ok, deep post alert, maybe not, but contemplative yes. That line, from Way Back Home, which follows other illuminating insights about want/desires, stood out to me upon first listen and still does. A man who dated many who'd be considered "trophy wives" and married two, still longed to be "left alone" and has been stated ad nauseum perhaps, died tragically alone. Prince was most generous with people and the world through his music. interpersonally, you got snippets, a restrained version, a flighty man, with chronic wanderlust musically, and relationally. people had "expiration dates" with him. few defied that. I wonder how parenting would have changed him. it opens up one's heart to previously unknown and/or inaccessible chambers. it would've been especially curious to see the affect a daughter would've had on him IMO.

As a married man, with children, i realize that, as much as i'd prefer to, i can't be/won't be "left alone." and i don't say that in the lighthearted "that's why you need a "mancave" sense of escaping to watch sports, action flicks, or whatever fits said male, it's pondering, whether "at my core", despite of how enriched and made better I am by my family, if i'm well suited for life as a husband and father. the "marrying kind" IS a thing. or one can just find themselves there (of course not "just", but...) i can hear the rebuttals, too late now, you better GET ready.... but I posit, (speculatively of course) that because of the frenetic nature of his life, absorbed by music, his relationships, seemingly failed to push him towards the type of growth where things didn't have to always be on HIS terms. Him engaging the world and people when HE wanted to (his perogative of course). But what if that "transactional" framework stunted him? Like the 3AM calls to a Van Jones, or whomever, which he could get away with because he was Prince, but what if he could "take it" like he "dished it." His opinion always had more weight because again, he was Prince, but beyond the "music examples", whom did he keep close who "pushed back" with him regularly? The Kirky J example is dubious.

Some people NEED people more than others in a general, more interconnected kind of way, others NEED them when they do, for a specific thing. They aren't trying to diminish others, the "transactional" frame is just their default. I'm such a person, (and not a Gemini for u amatuer astrologists on here). I know now, how childhood trauma shaped me and I have had to learn to be fully present with people and not fear making a genuine connection, beyond a shared interest or topic, just human to human. I've stated elsewhere on here how I know the real Wally Safford. He calls Prince a friend, one whom he had responsibilities to and for, and he too attests that Prince loved people best THROUGH his music and in ACTUAL human relationships, that's not enough. A song with his name on it flatters him, but I offer that conversations and mutual sharing, not just "venting" (or whatever version of the song says what) would've made our dearly departed an even BETTER artist. The growth WAS occurring, but the collective dynamics in place in his social circle at the time were a recipe for what happened. Sometimes alone is what you WANT but not NEED. His own words from the mouths of others might've helped, "left to our own devices, whatever will be will be" (Beginning Endlessly).

[Edited 12/1/20 20:28pm]

-

I think he wanted to be left alone from all sides and on all levels, more from a point of regret and loss.

Like business wise or even on a musical level, as well as by the media and so on.

But... he choose the wrong profession for that.

It sounds like too little too late imho.

-

I dare to believe he suffered the most from never taking the time to reflect upon all that moved around him in his life, especially his own being and and the life he had lived.

Like whether life has lived up to his expectations.

I dare to say he chose to flee from ahead, and prefered to by guided by his superstitions & believes.

Most aroudn him always said he comunicated through his music and lyrics...

Which I personally considder often more riddled and questioned. More than quite unclear.

But it's all guessing.

-

I'm more intrigued by these lyrics in the same song :

"So many reasons why,
There's so many reasons why,
I don't belong here.
But now that I, am I...
Without fear I am.
Gonna conquer with no fear,
Until I find my way back home."

...as if he was ready to die, or even chose to die to flee from it all...

We'll never know for sure.

-

And what you write her, I absolutely agree.

-

THIS. EXACTLY ALL THIS. This OP and first comment.

datdude and Vannormal, THANK YOU for this. Thoughts precisely along the lines of what you are talking about have rattled around in my head for years, as I contemplate the man whose artistry means the world to me.

Will limit my response as I've been told by another here that my thoughts and responses are annoying and dilute the thoughts of other posters.

But you made my Prince-fascinated self's morning, day, month...really all the rest of 2020, at a minimum. And I can use it about now. So sorry for this way-too-self-focused reply, but THANKS A MILLION to you two!

Looking forward to reading more on this thread.

