“PURPLE RAIN” (SONG)
So after that nervous introduction, the finale to this awesome #MEGA #THREADFEST falls upon my shoulders & it’s a big task judging by the quality of the preceding threads by a host of genuinely talented writers.
So after that nervous introduction, the finale to this awesome #MEGA #THREADFEST falls upon my shoulders & it’s a big task judging by the quality of the preceding threads by a host of genuinely talented writers.
@EdgarKruize & I wish to thank from the bottom of our 💜💜’s the following 4 their participation.
1st of many 🧵’s 2 Come [& yes the next one will move away from 80’s]:
@NightEthereal
@arrthurr
@antski74
@CaseyRain
@scottwoodssays
@Miss_EThompson
@PrincesFriendYT
💜☔️🙏🏽
1st of many 🧵’s 2 Come [& yes the next one will move away from 80’s]:
@NightEthereal
@arrthurr
@antski74
@CaseyRain
@scottwoodssays
@Miss_EThompson
@PrincesFriendYT
💜☔️🙏🏽
This is my 🧵 on “Purple Rain” (song), one of Prince’s most famous & enduring Anthems.
Most casual fans will know about this song & for them it will be one of the best things he ever did.
Maybe because it comes from one of the only Prince albums they own or pay attention to.
Most casual fans will know about this song & for them it will be one of the best things he ever did.
Maybe because it comes from one of the only Prince albums they own or pay attention to.
Hardcore P stans will be a little sick of it — it’s always the media focal point for all things Prince.
This frustration is understandable & there are valid points to it.
I do agree that Purple Rain shouldn’t be the primary focus of this great artist’s illustrious career.
This frustration is understandable & there are valid points to it.
I do agree that Purple Rain shouldn’t be the primary focus of this great artist’s illustrious career.
But Purple Rain (album) is the soundtrack to the best years of my teenage life & so its myth is tied into all of that.
I got into #Prince in 1982 with the 1999 album & the 2 yr gap between 1999 & Purple Rain gave me all the time I needed to explore all of his back catalogue.
I got into #Prince in 1982 with the 1999 album & the 2 yr gap between 1999 & Purple Rain gave me all the time I needed to explore all of his back catalogue.
B4 Purple Rain @prince was our little secret but all that changed after its release.
We lost our secret & Prince now belonged to the world #bittersweet
But the Summer of 1984 was awesome & we were young (not so much now) & beautiful (I still am 🤣).
PriNcE RuLed ThE WorLd.
We lost our secret & Prince now belonged to the world #bittersweet
But the Summer of 1984 was awesome & we were young (not so much now) & beautiful (I still am 🤣).
PriNcE RuLed ThE WorLd.
My VHS 🏴☠️ copy of Purple Rain 🎥🎬was on almost daily rotation.
Some days my friend/sis Jackie, who unwittingly resembled Sheila E, would come around in the evening & we would watch it together.
I would wait 4 the Beautiful Ones scene just to see the tears run down her face.
Some days my friend/sis Jackie, who unwittingly resembled Sheila E, would come around in the evening & we would watch it together.
I would wait 4 the Beautiful Ones scene just to see the tears run down her face.
I didn’t understand the tears but they moved & intrigued me. Why did she cry almost every time during that scene.
What propelled those tears.
It saddened me & I didn’t know why.
Whenever I listen to Purple Rain, I am reminded of Jackie’s beautiful tears.
@SheilaEdrummer
What propelled those tears.
It saddened me & I didn’t know why.
Whenever I listen to Purple Rain, I am reminded of Jackie’s beautiful tears.
@SheilaEdrummer
PR is P’s “White Album” — 1 that established him as a Rock Icon - world over & over the Bob Seger territory of the American Mid-West.
2 some of us, it gave rise to the term “Purple Rainers”!
Whatever U may think about Purple Rain, it was an incredibly important album 4 Prince.
2 some of us, it gave rise to the term “Purple Rainers”!
Whatever U may think about Purple Rain, it was an incredibly important album 4 Prince.
Purple Rain is Prince’s first “Spiritual Concept” album - it chronicles his first awakening & it’s likely 1 of the best ever.
The concept of the album will be unravelled “in brief” later on as this thread is more about one of the greatest spiritual songs ever, the title song.
The concept of the album will be unravelled “in brief” later on as this thread is more about one of the greatest spiritual songs ever, the title song.
PR is his best selling album & that financial success opened up so many doors for him to progress in certain directions.
It is also one of his most “Radical” albums — a mute & often overlooked point.
So its importance should never be mocked, underestimated or undervalued.
It is also one of his most “Radical” albums — a mute & often overlooked point.
So its importance should never be mocked, underestimated or undervalued.
Purple Rain (song) never figured in my faves — was 2 overplayed & 2 “deep”.
I began to appreciate it more as time passed on.
But it was & continues to be the most intense, intriguing & intellectually thought-provoking song on the album.
It always sends my mind in overdrive.
I began to appreciate it more as time passed on.
But it was & continues to be the most intense, intriguing & intellectually thought-provoking song on the album.
It always sends my mind in overdrive.
So in this thread we’re going to explore the Purple Rain song in the following way:
1. Basic facts
2. Background 2 its creation
3. Title Inspirations
4. Influences
5. Prince’s State of Mind
6. Symbolism of Purple
7. Symbolism of Rain
8. The meaning of Purple Rain.
1. Basic facts
2. Background 2 its creation
3. Title Inspirations
4. Influences
5. Prince’s State of Mind
6. Symbolism of Purple
7. Symbolism of Rain
8. The meaning of Purple Rain.
I’ll skim thru 1-4 as some will know that information & it’s between 5-8 where the 💜 of this thread will lie.
Are we able to uncover the meaning of “Purple Rain” a question that continues to intrigue & beguile so many who listen to the song.
Well, read on & let’s see.
Are we able to uncover the meaning of “Purple Rain” a question that continues to intrigue & beguile so many who listen to the song.
Well, read on & let’s see.
1: BASIC FACTS:
🎥🎬🍿Context: Purple Rain
*is dedicated to his father
*each verse ties into a different strained relationship Prince's character (The Kid) has with his parents, Apollonia & his band and his desire to reconcile with each
🎥🎬🍿Context: Purple Rain
*is dedicated to his father
*each verse ties into a different strained relationship Prince's character (The Kid) has with his parents, Apollonia & his band and his desire to reconcile with each
*it’s a song written by W&L in the 🎥
*it’s the tear jerker that unites everyone
*the script was originally called “Dreams” — changed after Director Magnoli attended a Prince concert & heard "Purple Rain," & upon P’s request agreed to re-name it.
*it’s the tear jerker that unites everyone
*the script was originally called “Dreams” — changed after Director Magnoli attended a Prince concert & heard "Purple Rain," & upon P’s request agreed to re-name it.
