Purple Rain
Prince and The Revolution - Purple Rain (Live in Syracuse, March 30, 1985)
I never meant to cause you any sorrowI never meant to cause you any painI only wanted one time to see you laughingI only wanted to see you laughing in the purple rain
Purple rain, purple rainPurple rain, purple rainPurple rain, purple rainI only wanted to see you bathing in the purple rain
I never wanted to be your weekend loverI only wanted to be some kind of friend, heyBaby, I could never steal you from anotherIt's such a shame our friendship had to end
Purple rain, purple rainPurple rain, purple rainPurple rain, purple rainI only wanted to see you underneath the purple rain
Honey, I know, I know, I know times are changin'It's time we all reach out for something new, that means you tooYou say you want a leader, but you can't seem to make up your mindAnd I think you better close it and let me guide you to the purple rain
Purple rain, purple rainPurple rain, purple rain (ooh!)If you know what I'm singin' about up here, come on, raise your handPurple rain, purple rainI only want to see you, only want to see you in the purple rain
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Prince Rogers Nelson
Purple Rain lyrics © Controversy Music
Prince - Purple Rain (Official Video)
Key Points
- Research suggests "Purple Rain" by Prince is primarily about the end of the world, with purple rain symbolizing a blood-red sky, focusing on love and faith during apocalyptic times.
- It seems likely that the song also has interpretations of renewal and personal redemption, especially in the context of the movie "Purple Rain."
- The evidence leans toward Prince's religious background influencing the song, given his Seventh-day Adventist and Jehovah's Witness beliefs.
Background and Artist's Intent
The song "Purple Rain," released by Prince in 1984, is primarily understood as an apocalyptic love song. Prince himself explained that it depicts the end of the world, with the "purple rain" symbolizing a sky turned purple by blood, red and blue mixing together [1]. He emphasized being with the one you love and letting faith guide you through this cataclysmic event, reflecting his deep religious beliefs [2].
Additional Interpretations
Beyond the apocalyptic theme, band member Lisa Coleman interpreted "purple rain" as a symbol of renewal and a new beginning, likening it to the sky at dawn and rain as a cleansing force [3]. This adds a layer of hope and rebirth to the song's meaning.
In the context of the movie "Purple Rain," the song takes on a personal dimension, representing the protagonist The Kid's journey of redemption. During a concert scene, The Kid dedicates the song to his father, symbolizing reconciliation and healing from familial conflicts [4].
Unexpected Detail: Country Song Origins
An unexpected detail is that "Purple Rain" was initially conceived as a country song intended for a collaboration with Stevie Nicks, who declined due to feeling overwhelmed by the task [5]. This origin contrasts with its final rock ballad form, highlighting Prince's versatility.
Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of "Purple Rain" by Prince
This survey note provides a comprehensive examination of the meaning behind Prince's iconic song "Purple Rain," released in 1984 as part of the album and movie of the same name. The analysis draws on Prince's own statements, interpretations from band members, the song's context within the film, and Prince's religious background to offer a detailed understanding of its multifaceted significance.
Methodology and Sources
The investigation involved analyzing song lyrics, Prince's interviews, and reviews from music journalists, as well as exploring the movie's plot and critical reception. Sources included Wikipedia for song and film details, music blogs like American Songwriter and Music Grotto for lyrical analysis, and religious profiles from Hollowverse to understand Prince's beliefs. The focus was on English-language resources to ensure accessibility and reliability, with publication dates ranging from 2016 to 2025, ensuring relevance to current understandings.
Primary Meaning: Apocalyptic Love Song
Prince's own explanation of "Purple Rain" centers on an apocalyptic theme. He stated, "When there's blood in the sky... red and blue = purple. Purple rain pertains to the end of the world and being with the one you love and letting your faith/God guide you through the purple rain" [1]. This interpretation is supported by the song's lyrics, which express a desire not to cause pain and to see the loved one laughing in the purple rain, set against a backdrop of impending doom. The lyrics include:
Lyric Excerpt | Interpretation |
|---|---|
"I never meant to cause you any sorrow" | Expresses regret and a desire for happiness |
"I only want to see you laughing in the purple rain" | Focuses on love and joy during apocalyptic times |
"I never wanted to be your weekend lover" | Emphasizes a deep, committed relationship |
This apocalyptic vision is likely influenced by Prince's religious background. Raised as a Seventh-day Adventist and later converting to Jehovah's Witness in 2001, Prince held beliefs about the end times, which are central to both faiths [2]. His music often reflected these themes, with songs like "The Cross" and "God" also carrying religious undertones, reinforcing the connection to his spirituality.
