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Prince — Purple Rain
Album: Purple Rain
Avg rating:
8.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2677









Released: 1984
Length: 8:35
Plays (last 30 days): 0
I never meant to cause you any sorrow
I never meant to cause you any pain
I only wanted to one time 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
Comments (198)add comment
 RabbitEars wrote:

Gonna give some women some credit since they're often overlooked... Both Joni Mitchell and Kate Bush are self-produced multi-instrumentalists who've written quite a few hits. Joni also creates/draws/paints her own album covers. And Prince was very influenced by Joni and probably Kate too (he played on one of her records). 

Add Stevie Wonder to that list. and possibly Paul McCartney.

 scrubbrush wrote:

As a high school freshman in 1984, I only listened to (what is now called 'classic') rock (Zeppelin, Van Halen, the Who, Jimi, Sabbath, etc.) and dabbled in a little metal. I hated "pop" (and still dislike most 80s pop).
Then this came out.
This album blew me away. 
I'm still blown away and now consider this to be one of the top 5 albums of all time.



i was a sophomore that year. and, i agree completely. 
 sfoster66 wrote:

I was way too cloaked in the coolest vestments of alternative rock when this arrived on the scene to admit that it was amazing...but would like to admit the errors of my ways now...damn, this song rocks fully and completely.... 


Well said!  I was a prog rock snob at the time and dismissed it as well. What a dope!  I too would like to admit the errors of my ways. 
when I hear this, I think of the amazing performance of this at the Super Bowl (in the rain). And then texts from friends exclaiming wonder/shock at how phenomenal a guitarist he was.
Sad that this song is just about 40 years old.  The recording was done in August-September 1983.  That said it still doesn't sound old to me... what a classic.
His Super Bowl halftime performance of this song is one of the finest moments of live music ever recorded.   
I was way too cloaked in the coolest vestments of alternative rock when this arrived on the scene to admit that it was amazing...but would like to admit the errors of my ways now...damn, this song rocks fully and completely.... 
The phrase "Purple Rain" appears in America's  song Ventura Highway, in 1972. I always wondered if there's a connection.
 ice-9 wrote:

Maybe I'm old, but I've loved music made before and after this.  His obvious musical talent notwithstanding, this was just more pop drivel for me.  Plus his persona was superficial and pretentious. "the artist formerly known as Prince"?  Umm...yeah, no.

I have no compunction over giving this a three.  



It's pinnacle thou - shameless pure pop - didn't sound like anything else. The song is from before my time, but respect is due
Maybe I'm old, but I've loved music made before and after this.  His obvious musical talent notwithstanding, this was just more pop drivel for me.  Plus his persona was superficial and pretentious. "the artist formerly known as Prince"?  Umm...yeah, no.

I have no compunction over giving this a three.  
 stephlkendrick wrote:

I've let bath water get cold listening to this song to the very last note. If this isn't a 10, there are no 10s.



This made me change my rating from 9 to 10. 
Legende forever!
 hbriggs60 wrote:

Anyone who gave this song a 1 should be banned from RP for life.


Anybody that rates ANY tune on RP a "1" is probably a DUD living in mommy's basement, with NO friends!  Come on!, even lousy tunes deserve at least a 4 or 5!!

...BTW, this tune is Great!
 Edweirdo wrote:

Maybe, though that snare sound is really grinding my gears.



I AGREE COMPLETELY!!!
 hbriggs60 wrote:

Anyone who gave this song a 1 should be banned from RP for life.


Maybe, though that snare sound is really grinding my gears.
 hbriggs60 wrote:

Anyone who gave this song a 1 should be banned from RP for life.



Lol.  I agree.
 neptunejeff wrote:
Without a doubt, one of the most talented pop / rock
artist of the 80s. This tune and "When Doves Cry" were
two of the best songs from 1984 ...



