically alone @ this time.

I have strong feelings about this as I am a nurse and have witnessed the anxiety/angst of people with conditions that are not responding to treatment or those who are terminal.They need comfort, reassurance, medications, community etc.

His last week was hell on earth...all the damage control, scrutiny, likely shame, fear of damage to his reputation/legacy, withdrawal, anxiety, insomnia.

I just don't want to say he blithely entered the afterworld without a scrape. He is likely @ peace now but he went through Hell to get there...guaranteed.

[Edited 12/13/20 23:16pm]

Margot said:

vinaysfunk said:

Hmmm a lot to unpack here. So I will try to address the various things brought up in this thread in very simple terms. I don’t think Prince’s statement “All I Ever Wandted...Was To Be Left Alone” is that complicated. I think a lot of people here are over thinking it. Prince simply wanted to be a world renowned musician but missed the everyday aspects of just being a normal person in society. He mentions this often. That after he became famous he could no longer just walk around. That bothered him on some deep level. He talks about this on his Indigo nights CD. He mentions that he can’t just run a few errands like a normal person. A simple feeling like making him feel like a fish in a fish bowl and being stared at. So I think he simple wanted to make music and be known for his music. But he also had a deep need to feel like a normal person and be part of a community. Hence why he always went back to Minneapolis. Where he could do this more than anywhere else. I also don’t think Way Back Home is about his son. For me it’s a simple song about a man who is finally bored of this material world and needs nothing more from it. The song finds himself in a deeply reflective mood and he finds solace and peace in the next life. It’s more a song of acceptance and it doesn’t ring of sadness to me at all. But of closure. Lastly I want to address what people keep saying it was sad he died alone. I don’t agree at all. I relate to Prince’s lifestyle and choices. He always did things on his terms. He could have easily had as many people around him had he wanted that. But he clearly didn’t. I resonate with that. I am extremely social and have a lot of friends and I am told I am a lot of fun to hang with. And I do a lot with others. But it’s when I choose to. On my terms. I love my solitude as well and appreciate the chance to think in a quiet space. And I often thought that if I died alone and my friends found me later on I wouldn’t have been sad or afraid to have passed on just because no one was there. No one was fiercer in stating they weren’t afraid to die and no one was more clearer that the promise of the after life appealed to him more than Prince. In fact I often think that I get it. Prince’s passing and the way he lived inspired me to live my life in a very similar fashion. And I am in no way unhappy or sad. If fact just the opposite. I feel complete and at peace. I think he was as well. No one can know for sure but for me it makes perfect sense. [Edited 12/13/20 19:15pm]

You sound like a sunny individual who is comfortable with solitude, quiet alone time and socializing on your terms. He differed from you, at least in those last years in that he was visibly deteriorating, losing substantial weight, immersed in a profound addiction and likely very ill. Those last years were not the man of rugged individualism but someone in dire straits. It was the dark night of the soul,IMO.

He had always talked about the after-life but he was actually facing it in those last years...largely by himself. Dying alone unexpectedly is much different than being ill for some time and knowing you don't have much time. He needed people. It makes me so sad that he was so psychologically alone @ this time.

I have strong feelings about this as I am a nurse and have witnessed the anxiety/angst of people with conditions that are not responding to treatment or those who are terminal.They need comfort, reassurance, medications, community etc.

His last week was hell on earth...all the damage control, scrutiny, likely shame, fear of damage to his reputation/legacy, withdrawal, anxiety, insomnia.

I just don't want to say he blithely entered the afterworld without a scrape. He is likely @ peace now but he went through Hell to get there...guaranteed.

[Edited 12/13/20 23:16pm]

Thanks for your kind words. But I think it's others here that are conflating two seperate issues. He could have been dealing with a medical issue that was physically taxing on him and he still could be growing as an individual and choosing on his own to deal with whatever he was dealing with primarily by himself. Both things can be true at the same time. I don't pretend to know what was going on in his mind. I am only giving my humble opinion as to what makes sense knowing what I know.

