Prima Donna
Uriah Heep Lyrics


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I'll go down fightin'
But rather be delightin'
All the people that come to see
The Devil's from Chicago
Now where the hell do they go
When we get in our limousines

'Cause we just want to be
Where it's all going on
But tell me what do you do
When it's over
And everyone who
Loved you is gone
They're gone
I said they're gone

You're our kind of people
You're the church
And we're the steeple
But we're all inside the hall
If we've got what you need
Then we'll give you the speed
To get up and have a ball

'Cause we just want to be
Where it's all going on
But tell me what do you do
When it's over
And everyone who
Loved you is gone

You're just another
Prima Donna of rock 'n' roll




So please let me know
When you want me to go

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Prima Donna" by Uriah Heep convey a sense of longing for fame and adoration, as well as the fleeting nature of success in the entertainment industry. The opening lines, "I'll go down fightin', but rather be delightin' all the people that come to see," suggest a desire for the band to entertain and impress their audience. The reference to the Devil's from Chicago and limousines adds an element of extravagance and a touch of rockstar mythology.


The chorus of the song reflects the band's aspiration to be part of the action and excitement of the music industry. They want to be where everything is happening, but they question what happens once the fame has faded and the love and support from their fans are gone. The repetition of the phrase "they're gone" emphasizes a sense of loss or emptiness that comes when the people who once idolized and supported them move on.


In the second verse, they address their fans as "our kind of people" and compare themselves to a church and steeple, suggesting that they provide a sense of unity and belonging to their followers. They promise to give their fans the energy (speed) they need to have a good time and enjoy themselves. This portrays a mutual relationship where the band satisfies the desires of their audience, and in return, the fans provide adoration and support.


The final lines express a bittersweet resignation. They acknowledge their status as another "Prima Donna of rock 'n' roll," implying a recognition of their own egos and the inherent self-centeredness in the pursuit of fame. They ask their listeners to let them know when it's time to leave, perhaps indicating a weariness or awareness of the transitory nature of success and the need to move on to the next chapter.


Overall, "Prima Donna" explores the desire for fame and recognition while recognizing the impermanence of success. It highlights the exhilaration and the emptiness that can come from being in the spotlight and ultimately questions the meaning and longevity of adoration.


Line by Line Meaning

I'll go down fightin'
I will continue to strive and persist despite challenges and obstacles.


But rather be delightin'
I would much prefer to bring joy and pleasure to others.


All the people that come to see
Every individual who attends our performances.


The Devil's from Chicago
Referring to ourselves as bold and rebellious performers from Chicago.


Now where the hell do they go
Where do the people disperse to after our shows?


When we get in our limousines
Once we enter our extravagant vehicles.


'Cause we just want to be
Because we simply desire to be part of the action and excitement.


Where it's all going on
In the midst of where all the buzz and activity are happening.


But tell me what do you do
However, please inform me, what actions do you take


When it's over
Once the thrill and buzz have dissipated


And everyone who
And all those individuals who


Loved you is gone
Who deeply adored and supported you are no longer present


They're gone
Those individuals are not here anymore


I said they're gone
I reiterate, those individuals are no longer with us


You're our kind of people
You belong to our group of individuals who share similar qualities and interests


You're the church
You are like a place of worship


And we're the steeple
And we are the structure that adorns and represents the church


But we're all inside the hall
But we are all gathered within the venue


If we've got what you need
If we possess the things you desire


Then we'll give you the speed
Then we will provide you the energy and excitement


To get up and have a ball
To motivate and inspire you to have a fantastic time


You're just another
You are merely an additional


Prima Donna of rock 'n' roll
An individual with an inflated ego and demanding nature within the realm of rock 'n' roll


So please let me know
Therefore, kindly inform me


When you want me to go
When do you desire for me to depart




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAVID BYRON, KEN HENSLEY, LEE GARY KERSLAKE, MICHAEL FREDERICK BOX

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@TScardoa

Cool sax from Mel Collins .

@MrTransmettre

L'album est excellent

@user-ki5du9yc5l

Lovin'

@ronson232

The "Return to Fantasy" album is arguably the most straightforward rock 'n' roll album Uriah Heep ever made during the Byron era.  The title of the album notwithstanding, the fantasy/proggy stuff is kept to a minimum, which makes it a controversial album among fans.  However, I love the glam rock vibe on this song, and a lot of the other rockers on this album were pretty solid too...  Heep could have been a fine straight rock band if they had wanted to.

@rebeccaizzmee2134

Absolutely 💯

@chrissutton927

I agree with the fact that although this album had fantasy in the title it was in fact a straight rock album. John Wetton did say that it was impossible to replace Gary Thain so he just did things his way. To be fair he gives an excellent bass playing performance all the way through. Credit should also go to Ken Hensley for some great synth work

@jondunmore4268

Well, Hensley not just for his "synth work" -- hahaha - he WAS the band, the major songwriter, and one of the premier hard rock keyboardists in the birthing stages of heavy rock!

@pflugerjurg7858

📌👍️Georg😇⛑️Bern.

@user-wp7wn3yl6e

Саксофон в „Юрая Хийп”??
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLLyJM5dsVY
URIAH HEEP - „Prima Donna”, Studio (1975)
Страховитите обложки, баладите с тежък звук и буйните рок парчета са запазена марка на динозаврите от „Юрая Хийп”. Но пък всяко изключение носи небивала изненада и музикална свежест.
Песента „Prima Donna” няма успеха на „Lady In Black” и „Easy Livin'”, ала звучащият саксофон в нея я прави някак по-мека и радиофонична. Затова и групата я издава отделно на сингъл - с идеята да пробие в радиостанциите и да вдигне продажбите на целия албум. Е, съвсем други песни стават хитове от албума, включително и едноименната „Return to Fantasy”. За ценителите на „твърдите” юрайци прилагам и здрав концертен вариант на „Prima Donna” с оригиналния певец Дейвид Байрън.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=js4a6-M24ec
URIAH HEEP - „Prima Donna”, Live

@user-gp6qc7tb7v

1975 год. альбом "Retyrn on fentazy" Считается самым простым и неудачным альбомом.