When Doves Cry
Prince Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Dig if you will the picture
Of you and I engaged in a kiss
The sweat of your body covers me
Can you my darling
Can you picture this?

Dream if you can a courtyard
An ocean of violets in bloom
Animals strike curious poses
They feel the heat
The heat between me and you

How can you just leave me standing?
Alone in a world that's so cold? (So cold)
Maybe I'm just too demanding
Maybe I'm just like my father too bold
Maybe you're just like my mother
She's never satisfied (she's never satisfied)
Why do we scream at each other?
This is what it sounds like
When doves cry

Touch if you will my stomach
Feel how it trembles inside
You've got the butterflies all tied up
Don't make me chase you
Even doves have pride

How can you just leave me standing?
Alone in a world so cold? (World so cold)
Maybe I'm just too demanding
Maybe I'm just like my father too bold
Maybe you're just like my mother
She's never satisfied (she's never satisfied)
Why do we scream at each other?
This is what it sounds like
When doves cry

How can you just leave me standing?
Alone in a world that's so cold? (A world that's so cold)
Maybe I'm just too demanding (maybe, maybe I'm like my father)
Maybe I'm just like my father too bold (you know he's too bold)
Maybe you're just like my mother (maybe you're just like my mother)
She's never satisfied (she's never, never satisfied)
Why do we scream at each other? (Why do we scream? Why?)
This is what it sounds like

When doves cry
When doves cry (doves cry, doves cry)
When doves cry (doves cry, doves cry)

Don't cry (don't cry)

When doves cry
When doves cry
When doves cry

When doves cry (doves cry, doves cry, doves cry)
Don't cry
Darling don't cry
Don't cry




Don't cry
Don't, don't cry

Overall Meaning

In "When Doves Cry," Prince explores themes of love, vulnerability, and the complexities of relationships. The lyrics suggest a deep emotional connection between two individuals, represented by engaging in a passionate kiss. The image of sweat covering the body indicates intense physical and emotional intimacy. Prince asks his partner if they can imagine and visualize this moment together, emphasizing the power of their bond.


The second verse introduces the concept of a dream-like courtyard with blooming violets, where animals take curious poses. This imagery symbolizes the heightened sensations and intense chemistry between the singer and his lover. The heat they feel represents their strong attraction and the undeniable tension building between them.


The chorus reflects the pain of abandonment and the harsh realities of a cold world. Prince questions why someone he loves would leave him feeling alone and detached. He wonders if he is being too demanding or bold in his expectations, drawing parallels to his father's behavior. Additionally, he suggests that his partner may be similar to his mother, who is portrayed as perpetually unsatisfied. The lines questioning why they scream at each other highlight the dysfunctional nature of their relationship.


In the third verse, Prince invites his lover to touch his stomach and feel the internal trembles, indicating his vulnerability and emotional turmoil. He acknowledges that even the proudest creatures, like doves, can experience hurt and heartbreak. This reveals a desire for reciprocated love and mutual understanding in the relationship.


The repeated chorus emphasizes the pain and confusion experienced when love becomes strained. The line "This is what it sounds like when doves cry" suggests that the absence of love and the resulting emotional turmoil can be as haunting and heartbreaking as the mourning sound of doves. The final plea for his partner not to cry reflects the singer's longing for resolution and emotional connection.


Overall, "When Doves Cry" portrays the contradictions and complexities of love, highlighting the pain, vulnerability, and longing that can accompany intense emotional connections.


Line by Line Meaning

Dig if you will the picture
Imagine the scenario I'm about to describe


Of you and I engaged in a kiss
Of us passionately kissing each other


The sweat of your body covers me
Your sweat is all over me, symbolizing our physical closeness


Can you my darling
Do you, my beloved


Can you picture this?
Can you visualize what I'm describing?


Dream if you can a courtyard
Imagine a beautiful courtyard


An ocean of violets in bloom
Filled with vibrant, blooming violets


Animals strike curious poses
Creatures display intriguing and peculiar stances


They feel the heat
They sense the passionate energy


The heat between me and you
The intense connection we share


How can you just leave me standing?
How can you abandon me and leave me alone?


Alone in a world that's so cold? (So cold)
In this cold and unforgiving world


Maybe I'm just too demanding
Perhaps I ask for too much


Maybe I'm just like my father too bold
Possibly I inherited my father's boldness


Maybe you're just like my mother
Maybe you resemble my mother


She's never satisfied (she's never satisfied)
She is perpetually discontented


Why do we scream at each other?
Why do we engage in heated arguments?


This is what it sounds like
This is the noise it makes


When doves cry
When even gentle doves express their sadness and pain


Touch if you will my stomach
If you touch my stomach


Feel how it trembles inside
Feel the tremors that exist within


You've got the butterflies all tied up
You make me feel nervous and excited at the same time


Don't make me chase you
Don't force me to pursue you relentlessly


Even doves have pride
Even seemingly gentle creatures like doves have their sense of dignity


How can you just leave me standing?
How can you simply abandon me?


Alone in a world so cold? (World so cold)
Left isolated in this harsh and unforgiving world


Maybe I'm just too demanding
Perhaps I require too much


Maybe I'm just like my father too bold
Maybe I carry the boldness of my father


Maybe you're just like my mother
Maybe you resemble my mother


She's never satisfied (she's never satisfied)
She is constantly unsatisfied


Why do we scream at each other?
Why do we express our frustration through yelling?


This is what it sounds like
This is the audible representation of


When doves cry
When gentle doves express their sorrow


When doves cry (doves cry, doves cry)
When doves release tears


Don't cry (don't cry)
Do not weep


When doves cry
When doves are in sadness


When doves cry
When doves shed tears


When doves cry
When doves express their sorrow


When doves cry (doves cry, doves cry, doves cry)
When doves shed their tears


Don't cry
Do not weep


Darling don't cry
My dear, please do not cry


Don't cry
Do not shed tears


Don't cry
Do not weep


Don't, don't cry
Please, refrain from crying




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Prince Rogers Nelson

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@chaudcola

I know everyone is talking about purple rain but, for me, this is my favorite song from Prince

@tbinus7857

Without a doubt.

@user-sw2se7pf2s

By far

@cdoc1388

My Favorit is kiss =D

@ThogDontCare

Purple rain is one of my least favorite prince songs.

@sillyguy9828

Me too

299 More Replies...

@bassreeves2410

fun fact: prince not only played every instrument in the song,he also arranged, produced and completed it in 12 hours. Genius

@markkavanagh7377

What happened to Minneapolis since they lost their Mozart? :(

@batman1169

mark kavanagh looting and shooting!

@milkshakemainz7361

Genius, talented af

More Comments

More Versions