For some strange reason orgers here are projecting that was so so "alone" all the time and that this was so sad. I don't see it that way. Prince could have had an entourage with him at all times if he wanted it that way. He cleary didn't. I think there is some amount of projection going on here where people depict his situation as if they were in his situation. That's not what I do. I think he was just fine and as he did throughout his entire career he orchestrated things exactly as he wanted to. For those things that he couldn't control he used his faith. Both styles can coexist. He can be controlling and letting go at the same time.

Again this is my take on things. Hope it resonates with others here.

datdude said:

vinaysfunk said:

Hmmm a lot to unpack here. So I will try to address the various things brought up in this thread in very simple terms. I don’t think Prince’s statement “All I Ever Wandted...Was To Be Left Alone” is that complicated. I think a lot of people here are over thinking it. Prince simply wanted to be a world renowned musician but missed the everyday aspects of just being a normal person in society. He mentions this often. That after he became famous he could no longer just walk around. That bothered him on some deep level. He talks about this on his Indigo nights CD. He mentions that he can’t just run a few errands like a normal person. A simple feeling like making him feel like a fish in a fish bowl and being stared at. So I think he simple wanted to make music and be known for his music. But he also had a deep need to feel like a normal person and be part of a community. Hence why he always went back to Minneapolis. Where he could do this more than anywhere else. I also don’t think Way Back Home is about his son. For me it’s a simple song about a man who is finally bored of this material world and needs nothing more from it. The song finds himself in a deeply reflective mood and he finds solace and peace in the next life. It’s more a song of acceptance and it doesn’t ring of sadness to me at all. But of closure. Lastly I want to address what people keep saying it was sad he died alone. I don’t agree at all. I relate to Prince’s lifestyle and choices. He always did things on his terms. He could have easily had as many people around him had he wanted that. But he clearly didn’t. I resonate with that. I am extremely social and have a lot of friends and I am told I am a lot of fun to hang with. And I do a lot with others. But it’s when I choose to. On my terms. I love my solitude as well and appreciate the chance to think in a quiet space. And I often thought that if I died alone and my friends found me later on I wouldn’t have been sad or afraid to have passed on just because no one was there. No one was fiercer in stating they weren’t afraid to die and no one was more clearer that the promise of the after life appealed to him more than Prince. In fact I often think that I get it. Prince’s passing and the way he lived inspired me to live my life in a very similar fashion. And I am in no way unhappy or sad. If fact just the opposite. I feel complete and at peace. I think he was as well. No one can know for sure but for me it makes perfect sense. [Edited 12/13/20 19:15pm]

thanks so much vinaysfunk. your response is great. i too feel a sense of peace and resignation in the song that i hope was true for him. it truly is a moment of clarity and reflection. can i ask you this, since you resonate with his style of human engagement (on your terms, when you want)? because here's where i feel the quandry lies, if the "engagement" involves mature, authentic, non-superficial, non-hierachical communication, how do you receive "feedback" from those with whom you engage, particularly if its not something you'd want to hear? do they feel comfortable, empowered, bold enough to give you such feedback? because as has been stated, the power dynamic brought about by his celebrity seemingly played into and "hindered" his relationships. to do errands in public is one thing, but beyond the superficial, he seemed to struggle with mature, mutually beneficial relationships when he couldn't "control" the conversation or relational dynamic. that's all i was alluding to and trying to expound on. sure there's no harm in him being alone and even dying alone, and you are correct, he had a clear sense and belief about life beyond this place.(and its not some perpetual dream state like the guy insisting the song is about his son and alluding to twin peaks references)

Thats a fair and good question. As I watched Prince's career grow and flourish I noticed how he interacted with others. He was at peace with others in those last years. He was calm. Cleary reflective. Looking back, etc... I don't think the "power dynamic" that had him in conflict in the 90's had any bearing on him later in his life. People over a long life can live in different ways and see things differently as they grow and develop their beliefs. Sure the early Prince clearly had issues in dealing with others. But the last 3-5 years of his life he became an elder statesman to me. A preacher of sorts. He didn't feel the need to control others. He had acheived everything he had set out to accomplish. Even getting back his masters.

