Let’s give more love to this amazing song. It’s definitely in my top 30. The hook, melody— it all just sounds like magic with a splash of soul. And the lyrics from both versions (Welcome 2 America and the end coda to ‘Black Muse’ from Hitnrun Phase Two) of this track are phenomenal.

What really blows my mind is how we get two incredible versions of this song: the full-on vibe from Welcome 2 America and that gorgeous coda tacked onto “Black Muse” from Hitnrun Phase Two. Both are phenomenal, but they bring such different flavors to the table. The Welcome 2 America version is bold and expansive, with lyrics that feel like a call to action. Lines like “We used to be smarter/ We taught ’em what they know/ And now we got to show ’em/ What it means to be American” pack a punch, especially when you think about where the world was in 2010-2011. I love that line in particular. That’s the energy we need right now. It’s Prince looking outward, reflecting on society, identity, and the need for unity, all wrapped in that hypnotic refrain—“1,000 light years away from here.” It’s like he’s dreaming of an escape from the mess, and I’m right there with him.

Then you flip to the “Black Muse” coda, and it’s a whole other vibe—shorter, softer, and way more intimate. The lyrics shift to something personal and poetic, like “Two unbroken circles joined together make a butterfly / Little darling don’t you wanna try?” It’s tender, almost like a love letter, and the way it closes out “Black Muse” feels so effortless yet profound. Same title, same theme of distance, but one version’s gazing at the world, and the other’s looking straight into the soul. That’s Prince at his peak—taking one idea and spinning it into two masterpieces that stand on their own. Which version do you all vibe with more?

Now, here’s where I need some help: has anyone ever gotten a clear answer on why Welcome 2 America didn’t drop back in 2011? I’ll admit, I’m a little fuzzy on the details—pardon my confusion if this has been covered a million times. From what I’ve pieced together, Prince was always juggling a dozen projects, and he had a habit of shelving stuff if the timing didn’t feel right. Maybe he thought it needed more polish, or maybe he just had his sights set on something else. Still, it drives me nuts thinking about it. That album is so good—socially charged, musically diverse, and way ahead of its time. I can’t help but wish he’d released it back then. Imagine the buzz it would’ve created in 2011, with its messages about education, unity, and redefining American identity hitting the airwaves. It could’ve been a defining moment for Prince and for us fans.

That said, I’m beyond grateful we have it now.

What do y’all think of both versions?

Again the arrangement, composition, melody, etc i think is up there with like In A Large Room or Mountains even… i just love it

I think Prince didn't think the album was ready for the world yet. He did say that he wanted to perhaps use some of the songs in the future for other projects but who knows.

It's great song. For me it's the highlight on Welcome 2 America.

I think the Welcome 2 America album was strong enough to release


I just hope we get more unreleased albums soon.

I love this song as well, both versions! I like the Black Muse version a little bit more lyrically, it's got a bit more polish and energy, but I really wish it had the extra rhythm guitar parts from the W2A version of the song, I dig it so much.

I said at the time, this was a top 15 album of Prince's. I think if he were to have releaased it, he would have made more interesting transitions from song to song. Almost all of them sound like they start with a cymbol or high hat. That would have made this strong album, even better and more interesting.

The songs were almost all strong. I loved 100 Light Years....so so good. But, One Day was one hell of a good surprise...I loved the song, the lyrics, and his super rhythm playing.

He was telling us something.

JoeyCococo said:

I said at the time, this was a top 15 album of Prince's. I think if he were to have releaased it, he would have made more interesting transitions from song to song. Almost all of them sound like they start with a cymbol or high hat. That would have made this strong album, even better and more interesting.

The songs were almost all strong. I loved 100 Light Years....so so good. But, One Day was one hell of a good surprise...I loved the song, the lyrics, and his super rhythm playing.

Yeah One Day is fantastic. The main guitar lick reminds me of "Soul Man" by Sam and Dave