In 1984, the musical film “Purple Rain” directed by Albert Magnoli was released. The main role in the cult film was played by the American performer Prince. He also recorded the soundtrack for the musical, published by the album of the same name, which was very popular in many countries. Several songs from the disc became hits at once, including the title track Purple Rain, the history of which is devoted to the article.
The story of the song Purple Rain
The song was written specifically for the film. According to the plot, it was composed by Wendy and Lisa. They offered her to Prince’s character. At first he refused it, but in the main scene of the picture he still performed Purple Rain at the concert, captivating the assembled audience.
In fact, Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman, who actually collaborated with Prince, are not among the co-authors of the composition (although, they say, it was Wendy who picked up the first chords).
According to Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac, Prince approached her with a request to take part in the work on Purple Rain, but she, having listened to the already finished music many times, did not dare to take it on:
I still have her [demo tape] – with a whole instrumental track and a small vocal passage performed by Prince. “Can’t get over that feeling” or something like that. I told him, “Prince, I’ve listened to this a hundred times, but I have no idea where to start. It’s a movie, it’s great.”
Mojo, 2013
Meaning of Prince’s Purple Rain Song
Considering the lyrics of the song Purple Rain in the context of the film, you can see that the verses are dedicated to individual characters: the father of the protagonist, ex-girlfriend and members of the group.
The meaning of the phrase “purple rain” Prince’s fans are still arguing. Some believe that it means the end of the world. Others believe that we are talking about the birth of something new. For others, it serves as a symbol of love. And many are sure that it is just a beautiful expression without any subtext. As far as I know, the musician himself did not explain what he wanted to say, leaving the listeners to interpret it in their own way.
Release and achievements
Purple Rain was recorded during a benefit concert for the Minnesota Dance Theater on August 3, 1983 at a First Avenue nightclub in Minneapolis. It originally ran for eleven minutes, but later one chorus and the following verse were cut out of it:
Honey I don’t want your money, no, no.
I don’t even think I want your love.
If I wanted either one I would take your money and,
I want the heavy stuff
Prince gave the finished song to Journey’s Jonathan Kane to listen to, as he was worried about Purple Rain’s similarity to Faithfully, which was performed by this group. Kane reassured him by saying the songs only have a few of the same chords.
In September 1984, Purple Rain was released as a single, which peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and number eight on the UK Singles Chart.
Rolling Stone ranked Purple Rain at number 144 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs, and Q included it in the Top 100 Guitar Tracks.
Prince played Purple Rain at almost every gig. One of the most memorable performances of the song came at the musician’s performance at halftime in the 2007 Super Bowl Finals.
Video of Purple Rain by Prince
Let’s watch the music video for Prince’s legendary song.
Interesting Facts
- For the 7″ single, the song had to be shortened from almost nine minutes to four.
Purple Rain Lyrics by Prince
I never meant to cause you any sorrow
I never meant to cause you any pain
I only wanted to see you laughing
I only wanted to see you
Laughing in the purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
I only wanted to see you
Bathing in the purple rain
I never wanted to be your weekend lover
I only wanted to be some kind of friend
Baby, I could never steal you from another
It’s such a shame our friendship had to end
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
I only wanted to see you
underneath the purple rain
Honey, I know, I know
I know times are changing
It’s time we all reach out
For something new, that means you too
You say you want a leader
But you can’t seem to make up your mind
I think you better close it
And let me guide you to the purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
If you know what I’m singing about up here
C’mon, raise your hand
Purple rain, purple rain
I only want to see you
Only want to see you
In the purple rain
Lyrics of Purple Rain Alternate
I never meant to make you grieve
I never meant to hurt you
I just wanted to see you laugh once
I just wanted to see how you
Laughing in the purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
I just wanted to see how you
Swimming in the purple rain
I never wanted to be your weekend lover
I just wanted to be some kind of friend
Baby I could never steal something from you
So ashamed that our friendship ended
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
I just wanted to see you
Under the purple rain
Baby I know, I know
I know times are changing
Now is the time for us to take
For something new, together with you
You say you need a leader
But you can’t seem to decide
I think you better get it over with
And let me take you to the purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
If you understand what I’m singing here,
Come on raise your hand
Purple rain, purple rain
I just want to see you
I just want to see you
Under the purple rain
Song Quotes
…a new beginning. Purple – the sky at dawn, rain – a cleansing factor.
Lisa Coleman on the meaning of the song
In a way, Purple Rain scared me. This is a stone that will hang around my neck while I make music.
Prince, The Observer