[Edited 12/2/20 6:06am]

datdude said:

ok, deep post alert, maybe not, but contemplative yes. That line, from Way Back Home, which follows other illuminating insights about want/desires, stood out to me upon first listen and still does. A man who dated many who'd be considered "trophy wives" and married two, still longed to be "left alone" and has been stated ad nauseum perhaps, died tragically alone. Prince was most generous with people and the world through his music. interpersonally, you got snippets, a restrained version, a flighty man, with chronic wanderlust musically, and relationally. people had "expiration dates" with him. few defied that. I wonder how parenting would have changed him. it opens up one's heart to previously unknown and/or inaccessible chambers. it would've been especially curious to see the affect a daughter would've had on him IMO.

As a married man, with children, i realize that, as much as i'd prefer to, i can't be/won't be "left alone." and i don't say that in the lighthearted "that's why you need a "mancave" sense of escaping to watch sports, action flicks, or whatever fits said male, it's pondering, whether "at my core", despite of how enriched and made better I am by my family, if i'm well suited for life as a husband and father. the "marrying kind" IS a thing. or one can just find themselves there (of course not "just", but...) i can hear the rebuttals, too late now, you better GET ready.... but I posit, (speculatively of course) that because of the frenetic nature of his life, absorbed by music, his relationships, seemingly failed to push him towards the type of growth where things didn't have to always be on HIS terms. Him engaging the world and people when HE wanted to (his perogative of course). But what if that "transactional" framework stunted him? Like the 3AM calls to a Van Jones, or whomever, which he could get away with because he was Prince, but what if he could "take it" like he "dished it." His opinion always had more weight because again, he was Prince, but beyond the "music examples", whom did he keep close who "pushed back" with him regularly? The Kirky J example is dubious.

Some people NEED people more than others in a general, more interconnected kind of way, others NEED them when they do, for a specific thing. They aren't trying to diminish others, the "transactional" frame is just their default. I'm such a person, (and not a Gemini for u amatuer astrologists on here). I know now, how childhood trauma shaped me and I have had to learn to be fully present with people and not fear making a genuine connection, beyond a shared interest or topic, just human to human. I've stated elsewhere on here how I know the real Wally Safford. He calls Prince a friend, one whom he had responsibilities to and for, and he too attests that Prince loved people best THROUGH his music and in ACTUAL human relationships, that's not enough. A song with his name on it flatters him, but I offer that conversations and mutual sharing, not just "venting" (or whatever version of the song says what) would've made our dearly departed an even BETTER artist. The growth WAS occurring, but the collective dynamics in place in his social circle at the time were a recipe for what happened. Sometimes alone is what you WANT but not NEED. His own words from the mouths of others might've helped, "left to our own devices, whatever will be will be" (Beginning Endlessly).

[Edited 12/1/20 20:28pm]

Sorry for having claimed I wouldn't spill any more words of reply. Famous last words, indeed.

Thank you so much for the phrase "transactional frame," and for what you shared about that dynamic. Have long been looking for a better handle on, and words to describe, that Princeworld dynamic.

There are, of course, many things that fuel fear of connections. I think what you describe is likely extremely relevant to topic at hand. Will just add something probably less relevant. A person fearing that he/she is not "likeable," and/or that rejection is going to happen (only a matter of time) can cause some to move to "reject before they might be rejected," or maybe more commonly, fear and hide from many attempts at connection. In the latter case, the person may avoid rejection by not taking a chance on connection in the first place, for fear of hurt, fear spurred by belief that sooner or later, rejection will happen.

Much appreciate your words about one-human to one-human relating, and relatively fully-present relating. You help me realize that these things aren't necessarily easy/automatic abilities across all people at all times of life, and across all of people's different sorts of constitutional makeups, and life experiences.

Prince often gave generously to people when they were down and challenged by life, and to people as a group (to his audiences, to worthy causes, etc.)

Thanks to both you and Vannormal for citing lyrics. Have always been struck by the keen observations and wisdom sprinkled in P's lyrics. Though probably not one of the best examples, I will always wonder at the fact that the Computer Blue "hallway speech" was written by Prince when he was only in his mid-twenties.

datdude - Sorry again to be making this response too much about me, but as a mom and wife, I really, really appreciate your thoughts on family life, solitude (or lack thereof : ) ), etc.

Lastly, please excuse the odd question, but are you the Orger who met Wally Safford through going to the same gym?