I feel the same way in my life and I try really hard to seperate my own beliefs from the beliefs that I feel Prince may have had. Even so there can be parallels. I am not the same person I was in my 20's. I look at things different and interact with much more maturity that I formerly did. Prince clearly became very spiritual (non Jehovah) in the last years of his life. His last interview with RS clearly demonstrates this. So I was just using his inability to not act normally in public to demonstrate his frustration on wanting "to be left alone." But he clearly yeared to do so. That's why he publicy drove his bike in the parking lot of the mall and went to the record store to support electric fetus and often went to Jamba Juice etc.... And when it came to interacting with others he clearly lost his need to dominate others and he just was much more comfortable in giving others a chance to shine and the spotlight.

Hope that clarifys my position a little better.

vinaysfunk said:

Exactly, it was about the fame part. If you read the context of what he's saying and put it all together fame plus the lifestyles associated with it. imo

I think Prince left here in the way he chose to. For whatever reason. At the time, he wanted to be left alone. Sure, he had asked multiple people to come to him... and they didn’t, but even if they had whose to say that he wouldn’t have still chosen to be left alone at the end.

Also, I didn’t intend to imply that children fix people but we do know that Prince wanted to be a father at some point in his life and if he had children then maybe he’d still be here. He kept saying he was bored, done all he was here to do, etc. There is no way to know for sure but I don’t think he died lonely because nobody was there... instead I think nobody was there because he sent those who were there home. I can totally see how leaving without bothering others or becoming a burden to others could be seen as a ‘good’ option in some circumstances.

I also agree that wanting to be left alone in that lyric is more about fame than anything else. It can have a different general meaning though. Either way, it’s an interesting discussion
[Edited 12/14/20 16:43pm]

wildgoldenhoney said:

Way Back Home, meaning lost his way somehow.

vinaysfunk said:

datdude said:

thanks so much vinaysfunk. your response is great. i too feel a sense of peace and resignation in the song that i hope was true for him. it truly is a moment of clarity and reflection. can i ask you this, since you resonate with his style of human engagement (on your terms, when you want)? because here's where i feel the quandry lies, if the "engagement" involves mature, authentic, non-superficial, non-hierachical communication, how do you receive "feedback" from those with whom you engage, particularly if its not something you'd want to hear? do they feel comfortable, empowered, bold enough to give you such feedback? because as has been stated, the power dynamic brought about by his celebrity seemingly played into and "hindered" his relationships. to do errands in public is one thing, but beyond the superficial, he seemed to struggle with mature, mutually beneficial relationships when he couldn't "control" the conversation or relational dynamic. that's all i was alluding to and trying to expound on. sure there's no harm in him being alone and even dying alone, and you are correct, he had a clear sense and belief about life beyond this place.(and its not some perpetual dream state like the guy insisting the song is about his son and alluding to twin peaks references)

Thats a fair and good question. As I watched Prince's career grow and flourish I noticed how he interacted with others. He was at peace with others in those last years. He was calm. Cleary reflective. Looking back, etc... I don't think the "power dynamic" that had him in conflict in the 90's had any bearing on him later in his life. People over a long life can live in different ways and see things differently as they grow and develop their beliefs. Sure the early Prince clearly had issues in dealing with others. But the last 3-5 years of his life he became an elder statesman to me. A preacher of sorts. He didn't feel the need to control others. He had acheived everything he had set out to accomplish. Even getting back his masters.