*Alternative script by Prince with a far darker ending in The Beautiful Ones book
*Vanity was suppose to play the lead but ($$$) she dropped out early
Other Facts:
*P’s vocal range spans from the low note of Bb2 to the high note of C#6.
*It was the 3rd single from the album
*Vanity was suppose to play the lead but ($$$) she dropped out early
Other Facts:
*P’s vocal range spans from the low note of Bb2 to the high note of C#6.
*It was the 3rd single from the album
*No 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 2 weeks
*It is certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America #RIAA
*Ranked no. 144 on the @RollingStone list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time
*in The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock & Roll
*It is certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America #RIAA
*Ranked no. 144 on the @RollingStone list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time
*in The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock & Roll
*@QMagazine — No. 40 (100 Greatest Guitar Tracks)
*@pitchfork — Best song of the 1980s
*After his passing in 2016:
*No.1 number US & UK iTunes
*No. 4 Billboard Hot 100
*No. 6 UK Singles Chart
*No.1 France
*Prince performed it w/ @Beyonce at 2004 Grammy Awards.
*@pitchfork — Best song of the 1980s
*After his passing in 2016:
*No.1 number US & UK iTunes
*No. 4 Billboard Hot 100
*No. 6 UK Singles Chart
*No.1 France
*Prince performed it w/ @Beyonce at 2004 Grammy Awards.
*2007 Super Bowl
P famously played it at the end of his set w/ the performance going down in history after the heavens opened up & ‘actual’ rain began to fall in the middle of the song & with the stage being lit with Purple light — it created the song's signature image #WTF
P famously played it at the end of his set w/ the performance going down in history after the heavens opened up & ‘actual’ rain began to fall in the middle of the song & with the stage being lit with Purple light — it created the song's signature image #WTF
*continues to top lists of the best #SuperBowl shows ever
*Played on every tour except 1995 Ultimate Live Experience Tour
*It was the last song P ever performed live during his final concert in Atlanta, Georgia on April 14, 2016.
*He transcended a week later.
@PrinceVault
*Played on every tour except 1995 Ultimate Live Experience Tour
*It was the last song P ever performed live during his final concert in Atlanta, Georgia on April 14, 2016.
*He transcended a week later.
@PrinceVault
2: BACKGROUND 2 CREATION
12 December 1982:
1st time in public the opening chord progression of PR was played by P during a soundcheck before a Cincinnati show.
Summer 1983:
First time it was worked on by the band during Warehouse rehearsals.
12 December 1982:
1st time in public the opening chord progression of PR was played by P during a soundcheck before a Cincinnati show.
Summer 1983:
First time it was worked on by the band during Warehouse rehearsals.
Here’s what some of the band members recall: 👇👇👇
@doctorfink
@wendyandlisa
@BobbyZ1999
@therevolution
@doctorfink
@wendyandlisa
@BobbyZ1999
@therevolution
3rd August 1983:
The first live recording of the song was captured at the Benefit Concert for the Minnesota Dance Theatre (MDT) at First Avenue.
Here’s what the band say about that:👇👇
The first live recording of the song was captured at the Benefit Concert for the Minnesota Dance Theatre (MDT) at First Avenue.
Here’s what the band say about that:👇👇
13th - 15th September 1983:
Prince adds string overdubs & puts Lisa in charge of guiding that process.
Subsequently, Prince re-recorded many of the band parts.
From the original recorded version to the final version, the following additional changes were made:
Prince adds string overdubs & puts Lisa in charge of guiding that process.
Subsequently, Prince re-recorded many of the band parts.
From the original recorded version to the final version, the following additional changes were made:
-the initial 4 minute instrumental intro was cut
-the second chorus & 3rd verse were cut
This is the missing unreleased 3rd verse which was only ever recorded once:
-the second chorus & 3rd verse were cut
This is the missing unreleased 3rd verse which was only ever recorded once:
And here is a great video giving you the backstory to it all:
vimeo.com/164254008
Both the Cincinnati, Ohio sound check version of 82’ & the 10+ minute Warehouse demo/rehearsal version of 83’ remain unreleased.
Bobby, Dez & BrownMark about the song
vimeo.com/164254008
Both the Cincinnati, Ohio sound check version of 82’ & the 10+ minute Warehouse demo/rehearsal version of 83’ remain unreleased.
Bobby, Dez & BrownMark about the song
3: TITLE INSPIRATION
Is it an allusion to Hendrix’s "Purple Haze" or perhaps to “Purple Shades which was a song title Prince’s father had.
Is it a lyrical rip from @StevieWonder’s “Purple Rain Drops”:
“Purple rain drops, spotted flowers
I've daydreamed for hours & hours”.
Is it an allusion to Hendrix’s "Purple Haze" or perhaps to “Purple Shades which was a song title Prince’s father had.
Is it a lyrical rip from @StevieWonder’s “Purple Rain Drops”:
“Purple rain drops, spotted flowers
I've daydreamed for hours & hours”.
Or is it from America’s “Ventura Highway”:
“Waitin' for the early train
Sorry boy, but I've been hit by purple rain"
Prince first used ‘Purple’ on a song title in “Purple Music” (May 82).
On 1999 ‘Purple’ really came to the fore & was mentioned on no less than 5 tracks:
“Waitin' for the early train
Sorry boy, but I've been hit by purple rain"
Prince first used ‘Purple’ on a song title in “Purple Music” (May 82).
On 1999 ‘Purple’ really came to the fore & was mentioned on no less than 5 tracks:
4: WHO INFLUENCED PURPLE RAIN
@StevieNicks
It was penned as a country duet with Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks and so clearly she was in his mind, perhaps as his muse, when he was creating the song.
@StevieNicks
It was penned as a country duet with Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks and so clearly she was in his mind, perhaps as his muse, when he was creating the song.
Nicks was daunted & overwhelmed by the task of writing lyrics to the 10 minute instrumental that Prince had sent her:
"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.'"
"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.'"
Journey
Maybe Prince was inspired by Journey’s “Faithfully” which was a chart hit at the time.
After recording Purple Rain Prince phoned Journey’s Jonathan Cain, to ask him to listen to it as he feared it sounded too similar to “Faithfully”.
Maybe Prince was inspired by Journey’s “Faithfully” which was a chart hit at the time.
After recording Purple Rain Prince phoned Journey’s Jonathan Cain, to ask him to listen to it as he feared it sounded too similar to “Faithfully”.
Cain reassured Prince saying that the songs only shared the same four chords:
"I thought it was an amazing tune. I told him, 'Man, I'm just super-flattered that you even called. It shows you're that classy of a guy. Good luck with the song. I know it's gonna be a hit.'"
"I thought it was an amazing tune. I told him, 'Man, I'm just super-flattered that you even called. It shows you're that classy of a guy. Good luck with the song. I know it's gonna be a hit.'"
