I really, really like the song I Wonder. Weak lyric, I know, but something about that song just makes me smile. I have the '91 version. Can anyone tell me what the '83 version is like and how the 2 differ? Thank u!

jillybean said:

I love the song too - real cute.

Can't call myself a proper fan though, cos i didn't even know there was an 83 version but i'd damn like to hear it.

there's no 1983 version, is there?

purpleone said:

no.

Per said that there was a version recorded around the time of Purple Rain and then it was reworked into the version recorded around the time of D&P. It also states this in the liner notes of Jewel Box II. If I'm wrong then that's fine because I'm not missing out on an alt version.

This song is fantastic. Someone posted a thread a good while back saying if Prince released this it would be a hit- I agree, its great

Gotta love it
Yeah, I'm almost certain he recorded it sometime in 1983, then re-worked it again in 1991.
As far as I'm aware, the 1983 version isn't circulating though.

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This song is the shit, muttafukka!

I always liked i Wonder. have kind of a crappy
quality version of it though

This song is a standout, no question. My copy has really bad sound though... it's hard to believe it was recorded during the D&P period.

Great song....

I started the other thread about this song.

There are wonderful sound-quality examples available.

I LOVE THIS SONG!!!!!

thinkin if i even have this....don't even think i've heard it.

Handclapsfingasnapz said:

kick ass tune

i like that part in graffiti bridge where he rides his bike REALLY FAST imean REALLY FAST!!!! VROOOOOMMMMM!!!!!

I LOVE THIS SONG!!! One of my favorite unreleased songs!! The copy I have is pretty good quality. Prince could've taken "Jughead" off of D&P and put this song in it's place. Or maybe "Schoolyard"....or better yet..."Open Book"!!

I wonder is a great song, but not as good as 'Player'

I Wonder when it will be officially released

Controversy said:

Player is AWESOME!! One of the great underrated, unreleased gems! Just wish I had a better copy!

Matt

is that kind acoustic version the 83 version?? I have 2 versions but I always thought they were from the same era. One of them is thata version everyone knows and I have another one that I found on internet, that's more an acoustic version and have little differences on melody and lyrics...I'm gonna try 2 fnd it again in one of my back up mp3-cd's.

a gust of southern wind came n' took my girl away from meee...

now my tears could fill an ocean my tears could fill a sea..

IIIII wonder....if she cares about me, IIIII wondeeeeer

that song is off the HIZZOOK!!! It's got that gospel flava to it...

jillybean said:

There is NO 83 Version. I think you're thinking of Empty Room which has a 91, 1995 and an 1984/5 version. I Wonder sounds way unfinished but the lyrics and vocals are FANTASTIC!! Way to layer those vocals Prince! I just wish he releases it along with Open Book!

See now, the problem with the whole "I wonder when he'll release it, cuz damn it will be a hit" is that, imagine if you did some fingerpaintings 14 years ago, and somebody comes up to you and says "you remember that fingerpainting you did 14 years ago? You should sell that shit, yo, cuz it would be a hit" and you've got all these acrylics and oils that you've done since then ... while, the temptation to put it out is undeniable, there's the whole issue of hearing the critics crap on it because it's something you did long ago.

Like "Start Me Up" by the rolling stones for instance. While it's probably one of their biggest hits, the critics seem to dismiss it because they were just mining their vault for songs.

whatever.

My point is, I can't imagine Prince putting out some of the old old awesome vault classics this I Wonder, Witness 4 The Prosecution, Lisa, whatever. I LOVE those songs too, and I agree - if the fool just put out a record of the top 10 bootlegged songs - DIDN'T remix them, didn't add crap on there like he did with CB - sure - it would be a hit, but then he'd have to address the whole "what, the well runnin a little dry these days?" question.

So. That's my essay on Why Prince Will Never Release The Good Shit.

Supposedly, there was a take done in 83. I've only heard the 91 version though.