Cry
B. Dill Lyrics

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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?
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
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 that's 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
Why do we scream at each other?
This is what it sounds like
When doves cry

Darling don't cry

Overall Meaning

The song "When Doves Cry" was written and performed by American musician Prince, released as a single in 1984 as a part of the soundtrack to his rock musical film, "Purple Rain." The lyrics describe a tumultuous relationship between two lovers who struggle to communicate and connect with each other. The song starts with the imagery of two individuals engaged in a passionate kiss, with the sweat of the lover's body covering the singer. The song then moves on to describe the dream-like imagery of a courtyard filled with violets and curious animals, highlighting the passion between the two lovers. The refrain of the song repeatedly questions the lover's decision to leave the singer standing alone in a world that is cold and demanding, making references to the singer's parents and their own strong personalities. The final lines, "This is what it sounds like when doves cry, darling don't cry" are a plea to the lover to stay and work on their relationship.

The song was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for five weeks, and it was eventually certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. The song's music video, directed by Prince himself, received heavy airplay on MTV and helped to solidify his status as a pop icon.

Line by Line Meaning

Dig if you will the picture
Imagine with me a scene

Of you and I engaged in a kiss
A romantic embrace between us

The sweat of your body covers me
I am immersed in your physical presence

Can you, my darling?
Do you share this image with me, my love?

Can you picture this?
Can you envision this reality like I can?

Dream if you can a courtyard
Imagine a picturesque outdoor space

An ocean of violets in bloom
A sea of purple flowers

Animals strike curious poses
Creatures adopt strange positions, observing us

They feel the heat
They sense the passion between us

The heat between me and you
Our intense attraction

How can you just leave me standing
Why would you abandon me in this vulnerable state?