[Edited 12/2/20 17:37pm]

funkbabyandthebabysitters said:

He was rich and entitled. This enabled an uneven balance in his relationships A balance that he, from what I've heard, quite relished This is also a guy who I think, didnt even do xmas He worked to avoid a lot of unpleasant things Bring controlling is one thing, being allowed to be that controlling is never healthy He couldnt Express his feelings, and not having to try, didn't help I think it crippled him in fact Wpuldnt be surprised if in that final year, the death of vanity made him reach for his pain killers even more to block those feelings [Edited 12/2/20 6:29am]

Perhaps he worked hard to avoid that part of life's hard work. Ironic.

thanks for the thoughtful responses to this thread. it felt a bit indulgent and I imagined when people SAW it, they were like, oh hell naw... LOL (can someone teach me how to INDENT on here). Rednblue, first of all quit apologizing for your posts. they are welcome, valid and on subject. and yes, i am the same orger who met Wally at my gym, though we were members of the same church for YEARS and never knew each other. I had to take him to lunch and vomit Prince on each other for hours....

but i digress, Vannormal, you are SO right, those lyrics you highlighted are profound also, they ALL are. i do think he felt like he didn't belong for a number of reasons. i try not to be dogmatic about most things that leave much to be speculated about but i think the song was about a lot of things, including possibly his son, which i'd never considered before.

the thoughtful people on this site is what keep me coming back when i thought post 2016, what's the point. he BECAME rich and entitled (but to stop there is an oversimplification) and it did affect him and he exploited it when and how he wanted, but, i don't think his aim was ever to use fame create a chasm between him and others. his absorption with mastering his craft left his actual people skills under developed and he hoped the music would be sufficient. and for superfically distant relationships rooted in the star/fan; bandleader/member, rockstar playboy/ingenue muse dynamic, it was. hell, this is a guy who prohibited EYE CONTACT, talk about fear of (or inability or disinterest) in real connection! SMH. Nonetheless, a he left a treasure trove of art chronicling his longings, and learning from his "selective engagement" with other humans for us to continue to explore and gain glimpses.

This is an internal struggle many performers and creative people face. (Been there, done that ... like ... a million times.) We tend to be introverted (you can't create successfully without being introspective), yet we are lost without an audience. When we're alone, we want to be performing. When we're performing, we want to be alone. We're never at peace.

Earlier this year, I was having a terrible time. I lost my writing job of more than 20 years in a COVID-related layoff, and the entire theatre world (my avocation) went dark. Performing - writing and acting - is a huge part of my life. Within the span of two months, my entire audience was gone. All there was was "alone" - and it was horrible. I honestly had moments when I questioned whether it was even worth going on.

I think this is probably something Prince lived intimately, as well. I think The Breakdown is a glimpse into the psyche of a performer - and man oh man, do I relate.

[Edited 12/2/20 12:15pm]

i will have to revisit The Breakdown from that lens instead of his gazillonth "break up song."

I'm so glad you decided it WAS indeed worth going on.

As a creative, how then do you think about "self-sabotage", is unintentional self-sabotage an example of the poor relational skills at play? or is it an inentional 'pushing away" when the relationship is at a place of "explaining" what it is or will be for those involved?

I've always had a different interpretation of the song (and entire album).

After a few years in LA, the fancy parties, the second divorce, he returned to Paisley Park where he'd live for the rest of his life. His hair came back to where he began. He turned to rock and roll and left much of the R&B behind.

He may have said he wanted to be "left alone", but did he? He surrounded himself with the 3EG folks, La Havas, and others. He was reaching out. What he thought he wanted (alone) is not what he craved.

The entire AOA album is the fantasy of a man who went into suspended animation at age 55 and was awakened 45 years later, precisely 100 years old.

datdude said:

i will have to revisit The Breakdown from that lens instead of his gazillonth "break up song."

I'm so glad you decided it WAS indeed worth going on.

As a creative, how then do you think about "self-sabotage", is unintentional self-sabotage an example of the poor relational skills at play? or is it an inentional 'pushing away" when the relationship is at a place of "explaining" what it is or will be for those involved?

Thank you. It was really hour by hour, for awhile there. Finding another job helped - at least I didn't have to worry as much about my financial situation. It gave me space to start to work through the other shit (and there was a lot of that).

You raise an interesting point about how creative types approach relationships. We tend to have very complicated personalities - and it takes an incredibly mature and intuitive partner to be able to roll with that in a relationship. I don't think it's sabotage (self- or relational) so much as it is just not being in the same headspace day to day. (Understatement of the year.) Those who love us never know which person they're going to get - Love Me or Go Away. I'm not sure Prince ever had anyone in his life who had the knowledge and skills to handle that. Or, more importantly, someone he felt knew him like that.

Fortunately, my long-term partner has a pretty good grasp of what he's dealing with.