...maybe the most talented of all-time, certainly the Rock Era.  Not sure if you ever got to see him Live, effortlessly gliding from instrument to instrument, from guitar-God to soul/R&B front-man God, to balladeer, to pop songsmith.  Hands down, the most talented musician I have ever seen.  And it ain't close.  #GOAT
...I encourage all RP listeners to take a dive into some of the albums; his best stuff ain't necessarily popular or readily known.
 brockstr wrote:

I really didn't appreciate Prince until his untimely death. Great guitarist and performer. Love this song.


It really wasn’t until he died that I started to take him seriously. That’s when I heard what an amazing musician he was. Up until then I thought he was a typical pop performer who was more about costumes, onstage dancers, and hype. Add the whole ‘the performer formerly known as Prince’ bs and I completely wrote him off.


Could really shred the guitar
The final guitar solo still burning my heart, 35 years after.
 RabbitEars wrote:

Gonna give some women some credit since they're often overlooked... Both Joni Mitchell and Kate Bush are self-produced multi-instrumentalists who've written quite a few hits. Joni also creates/draws/paints her own album covers. And Prince was very influenced by Joni and probably Kate too (he played on one of her records). 


Carol King?
I've let bath water get cold listening to this song to the very last note. If this isn't a 10, there are no 10s.
From the first guitar chord...I get chills.  Best memory associated with this is in a taxi in Belize with  friends.  The driver had a few CD's and one was Prince's greatest hits.  He blasted it and we were all singing at the top of our lungs. 
Masterful. Two Prince songs back to back - Nothing Compares 2 U performed by Sinead O'Connor and Purple Rain by the Purple One. Perfect to start a Monday.
Sorry neighbors, but I really wanted to hear this one, it is kinda worth it.
Not a Prince guy myself. But for anyone who doubts his ability to play guitar, just Google up him playing "while My Guitar Gently Weeps". Blows down the house
 scrubbrush wrote:

As a high school freshman in 1984, I only listened to (what is now called 'classic') rock (Zeppelin, Van Halen, the Who, Jimi, Sabbath, etc.) and dabbled in a little metal. I hated "pop" (and still dislike most 80s pop).
Then this came out.
This album blew me away. 
I'm still blown away and now consider this to be one of the top 5 albums of all time.



I'll give you that, but I still dislike most of it in some way, for whatever reason (can't say overplayed, because I felt some dislike from first hearing it). But it is even more impressive of an album because he made the album, and then had to go find a band to play it on tour because it is almost all him. Talented guy . . . don't like most of his stuff.
[edit]  I should also note, the older I get, the more I keep it on just to appreciate the skills involved. I hit psd less often now.
 Stephen_Phillips wrote:

OK you asked for it... smartass reply #1 repetitive melody, virtually no chorus, inane and one line lyrics.

RIP Prince and I do not wish you or your legacy any disrespect - just don't think this is very good on any criteria.

Come on man, you could just say you don't like the song instead carelessly tossing around musical terms.  The song clearly has a chorus - it is composed of the "one line lyrics" you are complaining about.  Throughout musical history, choruses have tended to repeat phrases - that is one of the essential characteristics of a chorus.
 hbriggs60 wrote:

Anyone who gave this song a 1 should be banned from RP for life.



Maybe we could negotiate with the powers that be for a trade? 
As a high school freshman in 1984, I only listened to (what is now called 'classic') rock (Zeppelin, Van Halen, the Who, Jimi, Sabbath, etc.) and dabbled in a little metal. I hated "pop" (and still dislike most 80s pop).
Then this came out.
This album blew me away. 
I'm still blown away and now consider this to be one of the top 5 albums of all time.
 cc_rider wrote:

Dwight Yoakam (yep, that guy) covered this a few years ago. At first it sounds really, really weird: Bluegrass Prince? WTAF? But it kind of grows on you.

Good interview in RS about how the cover came to be. Mr Yoakam ain't everyone's cuppa tea, but he's got class.
c.




