Big Daddy, a Los Angeles-based comedic pop group that emerged in 1983 on th… Read Full Bio ↴Big Daddy, a Los Angeles-based comedic pop group that emerged in 1983 on the Rhino Records label, specializes in performing Contemporary hits in the styles of 1950s and early-'60s rock & roll. For example, they scored a Top 40 hit in the U.K. in 1985 by recording Bruce Springsteen's "Dancing in the Dark" as it might sound if sung by Pat Boone.

The group's real history is shrouded in mystery -- they claim to be the last great '50s group and to have been kidnapped by Laotian guerillas while entertaining U.S. troops in Vietnam and not rescued until 1983.

As of 1991, they were an octet featuring four lead singers, Marty Kaniger (also guitar), Tom Lee (also guitar), Bob Wayne, and Don Raymond (also guitar), plus John Hatton (bass), Norman A. Norman (keyboards), Bob Sandman (reeds), and Damon DeGrignon (drums).

Purple Rain
Big Daddy Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I never meant to cause you any sorrow
I never meant to cause you any pain
I only wanted one time to see you laughing
I only want to see you laughing in the purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
I only want 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 want 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 into the purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain

Purple rain, purple rain
I only want to see you, only want to see you in the purple rain

Overall Meaning

In the song "Purple Rain" by Big Daddy, the lyrics depict the sorrow and pain of a failed relationship. The singer apologizes for any pain they may have caused their lover and expresses their desire to see them happy, even if it's just for a moment. The reference to purple rain is symbolic of a cleansing and renewal of the soul, and the singer wants their lover to bathe in it and be refreshed. The singer also regrets that their relationship couldn't be just a friendship, but acknowledges that he could never take the lover away from another person. The song also touches on the theme of change and encourages listeners to embrace it.

Line by Line Meaning

I never meant to cause you any sorrow
I had no intention of making you feel pain or sadness

I never meant to cause you any pain
I never wanted to hurt you in any way

I only wanted one time to see you laughing
It wasn't much, but all I wanted was to see you happy and laughing

I only want to see you laughing in the purple rain
Seeing you happy, smiling and carefree is all I wish for, even if it's in the midst of a storm

Purple rain, purple rain
The rain has turned purple, its beauty and surreal nature are an inspiration in my life

I only want to see you bathing in the purple rain
I want to see you immersed in the beauty of the storm, feel its energy and let it cleanse your soul

I never wanted to be your weekend lover
I didn't want just a temporary or casual relationship with you. I wanted something more meaningful

I only wanted to be some kind of friend
All I truly wanted was to be there for you as a friend, to support and care for you, without any other expectations

Baby I could never steal you from another
I can't take away something or someone that already belongs to someone else. I respect relationships and boundaries

It's such a shame our friendship had to end
It's heartbreaking that we had to part ways and our connection faded away

Honey, I know, I know, I know times are changing
I'm aware that things are evolving and shifting, and we need to adapt to face new challenges

It's time we all reach out for something new, that means you too
We should grab the opportunity to explore different experiences and grow, even if it's outside our comfort zone

You say you want a leader, but you can't seem to make up your mind
You may be looking for someone to follow, but you're struggling to decide what direction to take

I think you better close it, and let me guide you into the purple rain
Maybe it's time to let go of doubt and let me inspire and guide you towards something new and unexpected, like embodying the power of a storm

I only want to see you, only want to see you in the purple rain
I miss you, and I wish nothing but the best for you. I want to see you at your best, in your element, and shining brightly, even in the midst of a storm

Contributed by Oliver W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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