In the Sun newspaper today it reports on a poll taken by BBC radio 2 for the most memorable opening lines of a song. Out of the 40 listed (in no particular order) was the line: “In France a skinny man died of a big disease with a little name”.

Personally I would have thought “Dearly beloved….” Would have been a more memorable first line… But hey, the general public is fickle.

So what would you say was the most memorable/best opening line to a Prince song?

"I guess I should've known by the way you parked your car sideways that it wouldn't last"

"I was dreaming when I wrote this forgive me if it goes astray"

"Everybody wants to find Graffiti Bridge" la la la lala

Jon said:

memorable maybe - best? Certainly not. Considering that SOTT is THE best opening line Prince has ever come up with.

In one line he manages 2 be political, socially-aware, as well as being damned clever playing with words.

I'd say that was pretty damned good going within one sentance.

bananacologne said:

Agreed. I don’t think he’ll ever top that one. I just thought it would be lesser known to the world at large than “Dearly beloved… blah blah blah”

Jon said:

"Ronnie talk 2 russia before its 2 late before its 2 late..."

Christopher said:

I've always liked "Open your heart, open your mind, a train is leaving all day, a wonderful trip through our time, and laughter is all you pay" but I suppose that's 2 lines!

Also 1999's "Don't worry, I won't hurt you, I only want you to have some fun" is pretty memorable.

What about "The war drums sound in Bablyon".

Memorable for being butt-clenchingly embarrassing to hear

"New coat, huh? Nice. You buy it?"

"Dorothy was a waitress...on the Pomenade; She worked the night shift; Dishwater Blonde, tall and fine....she got a lot of tips..."

Hands down, the BEST opener!!!!!