Journey guitarist Neal Schon added:
“Prince felt, I guess, it was obvious enough that he was worried we were going to sue him. .. we all talked about and everybody said, ‘Nah, it’s the highest form of flattery. Let it go”.
“Prince felt, I guess, it was obvious enough that he was worried we were going to sue him. .. we all talked about and everybody said, ‘Nah, it’s the highest form of flattery. Let it go”.
Noted by @Duane_Tudahl, @numanofficial Numan’s influence can be heard too in the last 30 seconds of Purple Rain from his song “I Die:You Die” [from his 1980 “Telekon” album] which mirrors Purple Rain’s post apocalyptic finale.
This song title also could be linked to PR’s theme.
This song title also could be linked to PR’s theme.
Joni Mitchell: @JoniMitchellcom
“I can hear my influence in Purple Rain, in the harmony but I don’t know if that’s coming from him or Wendy & Lisa because they have also assimilated the modality of the open tunings”.
Joni’s influence on Prince here:👇
“I can hear my influence in Purple Rain, in the harmony but I don’t know if that’s coming from him or Wendy & Lisa because they have also assimilated the modality of the open tunings”.
Joni’s influence on Prince here:👇
Dez Dickerson said he had an influence too.
Dr Fink said he recalls conversations he had with Prince during the 1999 tour 1982-1983 & he also added information about his contribution to the song.
Taken from @Duane_Tudahl’s:
“Purple Rain Era”:👇
Dr Fink said he recalls conversations he had with Prince during the 1999 tour 1982-1983 & he also added information about his contribution to the song.
Taken from @Duane_Tudahl’s:
“Purple Rain Era”:👇
Wendy also recalls the song bringing a bag lady to tears & also said:
“PR is one of those BIC lighter songs”.
Wendy & Lisa also had much to say about their influence on the song.
Taken from @Duane_Tudahl’s:
“Purple Rain Era”👇
“PR is one of those BIC lighter songs”.
Wendy & Lisa also had much to say about their influence on the song.
Taken from @Duane_Tudahl’s:
“Purple Rain Era”👇
It is now widely accepted that Purple Rain was a combined work by Prince with all members of the Revolution.
The @therevolution were credited as performing on the song which is a testament to their brilliance.
In 2011, Prince acknowledged Bobby Z’s importance on the track 👇
The @therevolution were credited as performing on the song which is a testament to their brilliance.
In 2011, Prince acknowledged Bobby Z’s importance on the track 👇
5: SYMBOLISM OF PURPLE
The colour Purple symbolises many different things to different cultures, religions & esoteric belief systems.
Prince wanted the word Purple in the title as there’s a whole dark, passionate, foreboding quality to the colour & a certain royalty to it too
The colour Purple symbolises many different things to different cultures, religions & esoteric belief systems.
Prince wanted the word Purple in the title as there’s a whole dark, passionate, foreboding quality to the colour & a certain royalty to it too
As a child Prince spent time in Seventh Day Adventist & Methodist churches.
For Seventh Day Adventist’s, Purple and blue are the colors of royalty which remind them of God’s royal character.
For Seventh Day Adventist’s, Purple and blue are the colors of royalty which remind them of God’s royal character.
In some cultures the color purple represents mourning & Prince is certainly mourning the loss of a relationship in the the first part of the song.
In some other esoteric belief systems the colour Purple is used in reference to the “Violet Flame” (7th Ray).
In some other esoteric belief systems the colour Purple is used in reference to the “Violet Flame” (7th Ray).
In Spiritual Alchemy the violet flame is used to achieve self-transformation with qualities of:
*mercy
*forgiveness
*freedom
*transmutation
- turn negative energy into positive energy
- turn darkness into light
- turn fate into opportunity
*mercy
*forgiveness
*freedom
*transmutation
- turn negative energy into positive energy
- turn darkness into light
- turn fate into opportunity
Violet Flame is a divine frequency & vibrational energy that heals & takes away ones emotional pains from their physical forms:
summitlighthouse.org/violet-flame-9…
Some of this does echo with the sentiments of Purple Rain but I don’t know if Prince ever referenced or indeed practised it.
summitlighthouse.org/violet-flame-9…
Some of this does echo with the sentiments of Purple Rain but I don’t know if Prince ever referenced or indeed practised it.
The Purple Sphere of Love
In an old edition of Uptown I read an interesting piece about Prince’s spirituality.
I’m not sure how authentic the research was because I could not find online references to some of the things they mentioned.
In an old edition of Uptown I read an interesting piece about Prince’s spirituality.
I’m not sure how authentic the research was because I could not find online references to some of the things they mentioned.
It contained a theory that a number of religions & esoteric beliefs share the idea that the spiritual world on the other side is divided into different levels consisting of 7 spheres hence “Seventh Heaven”.
Indeed, it is known that Islam ☪️ Judaism ✡️ & Hinduism 🕉
Indeed, it is known that Islam ☪️ Judaism ✡️ & Hinduism 🕉
amongst other faith based beliefs do reference 7 levels /spheres of heaven. So that part is not suspect.
This ‘Bo Jarl’ theory set out that each sphere had a light, a colour of the Rainbow & 6 = ‘Sphere of Love’ & was Purple.
Read my abridged notes from the article 👇👇👇👇
This ‘Bo Jarl’ theory set out that each sphere had a light, a colour of the Rainbow & 6 = ‘Sphere of Love’ & was Purple.
Read my abridged notes from the article 👇👇👇👇
This is the part that spooked my brain about the so called 6th Sphere of Love:👇
[I’ll take this moment to big up @DaysOfWild for sending me the Uptown editions 💜]
[I’ll take this moment to big up @DaysOfWild for sending me the Uptown editions 💜]
It also mentions how it tied into the event of Prince’s marriage to Mayte - read my abridged notes👇
This marriage event may also have inspired “The Plan” from Emancipation which is also featured in elongated form on 1997’s Kamasutra.
Of course all of this happened after PR.
This marriage event may also have inspired “The Plan” from Emancipation which is also featured in elongated form on 1997’s Kamasutra.
Of course all of this happened after PR.
I didn’t totally discount this theory & there appears to be some purchase to it because of what Prince said about a book he refers to which was one of his favourite books.
[However this book was published in 1992 after the Purple Rain era].
[However this book was published in 1992 after the Purple Rain era].
I’m not so sure how this would tie in w/ Purple Rain but it certainly ties in with some of Prince’s somewhat ‘confused’ or mixed religious & spiritual beliefs.
You can read here what Betty J. Eadie @BettyJEadie said about Prince:
theiconicprince.wordpress.com/2017/05/28/pri…
You can read here what Betty J. Eadie @BettyJEadie said about Prince:
theiconicprince.wordpress.com/2017/05/28/pri…
And here’s more of what she said:
6: SYMBOLISM OF RAIN
Rain is so fascinating & versatile & it can symbolise so many different things. It is impossible to choose which symbolism applies without the context of the story.
