I dig this song in the various forms I have heard it.It makes me wonder about Prince ,though,when I listen to the "1999 outtake" version;did Prince have imaginary friends?I mean,I know that Dez exists and so forth and so on.He mentions that "me and the boys like to jam.."and I wonder if they really did "jam" that much and hang."Me and the boys" infers friendship,in my opinion.At least,that is how it has occurred in my life.These are guys you spend time with and are your brothers of commonality.

I digest a lot of loneliness and and aloneness when it comes to Prince and his art.I know he has said that he can't really eb close to bandmates because then it would be hard to be the boss.And,yes,that is a tricky proposition.And,yes,it was and is important for Prince to be the boss because of his talent and because of how his person handles shyness and insecurity and whatever else is in the mix.

This is something I have identified with Prince on.I'm not talking about the talent,etc.,but I do know what it's like to know a lot of people and be liked and,yet,feel very alone.

Anyway.I know I get this feeling from Prince,Jimi,Sly,Little Richard,etc.I don't get it from James Brown or Sting or Stevie.And the isolation I hear is the strongest in Prince music.So,I jam on my musical heroes ,but,sometimes I get a little sad when I think about them.Lines like that in Possessed sometimes alter my enjoyment.It's still enjoyment,but it's just not mindless.

I may be wrong and way off base.I would ,however,like to mention some of the greats who I perceive to be in pain by listing some moments that showcase it;the saint and the sinner lady(you can hear the insanity)-charles mingus,annie christian,annastesia,question of u(y'all know examples),my friend,manic depression(obvious choices)-jimi,tutti frutti(not that this song isn't celebratory,but it had to be pauinful to be a small,black,gay,genius freak esp., during those times-that was the beginning of the world's love/condemnation of Richard Penneman)-little richard,redemption songs(for some reason,this song makes me feel hope,yet,I understand the pain,confuiosn,and steadfast belief in this man's faith in the face of despair.this man was strong alone.he faced evil with a smile on his face.his only pleasure was "one good spliff",a little soccer,a guitar,and the strong love of his wife.funny,i'm sure he felt pain in guilt for the many women he bedded despite this good woman)-b marley,this is radio clash and straight to hell(more celebratory grooves that hide the pain of poverty and political unrest)-the clash,fight the youth(party rockin' jam that parties hard in the face of those that hate its creator and wish to silence said voices and even keep those voices from ever bless a radio frequency)-fishbone,ok computer(yes,the album.it is a new "discovery" of mine and it is absolutely beautiful and sad)-radiohead...I never intentioned this to be this long.I just realized that there are so many examples.I love in these artists this and I love them for sharing .We are all possessed in our sadness.We can choose to make it beautiful or monstrous.Peace.