I feel the same way in my life and I try really hard to seperate my own beliefs from the beliefs that I feel Prince may have had. Even so there can be parallels. I am not the same person I was in my 20's. I look at things different and interact with much more maturity that I formerly did. Prince clearly became very spiritual (non Jehovah) in the last years of his life. His last interview with RS clearly demonstrates this. So I was just using his inability to not act normally in public to demonstrate his frustration on wanting "to be left alone." But he clearly yeared to do so. That's why he publicy drove his bike in the parking lot of the mall and went to the record store to support electric fetus and often went to Jamba Juice etc.... And when it came to interacting with others he clearly lost his need to dominate others and he just was much more comfortable in giving others a chance to shine and the spotlight.

Hope that clarifys my position a little better.

I agree with you that he mellowed quite a bit in his later years and shed most of the Rock Star

stuff.

Personally, though, I feel he was quite ill with something in the last 2 or so years because of the changes in his appearance. I feel this situation coincided with his 'kinder/gentler' approach to life.

I could see physical and personality changes @ Montreux 2013.

Q: on breakdown when he sings "first one intoxicated, last one to leave,” does anyone actually believe that's prince, or is he singing in character? Was prince someone to get drunk at parties?

Tbh I wonder if a lot of the apparent honesty or regret in AOA is kinda false, or generic kind of 'safe' supposedly personal sentiment, or just so clouded as prince does often, that who would know.

Prince obv has some incidents with wines but a big public drinker? Nope
Never wanted a trophy wife? C'mon, most of his girlfriends were trophy girls.

''"Im sick and tired of playing hard to get
With an animal that's half my age"

Urm I dont need to point out the obvious evidence to the contrary here

"Any person or object whatsoever
That requires your attention
Is something that has veered
From its path
And preordained destiny
Of total enlightenment"

This seems like a Buddhist belief. But it doesnt quite fit with the reasons a person would want to become a popular entertainer. Unless its prince saying he should never have gone that route.

"There's so many reasons why
I don't belong here"
This sounds like fatalism,but could be just disbelief that he made it despite his insecure childhood.

"Most people in this world are born dead
But I was born alive"

This seems like sacrifice of victor style, blues style myth making and boasting.

funkbabyandthebabysitters said:

Good question about the intoxication, made me think that it's now figurative..

"First one intoxicated, last one to leave
Waking up in places that you would never believe"

Now that I think about it, he's probably talking about intoxicated emotionally, waking up in different women's beds.

Not sure where you were going with the rest of your thoughts though.

Thats a bit of a reach. Intoxicated means under the influence...

funkbabyandthebabysitters said:

(of alcoholic drink or a drug) cause (someone) to lose control of their faculties or behavior.

"we don't allow people into sessions if they are intoxicated by alcohol or drugs"


excite or exhilarate (someone).
"except for NYC and LA, no American city has so intoxicated and infuriated writers"
Similar:
exhilarate
thrill
elate
delight
captivate
enthrall
entrance
enrapture
invigorate
animate
enliven
excite
stir
rouse
move
inspire
inflame
electrify


It's also interesting that in the definition above, alcohol causes one to lose control of their faculties and behavior. He was so 'easily charmed' that he could end up in a bed of fire. I guess being easily charmed'means that he was easily infatuated, and that was his drug of choice that led him to 'lose control'.

Plus, the use of 'drunk' is used in songs, Drunk in Love.. different word but drink and intoxicated means the same thing, Under the influence of..something.
https://www.google.com/se...s-wiz-serp

So, I don't think it's a reach that he would use the word intoxicated.

Thats all well and good.
But in this context, I cant imagine it was meant to mean anything other than drink. As in alcohol.
I get you might not want to accept that for whatever reason you may have, but the other definitions you have listed just dont really work in this lyric.
I mean, the next line is:
Waking up in places that you would never believe
Cmon!
Its about alcohol.
[Edited 12/31/20 11:39am]

With sleeping around, he wakes up too.

I think the lyrics 'waking up in places you would never believe' involve more 'imagination' on our parts...not referring to some woman's bed.

There are intoxicants other than alcohol...use one's imagination again, class.

[Edited 12/31/20 12:33pm]

First one to use painkillers?
Possibly.

Apart from breakdown, I also wonder if way back home is about being back on warners.

First one intoxicated, last one to leave
Waking up in places that you would never believe

Give me back the time, you can keep the memories


Signals regret.

If he was talking about painkillers, which he was STILL using up until his death, his lyrics didn't match what he regretted. He was still taking it.

The "Give me back the time you can keep your memories' line.. all those girls can brag that they slept with him and have those bragging memories.

But whatever's..

wildgoldenhoney said:

First one intoxicated, last one to leave Waking up in places that you would never believe Give me back the time, you can keep the memories Signals regret. If he was talking about painkillers, which he was STILL using up until his death, his lyrics didn't match what he regretted. He was still taking it. The "Give me back the time you can keep your memories' line.. all those girls can brag that they slept with him and have those bragging memories.

Isn't life often complicated enough to allow for some regret, but still be pulled to do the thing(s) if you could do life all over again? And still be doing them in the present?

--------

With the women you mention, for example, isn't it reasonable that someone might easily have mixed feelings in general about time with women? If a person had to do it again, would he necessarily stay away from it? Would he completely deny himself all those sensual experiences?

--------

With extended opiate use, it doesn't have to be that the opiates 1) only make a person feel better or 2) only make a person feel worse. They might do both over the course of a person's experience with them.

For just one example, a person who suffers from depression may find opiates initially helping the depression, but later exacerbating it. In addition to effects on the nervous system, opiates can affect the immune and other systems, creating additional vulnerabilities and exacerbations.

Plus, as is obvious from the struggles of so many, it's not easy for many with extended opiate use to move on (to include moving on to more appropriate treatments if necessary), even if they want to move on.

---------

What I'm trying to say is, isn't it possible to have some regrets about sex or substances, but still be pretty heavily into it?

[Edited 12/31/20 19:10pm]

wildgoldenhoney said:

First one intoxicated, last one to leave Waking up in places that you would never believe Give me back the time, you can keep the memories Signals regret. If he was talking about painkillers, which he was STILL using up until his death, his lyrics didn't match what he regretted. He was still taking it. The "Give me back the time you can keep your memories' line.. all those girls can brag that they slept with him and have those bragging memories.

I don't want to sound like a broken record, but if I may:

I think by the time Prince wrote Breakdown, he was aplogizing for the "way he used to be"; someone who over-valued wealth, power, access to multiple women, etc.

IMO, he realized he had little time left and wanted to exchange more time and truer values for the

'memories''.

I've said this many times, but I think he was quite ill by this time and felt he needed the pills.

He likely did. They provided comfort.

Margot said:

Uh, that's what I've been saying. But I'm just disagreeing that he was singing about alcohol or a drug in that passage.

Though he could have been referring to alcohol, he also could have been using the word, 'intoxicated' figuratively.

If he was using the alcohol line, it's not the alcohol itself he regretted, it was walking up in strange women's beds because he lost control of his facilities after drinking too much lol

After I looked at the lyrics again, overall he regretted his loose morals when he was younger. The journal full of numbers and the pages he went through mean the different women he slept with.

I think you are all assuming everything he wrote was auto biographical or truthful

Breakdown to me just sounds like a great song he could have written for anyone

The drinking details are pretty typical regret theme lines

It just doesn't ring true as we know how he lived but most people who are not big fans do not

But it's still a great song

At this stage, he wasnt that careful about what he wrote anymore, so I'm thinking its just a song like any other

If it wasnt one of his last albums I doubt we would read much into it

wildgoldenhoney said:

Prince being a control freak, I cant really imagine him staying at many womens houses

I imagine they stayed at his

He had his own place pretty early in his career

He was living in Andre's basement

Owen husney got him a place of his own when he signed a deal

And it was when he got famous that he started to get more chances to sleep around

Not before

He was never a big drinker at this stage anyway, going from what most people gave said

If you think him wanting to be left alone was a quandary, he threw big parties, because he wanted to be around people to quiet the silence and loneliness he felt.
[Edited 1/1/21 12:26pm]