In music, literature & movies Rain can be of significant importance.
Rain is so fascinating & versatile & it can symbolise so many different things. It is impossible to choose which symbolism applies without the context of the story.
In music, literature & movies Rain can be of significant importance.
Rain is often used as a symbol of:
*hope*
*spiritual rebirth
*regeneration & renewal
*change in society
*loneliness or ostracisation
*mystery
*sadness & tears
*cleansing/washing away sins
*discontent
*forlorness
*romance
*restless, boredom, confinement, 'wanderlust’
etc etc ...
*hope*
*spiritual rebirth
*regeneration & renewal
*change in society
*loneliness or ostracisation
*mystery
*sadness & tears
*cleansing/washing away sins
*discontent
*forlorness
*romance
*restless, boredom, confinement, 'wanderlust’
etc etc ...
In songs Rain has been used to evoke many things:
@ledzeppelin: “Rain Song” - a metaphor for liberation & happiness
R.E.M.: “So Central Rain” - a metaphor for an apology
@remhq
Graham Central Station: “I Can't Stand the Rain” - a metaphor for a
a broken relationship
@ledzeppelin: “Rain Song” - a metaphor for liberation & happiness
R.E.M.: “So Central Rain” - a metaphor for an apology
@remhq
Graham Central Station: “I Can't Stand the Rain” - a metaphor for a
a broken relationship
@MariahCarey: “Through the Rain”- a metaphor to describe struggles & hardships
@DaveStewart/ Eurythmics: "Here Comes the Rain Again"- a metaphor for depression
Oran Juice Jones: ”Rain” - a metaphor for infidelity
@DaveStewart/ Eurythmics: "Here Comes the Rain Again"- a metaphor for depression
Oran Juice Jones: ”Rain” - a metaphor for infidelity
@bobdylan: “A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall” - a metaphor for injustice & suffering
Literature:
“Wuthering Heights” is drenched with furious storms & fatalistic love.
“Life of Pi” uses rain as a metaphor as religious allegory to depict the ebbs and flows of being stranded at sea
Literature:
“Wuthering Heights” is drenched with furious storms & fatalistic love.
“Life of Pi” uses rain as a metaphor as religious allegory to depict the ebbs and flows of being stranded at sea
I, myself, even wrote an unpublished short story once called “Sudden Change of the Weather” where Rain was used as a metaphor for ‘betrayal’ by a friend.
🎥 🎬:
Movies use Rain romantically where girls dream of having their kiss in the rain or singing & dancing in the rain.
🎥 🎬:
Movies use Rain romantically where girls dream of having their kiss in the rain or singing & dancing in the rain.
Movies use rainfall to create heightened atmosphere, drama & a sense of foreboding & a symbolism of human tears.
One of the most famous soliloquies in the history of cinema, is spoken by a replicant in the pouring rain at the end of Blade Runner:
One of the most famous soliloquies in the history of cinema, is spoken by a replicant in the pouring rain at the end of Blade Runner:
It’s one of mine & Prince’s all time favourite movies, a film so bathed in torrential rain where the rain is used to create a dystopian atmosphere.
The rain becomes one of the central characters in the movie.
The rain becomes one of the central characters in the movie.
Spiritual Symbolism:
Rain is a way to reach the “Truth”. The rain clears the clouds away from the Sun - a symbol of truth.
In this regard the symbol of the rain is an analogy for the relationship that people should have with the truth.
Rain is a way to reach the “Truth”. The rain clears the clouds away from the Sun - a symbol of truth.
In this regard the symbol of the rain is an analogy for the relationship that people should have with the truth.
Biblical Symbolism:
Rain can also be used as a metaphor for cleansing, wash away blood or even the sins of a character.
The most common example is in the Bible, where it rains so much that the world is flooded & evil is washed away for God to reset the world.
Rain can also be used as a metaphor for cleansing, wash away blood or even the sins of a character.
The most common example is in the Bible, where it rains so much that the world is flooded & evil is washed away for God to reset the world.
7: PRINCE’S STATE OF MIND
To achieve a better understanding of what underpinned Prince’s thoughts prior to & during the making of the Purple Rain song it is essential to try to understand his state of mind. If that is at all possible being the total enigma that he was.
To achieve a better understanding of what underpinned Prince’s thoughts prior to & during the making of the Purple Rain song it is essential to try to understand his state of mind. If that is at all possible being the total enigma that he was.
A few years after Purple Rain, Prince gave a number of revealing interviews about his religious & spiritual beliefs which gave an insight into his state of mind.
@nealkarlen
Rolling Stone 1985: he disclosed some startling revelations about Religion & his depression:
@nealkarlen
Rolling Stone 1985: he disclosed some startling revelations about Religion & his depression:
[It is helpful to read all these notes as they will aid your understanding of the points I am trying to make & thus they are not here merely to serve as window dressing].
He also spoke about self discovery, discovering God & The Afterworld:
He also spoke about self discovery, discovering God & The Afterworld:
A year later, he went further in an interview with Ebony in 1986 where he spoke about his loneliness & God:
Most revealing was what he told Q Mag in 1995 as an explanation for his name change to Symbol o+>
“It was a great spiritual revelation, and the last time it happened was on Lovesexy and the time before that was Purple Rain. It is not the first time it happened”
“It was a great spiritual revelation, and the last time it happened was on Lovesexy and the time before that was Purple Rain. It is not the first time it happened”
So from the above interviews we can see that Prince was on a spiritual quest during the time of Purple Rain.
He talks about suffering with depression before making Purple Rain and then encountering a great ‘spiritual revelation’ which led to the creation of Purple Rain
He talks about suffering with depression before making Purple Rain and then encountering a great ‘spiritual revelation’ which led to the creation of Purple Rain
All these interview selections are very important for the next part where we explore the meaning of Purple Rain.
Things he said in those interviews provide the context for the backstory in Purple Rain & provide clues for the symbolism of “Purple” & for the symbolism of “Rain”.
Things he said in those interviews provide the context for the backstory in Purple Rain & provide clues for the symbolism of “Purple” & for the symbolism of “Rain”.
8: MEANING OF PURPLE RAIN
So “Purple” & “Rain” can symbolise many different things & much depends upon the character & the context of the story.
Prince was deeply religious & spiritual, he had a great spiritual revelation during the creation of PR following depression.
So “Purple” & “Rain” can symbolise many different things & much depends upon the character & the context of the story.
Prince was deeply religious & spiritual, he had a great spiritual revelation during the creation of PR following depression.
So this is our backstory in trying to figure out the meaning of Purple Rain.
I am going to offer two potential theories about the meaning of Purple Rain.
The first one focuses on Control (God Complex) & the second one is more Spiritual.