Genesia said:

He once said in interview "There aren't many very nice americans." By that I think he meant irrespective of fame, adulation and respect from peers and fans, he didn't believe they would bring him any more close friendships than he would've got as a non famous average joe.

Remember as well, The Rolling Stone interview from '85 where he confided "I never thought being famous would be so lonely".

If I'm being a harsh outsider, non-fan, I would argue 'See money doesn't get you happiness'. But Prince got plenty happy from making music, playing music live and making his fans happy.

I think that Prince needed time and space to create and dream. After reading his memoir it seemed to me he spent much of his childhood in this space dreaming and visualizing his life- to- be. Some of this was childhood loneliness, though.

Sometimes I think Prince saw people as actors to play a role in his musical or film creations...not as fully fleshed-out people. (He got better)

He seemed to have ambivalence re: people. Some say it was childhood trauma, some say it was

an artist's need for time alone to create, some say mild autism.

He did seem to need to be unencumbered by people, expectations, genres etc. But, too much of this and loneliness ensues.

[Edited 12/3/20 0:03am]

fortuneandserendipity said:

To say he died tragically alone is just an opinion. We all die one day, alone or with other people watching us die. It's about the experience you have while alive that matters. He was able to do what he wanted to do for the most part - and make enough money to continue doing it. I consider that lucky.

To say that being a parent would have changed him is also another opinion. I know some parents who are unprepared and it wrecks their life in many ways to have kids. I know other parents who brag about having kids as if they need that to feel normal.

I remember when I saw him perform The Breakdown in Las Vegas. 2/3 of the crowd were talking and hardly even noticed since he chose to open with it. I felt a bit sad for him then since I knew he wanted people to enjoy his music. It was the only time I felt sorry for him though. He wasn't the greatest human being in the world. But he was an amazing musician. I think he died happy. We just don't know it yet.

I had to laugh at the idea he enjoyed being a tyrant and having everything done for him.

Wouldn't that be fun for awile? (not the tyrant part).

It seems that even most older rock stars eventually settle down with one person and live as wealthy but but kind of average people.

In his later years, though, he did give up the extravagant clothing, hair, girlfriends, etc. He was shedding some of the rock star accoutrements.

What was left was playing and performing for as long as he could.

I think it was like breathing and was vital to him.

funkbabyandthebabysitters said:

"had to laugh at the idea he enjoyed being a tyrant and having everything done for him". Glad to have given you a giggle. However he enjoyed, if not being a despot, then certainly being a minor dictator. Control, etc.

Agree, and I think there might have been some insecurity underlying and motivating that "control freak," dictator stuff. Who knows how it might have been if he was able to ditch a little of that insecurity. Maybe that was starting to happen, later in life.

I think many people become a little more secure as they grow older. It's complicated, though. For example, here in the U.S., age can be quite disrespected and quite an isolating force in some cases.

funk, I just noticed the later part of your comment about whether people ever saw Prince out and about in Minneapolis. I think it's Morris Hayes that has a funny story about going to the hardware store with Prince, but maybe that sort of thing was a rare occurence.

Found the story. The grouch in me says the spewing smoke stinks.

"Morris Hayes (keyboard player; Prince's longest-serving band member, 1992–2012): I remember taking him to the hardware store in my camping van. He wanted to go buy a lock. And we go to Ace Hardware—it's snowing and freezing—and I say, "Okay, Prince, you stay in the car." So I'm picking stuff up in the aisles, I look over, he just cruises by in a turtleneck sweater and his fuzzy boots, and people are looking like, "Oh my God, Prince is in the hardware store!" He comes and finds me and he's got a handful of crap—like, "Can we buy this?" I'm, "What did you do with the car?" He says, "It's out there—it's just running." I said, "Prince, you can't leave the car running—somebody could just steal the car." He said, "This is Chanhassen—nobody's gonna steal the car." So we get out to the car and sure enough it's out there, just running, smoke coming out of the tailpipe. And he's like, "I told you."

https://www.gq.com/story/...bJFMN00Fxc

[Edited 12/3/20 11:32am]

3rdeyedude said:

To say he died tragically alone is just an opinion. We all die one day, alone or with other people watching us die. It's about the experience you have while alive that matters. He was able to do what he wanted to do for the most part - and make enough money to continue doing it. I consider that lucky.

To say that being a parent would have changed him is also another opinion. I know some parents who are unprepared and it wrecks their life in many ways to have kids. I know other parents who brag about having kids as if they need that to feel normal.