Yeah!, Dwight also covered The Clash's Train in Vain.... excellent bluegrass
Recommend looking up Charlie Murphy's story about playing basketball with Prince.  From the Chapelle show. Classic!
Saw a local musician do a little bit where he sang Purple Rain to the Green Acres theme and vice versa, both were great covers...
 Slickamoe wrote:
There are a select few who can write, produce, play every instrument, AND churn out hit after hit for themselves and others. Prince and Todd Rundgren are part of that collective.
RIP Prince . . . . . you are missed!
 
Gonna give some women some credit since they're often overlooked... Both Joni Mitchell and Kate Bush are self-produced multi-instrumentalists who've written quite a few hits. Joni also creates/draws/paints her own album covers. And Prince was very influenced by Joni and probably Kate too (he played on one of her records). 
Easy to hear Joni's influence on this guitar part
 deanofox wrote:
I just never got Prince at all back in my youth. 
I now get it and I apologise.
 

Same here!
Every time this song comes on in the car, it gets turned it up really loud.
But it also reminds me of his live performance during the Super Bowl, when it started raining during this song.  Magical.
This needs to be an eleven! Make it happen, Bill.
Dwight Yoakam (yep, that guy) covered this a few years ago. At first it sounds really, really weird: Bluegrass Prince? WTAF? But it kind of grows on you.

Good interview in RS about how the cover came to be. Mr Yoakam ain't everyone's cuppa tea, but he's got class.
c.
I was thinking the other day about how Tom Petty gets played so much on RP and how Prince gets played so very rarely. If I were programming they'd be flipped. 
Remember this is live performance !
I just never got Prince at all back in my youth. 
I now get it and I apologise.
I remember thinking when I first heard Prince 'What the heck IS this? It's INCREDIBLE!'.

Holds up well, unlike some others from the era.
c.
Some days I miss him so much. 
 hbriggs60 wrote:
Anyone who gave this song a 1 should be banned from RP for life.
 

True that.
The long verion comes to a full bloom
I have not heard this in a long time...  forgot how really good this is.  Makes you stop and listen
 

 tnt_thomas wrote: wasnt it fear of.  dying and religion of anybody has anything to do with Princes tragic death

IIRC, he was using Fentanol because he needed both (one?) hip replaced. But surgery could lead to a blood transfusion, so 'No.'  Religion killed Prince...
 

 siriuss wrote:
Prince was 57 and still on hard drugs  !!  Gezz... I'm 66 and  Oh wait, I'll roll a small one..
 
IIRC, he was using Fentanol because he needed both (one?) hip replaced. But surgery could lead to a blood transfusion, so 'No.'  Religion killed Prince...
There are a select few who can write, produce, play every instrument, AND churn out hit after hit for themselves and others. Prince and Todd Rundgren are part of that collective.
RIP Prince . . . . . you are missed!
Long Live                                                                                                                                      Radio Paradise
Rating to me is  still                                                                                                          9 -OUTSTANDING
10 10 10 10.  Please Bill let me give it an 11!!!!!
A good friend of mine lit that album cover photo.  he has crazy Prince stories.
Without a doubt, one of the most talented pop / rock
artist of the 80s. This tune and "When Doves Cry" were
two of the best songs from 1984 ...
Plus. I guess the symbol doesn’t work.
Prince electric guitar = perfection
Simply awesome,the world misses the purple one 🙏
I'm always going to miss him. 
I have not heard this in a long time...  forgot how really good this is.  Makes you stop and listen
perfection.
Prince was 57 and still on hard drugs  !!  Gezz... I'm 66 and  Oh wait, I'll roll a small one..
I really didn't appreciate Prince until his untimely death. Great guitarist and performer. Love this song.
They'll never make another like Prince. Gone too soon.
Prince is a musical genius. You can get lost for days watching his stuff on youtube.
blues, jazz, top notch guitar solos.
miss that guy
 hbriggs60 wrote:
Anyone who gave this song a 1 should be banned from RP for life.
 