I am going to offer two potential theories about the meaning of Purple Rain.
The first one focuses on Control (God Complex) & the second one is more Spiritual.
First let’s explore the song & the explanations offered by Prince & band members as to the meaning of Purple Rain.
The song:
"Purple Rain" opens in solitary fashion with that now infamous & iconic chord progression on the guitar for the first few seconds.
The song:
"Purple Rain" opens in solitary fashion with that now infamous & iconic chord progression on the guitar for the first few seconds.
Then the live drums & vocals kick in.
The guitar, drums & vocals sway along in a hypnotic, anthemic slow burn before the mood illuminates, evoking a Purple Gospel as the electric grand piano makes its entrance.
The guitar, drums & vocals sway along in a hypnotic, anthemic slow burn before the mood illuminates, evoking a Purple Gospel as the electric grand piano makes its entrance.
The verses and choruses start to build & build with greater & greater emotional intensity until after the final chorus, the heavens open up & a searing guitar solo like a flash of Purple Lightening dominates the proceedings.
The track coalesces into that famous, mesmeric & emotional singalong that we all know if you ever saw Prince Live unless you were one of the unlucky ones that only saw him live in 1995:
‘Woo hoo hoo hoooo’
This is THE cue for the stadiums of the world to join in.
‘Woo hoo hoo hoooo’
This is THE cue for the stadiums of the world to join in.
The song starts its descent into a haunting post apocalyptic instrumental string coda hovering over a twinkling piano solo sounding like a dress rehearsal for one to meet their maker.
Preparations are underway 2 bathe in the Purple Rain - leave this world & enter the afterworld
Preparations are underway 2 bathe in the Purple Rain - leave this world & enter the afterworld
In his unpublished liner notes for the hits, he bypassed both LGC & PR with a blank entry.
Wendy, Lisa & Prince said the following about the meaning for Prince’s songs & for Purple Rain:
Wendy, Lisa & Prince said the following about the meaning for Prince’s songs & for Purple Rain:
However, Prince did on one occasion offer a clue as to the meaning of PR:
“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”.
“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”.
Theory 1: Control & God Complex
This theory is based on the proposition that Purple is the color associated with royalty & the word "rain" is a pun on the word "reign."
Therefore, "Purple Rain" means "Royalty Reign." It is about Prince, with a God complex wanting ultimate
This theory is based on the proposition that Purple is the color associated with royalty & the word "rain" is a pun on the word "reign."
Therefore, "Purple Rain" means "Royalty Reign." It is about Prince, with a God complex wanting ultimate
“control” in his Purple Kingdom.
The lyrics mention a "leader" who will "guide" U & so this could be Prince In his God complex mode as the creator of this relationship.
"only want to see you underneath the purple rain."
Prince’s poetic way of saying, "my way or the highway"
The lyrics mention a "leader" who will "guide" U & so this could be Prince In his God complex mode as the creator of this relationship.
"only want to see you underneath the purple rain."
Prince’s poetic way of saying, "my way or the highway"
In an early draft of Purple Rain in The Beautiful Ones, this idea of control is ever present in the unused lyrics:
“I want control. I’ve got the keys, now gimme the driver’s seat. Try it”
“Trust me”
“I’m not a politician, I’m a Purple musician, and I only want to set u free”.
“I want control. I’ve got the keys, now gimme the driver’s seat. Try it”
“Trust me”
“I’m not a politician, I’m a Purple musician, and I only want to set u free”.
Prince is more a messiah than a pastor & the Purple “Reign” is his kingdom & he is beckoning you to either follow him & submit to his control or you can hit the road if you do not wish to be one of his subjects in his Purple Kingdom.
This theory definitely may have some purchase particularly if we take into account his unused lyrics. But the fact is that he changed the lyrics & didn’t use the ones alluding to the control element & so I really don’t think this theory stands up.
Plus I don’t like this theory 😂 it ruins the whole spiritual aspect of the song & its mystery. It just doesn’t fit in with the spiritual transcendence reflected in the music & lyrics.
It doesn’t quite fit the spiritual narrative or the spiritual revelation he spoke about.
It doesn’t quite fit the spiritual narrative or the spiritual revelation he spoke about.
Theory 2: Spirituality, The Armageddon & The Afterworld
This is my favoured theory.
The meaning of Purple Rain has to be linked to Prince’s backstory & traced to his other works during this period to comprehend its meaning.
This is my favoured theory.
The meaning of Purple Rain has to be linked to Prince’s backstory & traced to his other works during this period to comprehend its meaning.
The Purple High & Death As A Celebration
Prince was raised as a Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) & as a child he spent time in SDA & Methodist churches.
Prince was raised as a Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) & as a child he spent time in SDA & Methodist churches.
For Prince death was not something to be fearful of, rather it was a cause of celebration since it would deliver him to God & the Afterworld.
In accordance with his faith the Armageddon was something to be eagerly awaited as it signified ‘The Second Coming’.
In accordance with his faith the Armageddon was something to be eagerly awaited as it signified ‘The Second Coming’.
Prince spoke of a “Purple High” which must have been a metaphor for being in a state of the highest spiritual consciousness.
He also mentioned “death” in celebratory tones in a number of different tracks around this same Purple Rain time period.
[Skull - @amysarkisian]
He also mentioned “death” in celebratory tones in a number of different tracks around this same Purple Rain time period.
[Skull - @amysarkisian]
Purple Music 1982
On this, he talks about his spiritual state of mind (Purple) & death.
“Don't need no reefer, don't need cocaine
Purple music does the same to my brain
And I'm high, so high”
All The Critics from 1999 also mentions a spiritual high:
“We need a purple high”
On this, he talks about his spiritual state of mind (Purple) & death.
“Don't need no reefer, don't need cocaine
Purple music does the same to my brain
And I'm high, so high”
All The Critics from 1999 also mentions a spiritual high:
“We need a purple high”
The apocalypse was definitely on Prince’s mind in the 1980s because of his religious beliefs & the decade’s preoccupation with the arms race which also contributed to his thoughts.
“Ronnie Talk To Russia” was all about the latter.
“Ronnie Talk To Russia” was all about the latter.
1999 = Apocalypse:
”the sky was all purple & there were people running everywhere”
P said “1999” was designed 2 give people hope at the end of the world.
“So tonight I’m gonna party like it’s 1999”.
Death is a celebration - it will deliver him 2 God & the afterworld.
”the sky was all purple & there were people running everywhere”
P said “1999” was designed 2 give people hope at the end of the world.
“So tonight I’m gonna party like it’s 1999”.
Death is a celebration - it will deliver him 2 God & the afterworld.
