There have been many things written and said about the presence of spirituality in Prince's work since the late 90s. One who visits this site is well aware of the broad spectrum opinions - both positive and negative. I, personally, have never been overly religious or even that spiritual for that matter. However, after the Xenophobia celebration, I came away with yet another facet of Prince. The most enjoyable thing in the world for me is attending a Prince concert (I have done so consistently since the Controversy tour in 1981.)

While I must admit I would start to lose my patience on some of the longer religious monologues in the middle of the shows, I felt an unspoken vibe that was so positive and uplifting - especially during the Sheila E set and the finale with Rachelle Ferrell (a very spiritual sister) and Musiq. I honestly felt that Prince and Sheila were exuding something positive and good with the music.

I also find that much of the new music has a positive and uplifting vibe - lyrically and musically. I am sure this is the reason for the artistic success of The Rainbow Children album. You actually feel as if you've been to church after listening to it. I put on songs from the more recent work like "Pearls b4 the Swine", "Everywhere", and "The Everlating Now" when I feel depressed or worried. THey seem to help.

THats just my opinion.
[This message was edited Tue Dec 2 6:10:32 PST 2003 by undulatingacrobat]

I agree, but there are also very rigid, blinkered, judgemental tones to several songs on the Rainbow Children that turn people off.

Prince has always had spiritual meanings to his songs, but they have been far more accessible to others in the past.

Romance1600 said:

Where are the judgemental parts? Expressing a belief is often misconstrued as such.

undulatingacrobat said:

Thx, undulating! Nice touch to say it's just your opinion, but have a bit more confidence in yourself! Churches--the real churches, believe it or not are the pubs and bars. The juke-box represents the organ or the music (God, remember, is a DJ, and the son is a dancer, or the lord of the dance). The alcohol represents, if you are a man, WOMAN. I rarely see Prince on a juke-box these days. More is the pity. He belongs in these churches!

andy

andyf said:

did you just get home from church

andyf said:

BlaqueKnight said:

They need Jesus.

stymie said:

Yep.

BlaqueKnight said:

Who said that Prince was a spiritual leader? I never used that term. I simply acknowledged the spiritual feel of the music.

BlaqueKnight said:

Yeah, I guess he could be a counsellor too. He is that talented. Listen to "Sweet Baby". Great counselling! Just don't be a councillor! Not today, anyway!

andy

andyf said:

You guys need help. AND A SENSE OF DIRECTION. Pathetic. Prince needs counselling, too.

If you want spirituality and what it is all about, listen to Lovesexy and Batman. These to me were the time when Prince was absolutely certain. He got a bit sidetracked after that with Mayte I think and all the songs seemed to relate to her and love and break ups etc before he found the spiritual path again with TRC. Although TRC has too much JW influence and ram it down your throat stuff.

undulatingacrobat said:

"Ain't no room to disagree" -belief or not, this is extremely judgemental.

meow85 said:

There is no fault in judging the world as you see it. Everyone is entitled to their beliefs. The operative concept here is one of choice: the choice to express your self and the choice of others to avoid you expressions if they simply can not get over it.

You had to make a choice to buy the Rainbow Children CD. You make another choice when you listen to it. If Prince's words are objectionable, why do either? Or even complain about it?

BlaqueKnight said:

Chill out. I disagree with you very much. But that does not mean I am right. And because I disagree with you, it does not mean I think you are pathetic. And it does not mean I think you need counselling. You are entitled to your opinion. All roads lead to Rome. And all Rhodes lead to Greece!

I don't mind you making judgements. It happens all the time

As I said, listen to "Sweet Baby", it shows just how good Prince is as a friend. And good friends make the best counsellors. They don't even ask for payment. Because, in a way, YOU CANNOT BUY OR SELL THE TRUTH. Don't take the last sentence too literally.

andypandy
[This message was edited Sat Dec 13 3:55:10 PST 2003 by andyf]

BlaqueKnight said:

It would be interesting, if Prince was to become Revernd Nelson, to see the converts... i would at least have to visit the church.

BlaqueKnight said: