I Would Die 4 U
- Prince Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm not a woman
I'm not a man
I am something that you'll never understand

I'll never beat you
I'll never lie
And if you're evil I'll forgive you by and by
'Cause you, I would die for you, yeah
Darling if you want me to
You, I would die for you

I'm not your lover
I'm not your friend
I am something that you'll never comprehend

No need to worry
No need to cry
I'm your messiah and you're the reason why

'Cause you, I would die for you, yeah
Darling if you want me to
You, I would die for you

You're just a sinner I am told
Be your fire when you're cold
Make you happy when you're sad
Make you good when you are bad

I'm not a human
I am a dove
I'm your conscious
I am love
All I really need is to know that
You believe

Yeah, I would die for you, yeah
Darling if you want me to
You, I would die for you

Yeah, say one more time

You, I would die for you
Darling if you want me to
You, I would die for you
Two, three, four you

I would die for you
I would die for you




You, I would die for you
You, I would die for you

Overall Meaning

The song "I Would Die 4 U" by Prince is a love song that breaks down the conventional notions of gender and romantic classification. The opening lines immediately create ambiguity about Prince's gender and dismiss gender binaries. Instead, he implies that he is something ineffable, intangible, and outside of neat categorization. Prince's transcendence of gender reinforces his position as a shepherd or savior figure, who has shed societal limitations to guide his flock down a path of freedom and mutual love.


The chorus of the song is devoted to Prince's devotion to his love interest. He proclaims that he would die for this person and forgive them even if they are evil. The phrase “I would die for you" is repeated several times during the chorus, and the intensity of this promise emphasizes the depth of his love. Furthermore, Prince expresses his commitment as something that is unchanging and beyond conditional. The bridge serves a similar purpose as the chorus in reiterating his role as a savior figure. He represents love, and his love for this person has the power to transform them.


Overall, "I Would Die 4 U" by Prince is a powerful love song that challenges conventions of gender and traditional definitions of love. Such interpretation is in line with Prince's trend-breaking music that constantly pushed boundaries.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm not a woman
I am not defined by gender stereotyping


I'm not a man
I am not defined by gender stereotyping


I am something that you'll never understand
My essence and being are beyond comprehension


I'll never beat you
I will never physically harm you


I'll never lie
I will always be truthful to you


And if you're evil I'll forgive you by and by
I will pardon your misdoings with time


'Cause you, I would die for you, yeah
My love for you is profound enough to die for you


Darling if you want me to
If my love requires my life, I am willing to give up my life for you


You, I would die for you
You alone hold the power for me to give up my life, I love you that much


I'm not your lover
I am not just someone for temporary physical pleasure


I'm not your friend
I am not just someone to hang out or have a good time with


I am something that you'll never comprehend
My depth and significance are beyond your understanding


No need to worry
You don't have to concern yourself because of my faithfulness


No need to cry
You don't have to experience sadness since I will be there for you


I'm your messiah and you're the reason why
I will save you and redeem you, and you are the cause for me to do so


You're just a sinner I am told
Society may deem you sinful or inadequate, but I accept and choose you regardless


Be your fire when you're cold
I will warm your heart and soul when you are down


Make you happy when you're sad
My purpose is to alleviate and eradicate sadness from your life


Make you good when you are bad
I will guide you to become a better version of yourself


I'm not a human
I am beyond human limitations and mortal boundaries


I am a dove
I symbolize peace, purity, and love towards you


I'm your conscious
I am the voice that will guide you towards the right path


I am love
I am the unceasing, immortal force that connects all human beings


All I really need is to know that
I am fulfilled and satisfied by knowing


You believe
that you trust and have faith in me and my love for you


Yeah, say one more time
Emphasizing the significance of repeating the message


You, I would die for you
You alone hold the power for me to give up my life, I love you that much


Darling if you want me to
If my love requires my life, I am willing to give up my life for you


You, I would die for you
You alone hold the power for me to give up my life, I love you that much


Two, three, four you
Ending with the repetition of the chorus, highlighting the depth of the sentiment


I would die for you
You alone hold the power for me to give up my life, I love you that much


I would die for you
You alone hold the power for me to give up my life, I love you that much


You, I would die for you
You alone hold the power for me to give up my life, I love you that much


You, I would die for you
You alone hold the power for me to give up my life, I love you that much




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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