I remember when I saw him perform The Breakdown in Las Vegas. 2/3 of the crowd were talking and hardly even noticed since he chose to open with it. I felt a bit sad for him then since I knew he wanted people to enjoy his music. It was the only time I felt sorry for him though. He wasn't the greatest human being in the world. But he was an amazing musician. I think he died happy. We just don't know it yet.

So it ever must be in the conflicting scenes of life, in the long, weary march, each one walks alone. We may have many friends, love, kindness, sympathy and charity, to smooth our pathway in everyday life, but in the tragedies and triumphs of human experience, each mortal stands alone. Elizabeth Cady Stanton, The Solitude of Self

RODSERLING said:

The song is about his son.

-

True.

But it is never easy to say exactly from Prince's point of view what he actually meant, or wanted us to really understand.

He could easily build in double standards.

He often deliberately built in layering in order not to make his views too clear, perhaps even to deal with ambiguities.

Best example is the creation of Camile (at least to me), as if he needed an extra outlet (again imho).

I believe it was primarily a form of communication strategy directed towards himself in the first place.

He absolutely prefered to create unclear surprises and riddles for sure.

That's why we love him, and why he is so interesting at the same time.

-

wildgoldenhoney said:

IMO wanted to be Left alone, he didn't want the fame. Too many people who want his attention for their personal gain. Fleshy people, non spiritual. He didn't want that typical life (or fake life) that people desire (you know fame, and trophy wives). See my bed's made up at night 'Cause in my dreams I roam. Just trying to find, trying to find My way back, back home the fame and his part in that type of life hurt or disturbed him, He realizes he made a mistake because he was disillusioned by that life he strived for.

-

I agree with your last sentece.

But not with"he didn't want fame.''

Because, oh yes! he wanted fame.

WHen he found out when he was very young what his skills and talent got get him, he got so hungry for stardom.

Don't forget where he came from, his entire childhood background for example. Feeling not always justified that he was loved which caused him to be torn between other parties and families.

Only, he did not know what becoming a star would bring along.

Like so many young artists with no guidance.

Plus, he deliberately did not accepted any form of guidance on top of that, lacking to develop trust in others.

The fact that he made it all by himself was kind of a serius gamble, based on his tremendous skills and talent. He just was lucky to have met those people who believed in him.

But those same people strugled to guide him or tried to advise him once he was famous.

Which he famously rejected.

Remember what The Revolution members said when they all of a sudden werre confronted with

bodyguards and seperate treatments while on the road etc...

For me it's obvious that he really really wanted to be a star, feeling recognised, appreciated and accepted.

''Baby I'm A Star'', ''My Name Is Prince'' ? I don't see many other artists write thesekind of songs,

except some self declared rappers late on. lol

-

The lyrics you're refer too, are written by a man around his fifties, very typical imho.

He clearly was in a momentary reflective mood.

Only, it didn't last that long. He chose to flee ahead, again.

-

Vannormal said:

wildgoldenhoney said:

IMO wanted to be Left alone, he didn't want the fame. Too many people who want his attention for their personal gain. Fleshy people, non spiritual. He didn't want that typical life (or fake life) that people desire (you know fame, and trophy wives). See my bed's made up at night 'Cause in my dreams I roam. Just trying to find, trying to find My way back, back home the fame and his part in that type of life hurt or disturbed him, He realizes he made a mistake because he was disillusioned by that life he strived for.

-

I agree with your last sentece.

But not with"he didn't want fame.''

Because, oh yes! he wanted fame.

WHen he found out when he was very young what his skills and talent got get him, he got so hungry for stardom.

Don't forget where he came from, his entire childhood background for example. Feeling not always justified that he was loved which caused him to be torn between other parties and families.

Only, he did not know what becoming a star would bring along.

Like so many young artists with no guidance.

Plus, he deliberately did not accepted any form of guidance on top of that, lacking to develop trust in others.

The fact that he made it all by himself was kind of a serius gamble, based on his tremendous skills and talent. He just was lucky to have met those people who believed in him.

But those same people strugled to guide him or tried to advise him once he was famous.

Which he famously rejected.

Remember what The Revolution members said when they all of a sudden werre confronted with

bodyguards and seperate treatments while on the road etc...

For me it's obvious that he really really wanted to be a star, feeling recognised, appreciated and accepted.

''Baby I'm A Star'', ''My Name Is Prince'' ? I don't see many other artists write thesekind of songs,

except some self declared rappers late on. lol

-

The lyrics you're refer too, are written by a man around his fifties, very typical imho.