1999 was full of Purple Symbolism on no fewer than 5 tracks, the word “Purple” is mentioned in a variety of contexts:
Let’s Pretend We’re Married
Elsewhere on the same album death is again a cause of celebration:
“I'm in love with God, he's the only way, 'Cuz you and I know we gotta die some day”
And then Moonbeam Levels:
Elsewhere on the same album death is again a cause of celebration:
“I'm in love with God, he's the only way, 'Cuz you and I know we gotta die some day”
And then Moonbeam Levels:
Death Is a cause of celebration on “Moonbeam Levels” — recorded a day before Lady Cab Driver during the same 1999 sessions -
“I’m lookin’ 4 a better place 2 die”
Then later in 1985 on the “Hello” B side which was all about the USA 4 Africa debacle, death is mentioned again:
“I’m lookin’ 4 a better place 2 die”
Then later in 1985 on the “Hello” B side which was all about the USA 4 Africa debacle, death is mentioned again:
Spiritual Renewal - Purple Rain
Moving on to Purple Rain where all of these themes of death, the armageddon & a spiritual renewal start taking a more cohesive shape.
“Let’s Go Crazy”
The start of the spiritual renewal where the Afterworld is described in a little more detail:
Moving on to Purple Rain where all of these themes of death, the armageddon & a spiritual renewal start taking a more cohesive shape.
“Let’s Go Crazy”
The start of the spiritual renewal where the Afterworld is described in a little more detail:
Further on in the track, death as a cause for celebration couldn’t be clearer:
“We’re all excited but we don’t know why. Maybe it’s cause we’re all gonna die”.
Spiritual Renewal is crystal clear in the next verse which espouses how everyone is on their ‘own’ spiritual journey:
“We’re all excited but we don’t know why. Maybe it’s cause we’re all gonna die”.
Spiritual Renewal is crystal clear in the next verse which espouses how everyone is on their ‘own’ spiritual journey:
“God”
PR’s B side but which I would call double A side (see later).
The beautiful “God” is a more straightforward declaration of faith that directly quotes passages from the Old Testament & it provides further confirmation that Purple Rain is Prince’s ode to God.
PR’s B side but which I would call double A side (see later).
The beautiful “God” is a more straightforward declaration of faith that directly quotes passages from the Old Testament & it provides further confirmation that Purple Rain is Prince’s ode to God.
Interestingly the final lines in God are featured in “The Dance Electric” —recorded in August 84 —3 days before he recorded “God”.
“Wake up children. Dance the dance electric. There isn’t much time”
“Wake up children. Dance the dance electric. There isn’t much time”
Dance Electric
Moving on to The Dance Electric, this really touches upon many different religious & spiritual beliefs:
Once again he is anticipating the Armageddon
Moving on to The Dance Electric, this really touches upon many different religious & spiritual beliefs:
Once again he is anticipating the Armageddon
Armageddon is anticipated on Dance Electric.
“When your youth is gone, when it comes to dawn, A light of truth will shine and you will fall”
Lyrics 👇metaphors for:
-the light that will shine down on the the saved ones
- the Second Coming
“When your youth is gone, when it comes to dawn, A light of truth will shine and you will fall”
Lyrics 👇metaphors for:
-the light that will shine down on the the saved ones
- the Second Coming
So death is a predominant theme in a lot of Prince songs.
Prince is not fearful of death but welcomes it & it’s a cause of celebration — The Afterworld awaits!
“Darling Nikki”
There is a very important extra verse in this song which highlights the Afterworld:
Prince is not fearful of death but welcomes it & it’s a cause of celebration — The Afterworld awaits!
“Darling Nikki”
There is a very important extra verse in this song which highlights the Afterworld:
This extra & often overlooked verse provides a description of the Afterworld & it is about submission to God.
The simple message being the travesties & hardships of this world don’t compare to the beauty & peace in the afterworld.
Do not fear it, embrace it, submit to God
The simple message being the travesties & hardships of this world don’t compare to the beauty & peace in the afterworld.
Do not fear it, embrace it, submit to God
And then you have the backward masking part too:
"Hello, how are u?
Fine, fine.
The lord's coming soon.
Coming, coming soon."
Again Prince is excited for the Armageddon because it means salvation for him with the ‘Second Coming’.
"Hello, how are u?
Fine, fine.
The lord's coming soon.
Coming, coming soon."
Again Prince is excited for the Armageddon because it means salvation for him with the ‘Second Coming’.
17 Days - B side full title:
“The Rain Will Come Down, Then U Will Have 2 Choose. If U Believe, Look 2 The Dawn And U Shall Never Lose”.
This references the whole doomsday scenario in Purple Rain as does the infamous album tag line:
“May U Llve 2 see the Dawn”
“The Rain Will Come Down, Then U Will Have 2 Choose. If U Believe, Look 2 The Dawn And U Shall Never Lose”.
This references the whole doomsday scenario in Purple Rain as does the infamous album tag line:
“May U Llve 2 see the Dawn”
Prince is hoping that you will discover spiritual salvation & be one of the ‘saved’ ones who will return to a recreated earth for eternity.
Purple Rain:
The preceding puzzle had to be put together in order to get to the meaning of Purple Rain which is a religious allegory.
Purple Rain:
The preceding puzzle had to be put together in order to get to the meaning of Purple Rain which is a religious allegory.
We know Prince spent time in SDA & Methodist churches. If you recall from the Symbolism of Purple section, for SDA’s, purple and blue are the colors of royalty which remind them of God’s royal character.
Purple is obtained by mixing red and blue. Red is the color of self-sacrifice, and blue is the color of obedience (Numbers 4:7).
Blending Blue - obedience to the law of God Plus Red - faith in Christ’s righteousness = Purple - transformation into Royalty.
Blending Blue - obedience to the law of God Plus Red - faith in Christ’s righteousness = Purple - transformation into Royalty.
When this transformation takes place - one receives the “mind of Christ” which acts as a form of protection against forgetting the Sabbath or other Commandments of God.
This echoes what Prince said about the song:
“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.”
“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.”
Prince was raised to believe the world was going to end any day & he was taught to be prepared for it.
For him the color purple symbolized the end of the world & finding divine guidance during Armageddon in line with SDA eschatology (or end of times belief) which says:
For him the color purple symbolized the end of the world & finding divine guidance during Armageddon in line with SDA eschatology (or end of times belief) which says:
So Purple was an extremely important colour to Prince because of its Religious & Apocalyptic connotations espoused by SDA eschatology which considers the end of the world to be a new beginning for humanity where God rewards the just and cleanses evil from the world.
The SDA church has also taught that the Second Coming will be preceded by a global crisis & in the 80’s there was the arms race which was the global crisis impacting upon the world which must have further fuelled Prince’s belief that the Armageddon was imminent.
Additionally, as disclosed in later interviews P had been suffering w/ depression & loneliness, was looking inwards both religiously & spiritually.
He was in the throes of experiencing a great spiritual revelation & this occurred during the creation of Purple Rain:
He was in the throes of experiencing a great spiritual revelation & this occurred during the creation of Purple Rain:
The end of the world is a new beginning for humanity where God rewards the just & cleanses evil from the world.