Anyone who suggests that someone should be banned based on his personal opinion should be banned from life.
Still gives me goosebumps after all these years!
Thought this was crap when it first came out.  Man how things change. 
Hands up, every time. RIP Prince, we miss you!!!
This recording is the first time it was played live. There's a longer version and you can hear him working through the solo and he hits that repetitive part, recognizes what he's got, and then starts working it.
Great story (podcast) at the link below about Prince for Prince fans.  

This Is Love - Episode 11 - Nothing Compares to You 
Still stops me in my tracks every time I hear it.
Pure magic!
If there is a reason to have an 11 on the song rating, this song is it! What an absolute gem!
Anyone who gave this song a 1 should be banned from RP for life.
I much preferred the world with Prince in it. {#Guitarist} Sometimes I go back and watch the vid of the live recording of this at First Avenue, and it never fails to give me goosebumps.
U. of Maryland Homecoming 1984 -- Amy Schechter grabbed my butt during this song.  We ended up dating for the rest of the semester. Freshman year didn't suck.
It is a great song.  Not his best, but still great.
 LaurieinTucson wrote:
love this song because it moves me
I know it's not a great song
but it really moves me the way he gets more and more emotional as the song goes on
 
It is a great song.
One of my favorite songs of all time. Let it play on and on and on and on....{#Notworthy}
 LaurieinTucson wrote:
love this song because it moves me
I know it's not a great song
but it really moves me the way he gets more and more emotional as the song goes on
 
i know, i know, i know.........
love this song because it moves me
I know it's not a great song
but it really moves me the way he gets more and more emotional as the song goes on
Ahhhhh...The Holy Grail of Prince's songs. {#Notworthy}
 LYS wrote:
THE ONLY THING BETTER THAN SOME PRINCE, IS more PRINCE!
 
Couldn't have said it any better! 
 LYS wrote:
THE ONLY THING BETTER THAN SOME PRINCE, IS more PRINCE!
 
True that. {#Notworthy}
THE ONLY THING BETTER THAN SOME PRINCE, IS more PRINCE!
fuck this song..whoooooo hoooo ooo hooo oooo indeed!
Expert guitar player, all else is out the phecking fenster{#Frustrated}
variety.com/2018/music/news/prince-estate-releases-original-version-of-nothing-compares-2-u-watch-video-1202758541/
WOW! Still wow after all these years!
oh no, "Purple rain" after "Can't find my way home"? Started to like Prince much later than he became popular, but Purple Rain I never liked. Thus, this time from "10" for the previous sog down to a max of "3". I am sorry, but anyway, this is great Internet Radio station ..
 Stephen_Phillips wrote:

OK you asked for it... smartass reply #1 repetitive melody, virtually no chorus, inane and one line lyrics.

RIP Prince and I do not wish you or your legacy any disrespect - just don't think this is very good on any criteria.

 
I agree that it's not as good - to me - as his other work. It has a nice iconic feel to it, and some brilliant musicianship. But I love so much of Prince's work (and have tons of obscure things by him - I'm a real fan and have been since Wanna Be Your Lover) and he is one of the few people that make me laugh out loud during a song at his creativity (like Dorothy Parker)...but this song isn't a reflexive ten for me like Penny Lane would be. More like a seven.
This song has always knocked me flat out, and it always will, I hope. 
 hbs47 wrote:
Good song, including Purple Numb/Comfortably Rain solo.  

 
I heard or read somewhere that the solo in Comfortably Numb inspired the solo in this song.
{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}
Having trouble making this _loud_ enough.
 mdnlsn wrote:
Upped it to 10. If this isn't "Godlike", what is?

(Cue a smartass reply...)