He clearly was in a momentary reflective mood.

Only, it didn't last that long. He chose to flee ahead, again.

-

I think he wanted fame too. He seemed to be comfortable with it immediately and I bet it was

very validating as he lived with many "no's" while growing up.

I sense, though, in his last few years, that fame, wealth etc., was less satisfying for a number of reasons.

the idea he didnt want fame is dumbfounding.

ofc he did.

he was hungry for it

might not have liked everything that came with it and found so many people after him scary but he def craved it

after 84, he had a brief period of thinking that it was going to just be about music and art, prob as he assumed that the PR era would return again, but once he saw it wasnt, he started to hanker after it.

he needed to feel loved, to know people were into him.

in 95, he could have done smaller clubs for all that new material, but he loved playing to big audiences.

playing to smaller crowds after PR was a serious come down.

why dyou think he pulled the SOTT tour in the US and then too the 88 tour to europe first? he was scared of playing to smaller audiences in the US. it was embarassing for him.

(not mentioning the money issues and that motivation as thats a diff thread)

i kinda imagine for someone like prince whose way of dealing with people was often music (regardless of after a certain period, his lyrics started to be riddles), not having that communication, or communion, an audience to receive it, means something is missing.

thats prob a reason he never stopped releasing and recording.

he needed to feel there were people there waiting to hear from him.

Vannormal said:

wildgoldenhoney said:

IMO wanted to be Left alone, he didn't want the fame. Too many people who want his attention for their personal gain. Fleshy people, non spiritual. He didn't want that typical life (or fake life) that people desire (you know fame, and trophy wives). See my bed's made up at night 'Cause in my dreams I roam. Just trying to find, trying to find My way back, back home the fame and his part in that type of life hurt or disturbed him, He realizes he made a mistake because he was disillusioned by that life he strived for.

-

I agree with your last sentece.

But not with"he didn't want fame.''

Because, oh yes! he wanted fame.

WHen he found out when he was very young what his skills and talent got get him, he got so hungry for stardom.

Don't forget where he came from, his entire childhood background for example. Feeling not always justified that he was loved which caused him to be torn between other parties and families.

Only, he did not know what becoming a star would bring along.

Like so many young artists with no guidance.

Plus, he deliberately did not accepted any form of guidance on top of that, lacking to develop trust in others.

The fact that he made it all by himself was kind of a serius gamble, based on his tremendous skills and talent. He just was lucky to have met those people who believed in him.

But those same people strugled to guide him or tried to advise him once he was famous.

Which he famously rejected.

Remember what The Revolution members said when they all of a sudden werre confronted with

bodyguards and seperate treatments while on the road etc...

For me it's obvious that he really really wanted to be a star, feeling recognised, appreciated and accepted.

''Baby I'm A Star'', ''My Name Is Prince'' ? I don't see many other artists write thesekind of songs,

except some self declared rappers late on. lol

-

The lyrics you're refer too, are written by a man around his fifties, very typical imho.

He clearly was in a momentary reflective mood.

Only, it didn't last that long. He chose to flee ahead, again.

-

Agree about so often fleeing ahead.

About trust...If there was some early-felt-trauma, then perhaps trust was difficult from an early time. That could set in motion a building, self-reinforcing cycle of a tendency (some exceptions) to not trust, and as a result, impede development of trusting nature. Don't want to overgeneralize, as of course trust can sometimes lead to betrayal, which can push things back in the opposite direction.

Also agree with the disillusioned idea. When first saw wildgoldenhoney's post, I was thinking about how going back many years, Prince has said and written introspective bits (song lyrics especially) that share insights about things like the empty side of fame, and patterns of trouble in his relationships. So he realized and articulated some of these things. Dating back to a time when he was quite young, he gave them at least quick looks. Not to say that a person can't just turn away and flee ahead after a quick glance. : )


With fame in general, I don't know if what Genesia said about performing vs. being alone, and in some ways always wanting to be in the "other" place, might apply. Fame and performance are (of course) different concepts, but either way, would love to hear more about creative people navigating the struggle of performance/audience vs. solitude. Wish I could remember who, but I remember someone from the purple world saying that it seemed to him like Prince missed fame in years when his fame and star diminished. He could even seem to crave it. Yet in many ways, fame coming on in a big way also didn't sit easily with Prince. Among other things, it could scare him.

All this sounds like description of very human tendencies. Maybe, like so many other things with Prince, these tendencies could come out in very big and dramatic ways.

[Edited 12/4/20 6:11am]