In accordance with his upbringing in eschatological faiths Prince was wary of:
Armageddon
Cleansing
Celebration of Death
Preparing 4 Armageddon
The Afterworld
In accordance with his upbringing in eschatological faiths Prince was wary of:
Armageddon
Cleansing
Celebration of Death
Preparing 4 Armageddon
The Afterworld
Let’s examine the lyrics:
The first lines are self-explanatory revealing his intentions were not meant to cause her harm, he was only trying to ‘save’ her to live in the Afterworld.
The first lines are self-explanatory revealing his intentions were not meant to cause her harm, he was only trying to ‘save’ her to live in the Afterworld.
The third line is important with the words ‘one time’ as the Armageddon only occurs once & so this could be the one & only time she could become one of the ‘saved’ ones.
Once ‘saved’ she would be totally ecstatic (“see you laughing”) under God’s spiritual guidance:
Once ‘saved’ she would be totally ecstatic (“see you laughing”) under God’s spiritual guidance:
2nd Verse: “Weekend Lover” is not literal, it does not mean lover just for the weekend. The “weekend” is a metaphor 4 this “life”/“world”.
He wants to be her lover not just in this life/world but also in “the afterworld”:
He wants to be her lover not just in this life/world but also in “the afterworld”:
He couldn’t steal her from another —if they were not on the same spiritual plane — they were not matched —then they were not meant to be together (is she the ‘beautiful one’ from Beautiful Ones?)
If she was ordained to someone else, he could not take her from that person:
If she was ordained to someone else, he could not take her from that person:
If you recall — 6th sphere light is shining down like droplets of Purple Rain — 6th sphere is about match making.
There is a longing on his part that they would be matched — he hopes she will change her mind & seek God’s guidance.
[Not about V - just wanted 2 post her pic 🤣]
There is a longing on his part that they would be matched — he hopes she will change her mind & seek God’s guidance.
[Not about V - just wanted 2 post her pic 🤣]
Their “friendship had to end” —they were not on the same spiritual plane & could not be together.
P would be transported to a recreated earth for eternity & sadly she would not be the ‘righteous one’ as she does not wish to submit to God’s spiritualism:
P would be transported to a recreated earth for eternity & sadly she would not be the ‘righteous one’ as she does not wish to submit to God’s spiritualism:
He alluded 2 the ‘righteous one’ in Computer Blue.
“Until I find the righteous one
Computer blue”
Hence why he is depressed - He will be computer blue (depressed) until he finds the righteous one.
“Until I find the righteous one
Computer blue”
Hence why he is depressed - He will be computer blue (depressed) until he finds the righteous one.
3rd verse might translate as the Armageddon is coming, Jesus is coming, seek a spiritual renewal & the guidance of God as the Earth as it is will be no more:
4th verse:
She says she wants God’s guidance but is not submitting to God’s omnipotence.
‘Close it’ meaning close your mind to the things that make you stray from God’s guidance:
She says she wants God’s guidance but is not submitting to God’s omnipotence.
‘Close it’ meaning close your mind to the things that make you stray from God’s guidance:
Final chorus — when one is in the Purple Rain, one is in the highest state of consciousness such that only happiness exist in their state of mind — one is in complete spiritual alignment as ONE with GOD:
So this is the thing:
“Purple Rain” is Prince’s much cooler exclamation for:
‘Hallelujah’
ʾAllāhu ʾakbar’
‘Hosanna’
Purple Rain is Prince’s PSALM of PRAISE.
“Purple Rain” is Prince’s much cooler exclamation for:
‘Hallelujah’
ʾAllāhu ʾakbar’
‘Hosanna’
Purple Rain is Prince’s PSALM of PRAISE.
P was facing the apocalypse in Purple Rain, he was ready for it & preparing for the Afterworld & he was urging you to do so too.
PR is a metaphor for a religious rebirth & the “rain” is a symbol for the cleansing of the spirit & the light that will shine down on the saved ones.
PR is a metaphor for a religious rebirth & the “rain” is a symbol for the cleansing of the spirit & the light that will shine down on the saved ones.
Purple Rain is GOD..... & his spiritual guidance.
During the Armageddon God’s spiritual guidance will shower upon the ’saved’ people who upon Jesus’ return will be taken to heaven for a millennium only to return to live for eternity on a recreated Earth (the Afterworld).
During the Armageddon God’s spiritual guidance will shower upon the ’saved’ people who upon Jesus’ return will be taken to heaven for a millennium only to return to live for eternity on a recreated Earth (the Afterworld).
Bathing in the Purple Rain means to be guided by God — to be saved & to live for eternity in the Afterworld.
Prince is urging his lover to unite w/ him on the same religious & spiritual plane so that they can be together in the Armageddon — be saved & be transported to heaven.
Prince is urging his lover to unite w/ him on the same religious & spiritual plane so that they can be together in the Armageddon — be saved & be transported to heaven.
Subsequently they will return as the ‘saved ones’ to live out their existence for eternity on a recreated Earth in the Afterworld:
“A world of never ending happiness - You can always see the sun, day or night - where it all will be bright & peaceful”.
“A world of never ending happiness - You can always see the sun, day or night - where it all will be bright & peaceful”.
It’s a longing, he’s sad & mournful that she will not be the one 2 accompany him on that spiritual journey in the Purple Rain.
But there’s something greater than love for a woman & that something greater is love & submission to God.
Purple Rain is Prince’s PSALM of PRAISE = GOD
But there’s something greater than love for a woman & that something greater is love & submission to God.
Purple Rain is Prince’s PSALM of PRAISE = GOD
The PR album is all about P’s Spiritual Awakening:
Let’s Go Crazy: P finds out about the Afterworld & is excited about the Armageddon
TMWU - P wants the ‘righteous one’ to be with him during the Armageddon
Beautiful One’s - dawns upon him she’s not the ‘righteous one’.
Let’s Go Crazy: P finds out about the Afterworld & is excited about the Armageddon
TMWU - P wants the ‘righteous one’ to be with him during the Armageddon
Beautiful One’s - dawns upon him she’s not the ‘righteous one’.
Computer Blue - P is depressed because he has not found the ‘righteous one’.
Darling Nikki - P’s final time of straying from God’s path as he finds enlightenment at the end of it
When Doves Cry - is about God’s spiritual tears.
Darling Nikki - P’s final time of straying from God’s path as he finds enlightenment at the end of it
When Doves Cry - is about God’s spiritual tears.
IWD4U - P’s acceptance of God
Baby, I’m A Star - P celebrates his acceptance of God
PR - God is coming - P is reminiscing of what could have been
This is the right order of tracks - the “real celebration” occurs in the Afterworld & not before it (as suggested yesterday).
