Actually, I was referring to someone's belief that Prince is an artist that doesn't necessarily believe wholeheartedly in his manifestos.

I think someone is disappointed that 'uptown' in Prince's mind now, is not the same as it once was back in the early - late 80's. And I think that's making him question whether it ever truly was a belief or just some mumbo jumbo.

Personally, I think it's more important what messages you decide to pick up from Prince as opposed to what Prince continues to believe in i.e. if 'uptown' then, is the place you want to be, so be it. Who cares if it's not the place Prince wants to be now, or even back then?

A REPLY FROM AN ORIGINAL MEMBER OF THE REVOLUTION:
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I don't really think that's a legitimate issue. It's no big deal, now or then. Prince is allowed to change his mind over time just like every other human being. We're talking about a song that's almost 25 years old. I guarantee you that 23 years ago our belief system about some aspect is different now than it used to be. Most people are not stagnant in this area. The more you experience, the more your perspective might change. Since that song was released Prince has travelled the world and experienced more than he did prior to its release when he was just a kid. The business and POLITICS of the music industry have shed a different light on things for him. IF he has changed about certain things, I don't have an issue with someone changing perspectives. It is years later. It's natural when it comes to some things. I've just never felt the need for my beliefs to 100% coincide with those who I deem great creators. And Prince is a great creator.

The only thing that really matters is what you believe I love the message of this song and will never abandon it, even if Prince has...

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

You amaze me every time with your wonderful attitude.

Great post.

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

exactly. don't depend on what prince sez for rides--find your own uptown. hell, you may be awready there.

Prince has not abandon this idea...

He just has over his mind...and mouth...

If he didn't believe in Uptown...why would he still B in Minneappolis?

If he didn't believe in Uptown...why didn't he conform 2 the rules of the music industry?

If he didn't believe in Uptown...why didn't he just go with the flow instead of making waves?

Why?

Cuz Uptown is something 2 believe in...The song Uptown meant you could be free 2 follow your heart...no matter what others said...

It was the place...and the mindset...U wanted 2 B...

I believe. I don't think Uptown is as much about the actual place as it is the quest for the place which ultimately sets one apart from the outside world and offers some inner peace and tranquility and even some fun.

All I know is that the magazine Uptown stinks.

Anji said:

Great topic!

Uptown for me was most definitely more than a song. It was a manifesto. At age 11, I used the Uptown-notion to shape my development into a person who embraces multi-culturalism, non-conformity, and the anti-establishment. I define the world for myself and by simply accepting systems, rituals, or traditions passed down to me.

Therefore, I don't understand how Prince, a preacher of UPtown, could embrace a specific religion's definition of god and morality after being so free and self-directed when it came to life and God.

I expected him to forever be spiritual, but to be religious is highly disappointing and offensive, actually.

Too believe profanity is evil and mustn' be spoken is a small thing but so restrictive that it's offensive as well.

His views on women... his purported views on homosexuality ... yeah, I think he has tried to change the laws in Uptown for the worse. But I believe in the beginning he did truly believe the manifesto.

Now, as people question and search they go through philosophical changes.

IN my quest for spirituality, I was a Chrisitan for 7 fervent years Then, after researching religion and analyzing the 7 years, I decided to not embrace organized religion or the belief of a traditional God.

I was sincere at every phase. I was not being wishy-washy. I was thinking. So, I am hoping Prince is just thinking things out and will eventually return to the core of his original Uptown.

And my attempt to try to know God through Christianity made me more sensitive spiritually. I felt it was meant to be and not a mistake. So, hopefully Prince will emerge from this highly self-restricted period more sensitive to freedom, non-conformity and original thought.

Anji said:

I totally agree. This is my approach to art in general. Once something is out in the public domain it takes on a life separate from the creator. It takes on the life each person gives it through their perception, colored with all their hopes, wants, hates, dreams, passions ...

Art is so much more than what the artist says it is and wise artists know this and should never try to declare the meaning of their song concepts (I once met a novelist who would not explain a section of his book because he said it was improper for anyone to ask and that they should interpret it themselves or else it would be narrow and a disservice)


I don't consider philosophy art. But since the Uptown notion was rooted in Prince's music and not his speech, it's art. And most of the time (especially when he destroys the "reproduction of a new breed leader" concept) I just want Prince to not try to talk about or explain his classic ideas.


I'm just like, let the old music speak and I'll believe what I want. So no matter where Prince is, I will always carry an ever-maturing view of the original Uptown with me.

Anji said:

like paisely park

is in your heart,

uptown is in your soul