 
Agreed... breathtaking. Does not sound like anything else from that era... I was a 14 year old-metal-head-transitioning-to-classic-rock kid in 1984.. just digging into Zeppelin, the Who, Pink Floyd, etc... this album made me realize that i didn't have to pigeon-hole myself into one genre... 

shit, this album almost made me want to wear eyeliner and lace. 
 Schmoogsley wrote:
Leading Retard of all music. 

 
Don't be so hard on yourself.
 mdnlsn wrote:
Upped it to 10. If this isn't "Godlike", what is?

(Cue a smartass reply...)

 
OK you asked for it... smartass reply #1 repetitive melody, virtually no chorus, inane and one line lyrics.

RIP Prince and I do not wish you or your legacy any disrespect - just don't think this is very good on any criteria.
Upped it to 10. If this isn't "Godlike", what is?

(Cue a smartass reply...)
One of my all time favorites!  And never had that ending version.  Very nice Bill!  Thank you!!
 Schmoogsley wrote:
Leading Retard of all music.
 
Classy.
Did you come up with that clever quip all by yourself or did you need help?
Leading Retard of all music. 
His creation of the Beverly Hills shrink named "Dr. Everything Gonna Be Alright" made me a permanent fan.
Good song, including Purple Numb/Comfortably Rain solo.  
 dwhayslett wrote:

Name 500,000.

 
Never mind that, he should name one other song from the era that this song sounds like.
 Tomasni wrote:

 

Thank you  Prince  for
Purple Rain

a strong 9 for me  OUTSTANDING



 
Absolutely agree. So glad I got to see him live too.
You can say a lot about this guy; both good and bad, but to me he was a musical iconoclast.  He was a disdainer of the norms of his industry, seeking always to do things his way.  And baby that is exactly what he did.  He paid the price for his independence, too. 

But regardless you cannot ignore his talent.  He had some "chops."  Check his playing in a tribute to George Harrison on "While My Guitar Gently Weeps."  Watch it thru to the end then ask yourself this....where'd his guitar go?  Heh!  Insolent to the end.  If you're an artist ya gotta love that?  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SFNW5F8K9Y

Highlow
American Net'Zen
 DocStrangelove wrote:
overrated, repetitive, derivative pop — sounds like a million other songs from that era
talented, but boring guitar masturbation

 
Name 500,000.
A true genius.
Never liked "The little purple mthufkr"  But over the years his contributions have become obvious.
 the_jake wrote:

I remember that Super Bowl. Colts defeated the Bears - in the rain.  Great half time show, game - not so much.
Only SB where opening kick-off returned for a TD.

 
I vaguely remember Prince's performance. He was always crisp, smooth and relentless when he was live. 

That SB sucked hard. Eight turnovers, pelting rain and Rex Grossman as the Bears' QB. Oh, and Peyton won so now we get to see his rubbery face doing endless Nationwide Insurance commercials.

{#Stop}
 
Bleh
Larger than life.
Absolute genius.
Absolute garbage. 
 LPCity wrote:
And tomorrow will be 10th anniversary of Prince performing the half time show of the Super Bowl.  In the rain in Miami.  Most half time shows are crap.  That one wasn't.

Do yourself a favor and check it out on you-tube and elsewhere. 

 
I remember that Super Bowl. Colts defeated the Bears - in the rain.  Great half time show, game - not so much.
Only SB where opening kick-off returned for a TD.
And tomorrow will be 10th anniversary of Prince performing the half time show of the Super Bowl.  In the rain in Miami.  Most half time shows are crap.  That one wasn't.

Do yourself a favor and check it out on you-tube and elsewhere. 
Love this song. Reminds me of playing Opertaion Wolf in the snack bar section of Hill's
 fahartle wrote:
**Sniff** - Anyone who hasn't seen Prince's guitar solo live for "While my guitar gentle weeps" should seriously look it up...

 
Well said

Nuff said 2
fahartle wrote:
**Sniff** - Anyone who hasn't seen Prince's guitar solo live for "While my guitar gentle weeps" should seriously look it up...

 
It's amazing