Baby, I’m A Star - P celebrates his acceptance of God
PR - God is coming - P is reminiscing of what could have been
This is the right order of tracks - the “real celebration” occurs in the Afterworld & not before it (as suggested yesterday).
Prince isn’t the first or only artist to create an overtly religious concept album subliminally masquerading as a cool ‘something else’ where religion is barely detected.
Countless other artists have done so too but P is perhaps 1 of the most successful.
My other faves 👇
Countless other artists have done so too but P is perhaps 1 of the most successful.
My other faves 👇
Susan Rogers said in the PR liner notes:
“..varied perspectives will help fans & historians get a clearer picture of him, as long as we bear in mind that truth is more easily measured than known”.
“..varied perspectives will help fans & historians get a clearer picture of him, as long as we bear in mind that truth is more easily measured than known”.
We all know a different Prince & the Prince I thought I knew might be different to the Prince you thought you knew.
We are all entitled to derive a different meaning from & attribute a different meaning to the Prince we thought we knew.
We are all entitled to derive a different meaning from & attribute a different meaning to the Prince we thought we knew.
Prince said, you can find out who I am in my music & in this piece of music this is the Prince I found.
So, is this the definitive meaning of Purple Rain, it is for me & possibly for some others too.
For many others, possibly not & for them Purple Rain will continue to be just a cool set of words allowing them to imagine their own dream scenarios — to which they are entitled.
For many others, possibly not & for them Purple Rain will continue to be just a cool set of words allowing them to imagine their own dream scenarios — to which they are entitled.
Prince didn’t want to clarify the meaning of Purple Rain & its umbilical cord to God because in those days artists did not talk about God.
It is a private belief but I think he hoped enlightened ones would be able to decipher its meaning.
It is a private belief but I think he hoped enlightened ones would be able to decipher its meaning.
But it is what I think Prince meant by it.
Do I subscribe to Prince’s spiritualism at that stage of his life — No! I don’t.
It’s similar to my own spiritual path but there are some important differences in my beliefs.
Do I subscribe to Prince’s spiritualism at that stage of his life — No! I don’t.
It’s similar to my own spiritual path but there are some important differences in my beliefs.
Prince was in his 20’s at the time & religion & spirituality can be complex at the best of times.
He was still thinking things through & might even have been a little confused as he meshed religion & spirituality together in strange ways.
He was still thinking things through & might even have been a little confused as he meshed religion & spirituality together in strange ways.
Prince himself said in Ebony & Rolling Stone — he didn’t want to come across ‘preachy’ when asked if God is the answer & he was also reluctant to talk about the Afterworld 👇
Ultimately, PR can mean whatever you want.
Whatever it gives to you & whatever pleasures you derive from it, is ultimately what it can mean👇
These things may also change over the course of time as it probably did for Prince when he became a JW.
Whatever it gives to you & whatever pleasures you derive from it, is ultimately what it can mean👇
These things may also change over the course of time as it probably did for Prince when he became a JW.
I would say this is what Prince wanted — for it to mean to you whatever suits your outlook on life.
Hence, why he didn’t wish to explain it in full.
However, I do believe that there's something bigger at work within "Purple Rain", the most spiritual & holiest of rock anthems
Hence, why he didn’t wish to explain it in full.
However, I do believe that there's something bigger at work within "Purple Rain", the most spiritual & holiest of rock anthems
And because of this it will remain forever timeless, passing on from generation to generation into the future & its mystery will retain its universal appeal.
Finally, with Prince’s passing, the following might offer us some respite in our time of bereavement.
Prince’s belief system prepared him for death at any time.
Prince might not have been ready for his transcendence on that fateful night of 21st April 2016.
Prince’s belief system prepared him for death at any time.
Prince might not have been ready for his transcendence on that fateful night of 21st April 2016.
However:
*he was surely prepared for it.
*he was totally accepting of it when it arrived albeit in an untimely fashion.
*he had always been fully prepared to bathe in the Purple Rain.
*he was most likely ‘one time’ laughing too.
*he was surely prepared for it.
*he was totally accepting of it when it arrived albeit in an untimely fashion.
*he had always been fully prepared to bathe in the Purple Rain.
*he was most likely ‘one time’ laughing too.
Here’s some touching comments from @therevolution band members on what Purple Rain meant to them:
@drfink1980
@doctorfink
@BrownmarkNation
@BobbyZ1999
@wendyandlisa
@drfink1980
@doctorfink
@BrownmarkNation
@BobbyZ1999
@wendyandlisa
Final point - PR also stands 4 “Unification”:
*movie - unified everyone during last performance
*it unified Prince with the Revolution
*if religious — it unifies U to the one most high
*if not — it unifies U with humanity
*everyone else — it unifies U 2 Love One Another
*movie - unified everyone during last performance
*it unified Prince with the Revolution
*if religious — it unifies U to the one most high
*if not — it unifies U with humanity
*everyone else — it unifies U 2 Love One Another
I’ll just leave you with this ..
‘Woo hoo hoo hoooo”
‘Woo hoo hoo hoooo”
‘Woo hoo hoo hoooo”
May U Live 2 See The Dawn!
‘Woo hoo hoo hoooo”
‘Woo hoo hoo hoooo”
‘Woo hoo hoo hoooo”
May U Live 2 See The Dawn!
Wow, what an incredible 9 days.
Thank you again to all the contributors who were aforementioned many years earlier at the start of this thread 🤣
Tune in to the next Mega Thread which will be coming soon on another seminal album with another round of Special Guests.
Thank you again to all the contributors who were aforementioned many years earlier at the start of this thread 🤣
Tune in to the next Mega Thread which will be coming soon on another seminal album with another round of Special Guests.
I would like also to extend a Massive Thank U 2 U all who took the time & effort to read our threads — who liked them & RT them.
Without your support & active participation, this wouldn’t have been half as much fun.
💜🙏🏽☔️
[Special thanks to @EdgarKruize for the thumbnails].
Without your support & active participation, this wouldn’t have been half as much fun.
💜🙏🏽☔️
[Special thanks to @EdgarKruize for the thumbnails].
And all thanks to God 🙏🏽
If you enjoyed this thread & would like more, you can check out my other Prince mega threads via the link below — No need to hit that bell or to subscribe 🤣
Just — check in from time to time — when you are feeling lonely:
If you enjoyed this thread & would like more, you can check out my other Prince mega threads via the link below — No need to hit that bell or to subscribe 🤣
Just — check in from time to time — when you are feeling lonely:
Caveat: I am no expert on religious matters & certainly not on SDA eschatology.
Hell, I am not even an expert on P 🤣
My knowledge & research is limited on these matters but this thread could be fleshed out in greater detail with more research & expert input —on another day.
Hell, I am not even an expert on P 🤣
My knowledge & research is limited on these matters but this thread could be fleshed out in greater detail with more research & expert input —on another day.