Secondary Meaning: Renewal and New Beginning
Lisa Coleman, Prince's keyboardist and a member of The Revolution, offered a contrasting interpretation. She saw "purple rain" as symbolizing renewal, likening the purple color to the sky at dawn and the rain as a cleansing factor [3]. This perspective aligns with some Christian interpretations of the apocalypse as a new beginning, where God cleanses evil and rewards the just, potentially resonating with Prince's Adventist upbringing. This interpretation adds a hopeful dimension, suggesting the song is not only about destruction but also about rebirth and starting anew.
Contextual Meaning in the Movie "Purple Rain"
The movie "Purple Rain," released in 1984, provides another layer of meaning. The film is a semi-autobiographical rock musical drama starring Prince as The Kid, a musician navigating family troubles and rivalries. The song "Purple Rain" is performed during a climactic concert scene, where The Kid dedicates it to his father, who had just attempted suicide [4]. This dedication symbolizes The Kid's reconciliation and healing, transforming the song into a narrative of personal redemption. The movie's plot, involving abusive parents and competitive music scenes, frames the song as a moment of emotional resolution, highlighting its role in personal growth.
Critical reception of the film, with a 72% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 58 reviews, underscores its cultural impact, though it's noted for uneven cinema held together by Prince's charisma and the soundtrack [6]. The film's commercial success, grossing $68,392,977 in the US, further emphasizes its significance, with the song being a key element in its legacy.
Unexpected Detail: Country Song Origins
An unexpected detail emerged from the song's development history: "Purple Rain" was initially written as a country song intended for a collaboration with Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac. Nicks received a 10-minute instrumental version and was asked to write lyrics but declined, feeling overwhelmed, stating, "I listened to it and I just got scared. I called him back and said, 'I can't do it. I wish I could. It's too much for me'" [5]. Prince then reworked the song with his band, The Revolution, transforming it into the rock ballad we know today. This origin story highlights Prince's versatility and the song's evolution, contrasting with its final apocalyptic and personal themes.
Discussion of Relevancy
The apocalyptic interpretation is central, given Prince's own words and religious background, making it the most authoritative. However, the renewal interpretation by Coleman adds depth, especially considering Prince's collaborative work on the album, marking a new phase in his career. The movie context, while specific, enriches the song's personal significance, showing how it resonates on an individual level. These layers make "Purple Rain" a timeless piece, appealing to fans for its universal themes of love, faith, and redemption, as well as its personal narrative in the film.
Tables for Organization
To organize the interpretations, here's a table summarizing the meanings:
Interpretation | Description |
|---|---|
Apocalyptic Love Song | End of the world, purple rain as blood-red sky, focus on love and faith |
Renewal and New Beginning | Purple as dawn sky, rain as cleansing, symbolizing rebirth |
Personal Redemption | In movie context, dedication to father, symbolizing healing and growth |
Another table for key lyrics and their interpretations:
Lyric | Interpretation |
|---|---|
"Purple rain, purple rain" | Refers to apocalyptic sky, central to song's theme |
"I only want to see you laughing" | Desire for joy amidst doom, emphasizing love |
"I never meant to cause you sorrow" | Regret and commitment, personal emotional depth |
Conclusion
"Purple Rain" by Prince is a song with multiple layers of meaning, primarily an apocalyptic love song reflecting end-time beliefs, influenced by Prince's religious background. It also carries interpretations of renewal and personal redemption, especially in the context of the movie "Purple Rain." Its unexpected country song origins highlight Prince's creative process, making it a rich and enduring piece of music.
Key Citations:
Comments
Post a Comment