One of the most
intriguing aspects of Prince/
's
music has always been
the bizarre and elusive nature
of his lyrics. Though sometimes just deliberate
and exquisite bawdy tales or
soaring love ballads, an underlying complexity
has always infused the works
of The Artist aka Prince. His constant explorations
of the Nature of God and
Truth and his fusing of sexuality with spirituality
have often confounded critics
and turned off the casual listener.
However, it is perhaps the
Mystery inherent in songs like "7" and "Elephants and
Flowers," that attract
the diehard fan/friend. It seems probable that Prince/
has made efforts to increase
the Mystery, thereby keeping listeners curious
and eager for the day when
he may actually give a straight answer. It shouldn't
be forgotten, though, that
The Man is definitely strange. For most of his adult
life, he has lived the life
of the reclusive artist, sheltered from society,
his naturally shy nature
compounded by the ivory tower aspect of celebrity status.
Who can forget the fragile
creature garbed in monkish robe accepting his Grammy
with a barely audible "thanks?"
And almost two years went by with him
only speaking two sentences
in public: "I'm looking for the Ladder." and as
explanation: "Sometimes it
snows in April."
It is not just the themes
and motifs of Prince/'s
music or the stange turns
of phrases. Sometimes, the
puzzle seems to be composed of quirky background
effects or muddles of voices
layered into the mix. Even his body language in photos
and videos, his costumes,
and drawings on the album covers seem to be
pregnant with a conscious
message.
has said that his music is like a report on his life, his thoughts and
emotions
as they grow and evolve.
If so, then we are left with the task of unravelling
the personal mythology of
someone who exists outside the norm, what they sometimes
call a genius, what they
sometimes call a madman.
The results are usually worth
the efforts; most fan/friends can tell you
there are gems of wisdom
contained within.
Another thing to consider
is the influences on Prince/'s
life.
If his music is an accurate
report on the state of his affairs, then it is quite probable
that the sexual or spiritual
parables he sometimes relates may be based upon
actual events involving actual
people. We've heard that "Cindy C" was inspired
by Cindy Crawford, though
she denies knowledge. There are songs obviously
dedicated to his wife and
songs for his former lovers. But, what about songs
like "Sleep Around," "Emale,"
"Gett Off," "Joy in Repetition," or
the most mysterious of them
all, "The Ballad of Dorothy Parker" and
"Starfish and Coffee?" Who
is Cynthia Rose?
This site is intended as
a forum where fans and friends can share their own
theories about the works
of Prince/.
Your input
does not need to be an elaborate dissection.
If you just want to convey
what a song means to you personally, then
that's just as important.
Or if you just want to review a song or even an entire album,
we welcome those comments
as well.
Also, don't limit yourself
to songs. Feel free to discuss just a lyrical phrase,
a theme, or a repeated motif.
Even styles of clothing, photos and drawings,
or something he said to the
press. Any interesting ideas you have.
Why did Prince wear a lot
of yellow during the Diamonds and Pearls days?
What is the significance
of the number 17?
What about those Japanese
characters painted on the grafitti bridge?
and Who the hell is Gustav
Mahler?
Go wild!
Please share an idea you
have, your personal understanding
of some of the works of The
Artist aka Prince.
Which song or aspect is the subject of your "thesis?"
Please give your "essay" a title:
Please hit Return at the end of every line.
Well, that's it. Just hit the submit button.
Make sure to visit the other locations on this site and give us your input.
We want to know dreams you've had about The Artist, the best live shows you've
seen,
and even personal encounters you may have had with Prince/.
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Email: wes@wwisp.com
