Elkie Brooks (born Elaine Bookbinder on 25 February 1945, Broughton, Salfor… Read Full Bio ↴Elkie Brooks (born Elaine Bookbinder on 25 February 1945, Broughton, Salford, England) is an English singer, formerly a vocalist with Vinegar Joe, and later a solo artist.

A professional singer since she was fifteen, Brooks' début, a cover of Etta James's "Something's Got A Hold On Me", was released on Decca in 1964. Later she became the vocalist with a British 12-piece Stax-influenced, jazz-rock fusion band called Dada that released one, eponymous, album in 1970.

Brooks, along with guitarist Pete Gage, singer Robert Palmer and bassist Steve York formed Vinegar Joe in 1971, adding keyboard player Dave Thompson. The band was without a drummer; Conrad Isidore and Rob Tait drummed on the first album, released in 1972.

In 1974, after three albums Vinegar Joe split and Brooks went solo. After a time in the US as backing singer with the American southern boogie band Wet Willie, she returned to England. Her first solo album on A&M records was Rich Man's Woman (1975).

Purple Rain
Elkie Brooks Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I never meant 2 cause U any sorrow
I never meant 2 cause U any pain
I only wanted one time 2 see U laughing
I only wanted 2 see U laughing in the purple rain

Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain

I only wanted 2 see U bathing in the purple rain

I never wanted 2 be your weekend lover
I only wanted 2 be some kind of friend, hey
Baby, I could never steal U from another
It's such a shame our friendship had 2 end

Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
I only wanted 2 see U underneath the purple rain

Honey, I know, I know, I know times are changin'
It's time we all reach out 4 something new, that means U 2
U say U want a leader, but U can't seem 2 make up your mind
I think U better close it and let me guide U 2 the purple rain

Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
If U know what I'm singin' about up here, come on raise your hand

Purple rain, purple rain
I only want 2 see U, only want 2 see U in the purple rain

Overall Meaning

The song "Purple Rain" by Elkie Brooks is a testament to unfulfilled love and unrequited desires. The song is about a person who never intended to hurt their loved one, but at the same time, they knew that their feelings always remained unrequited. The lyrics suggest a desire to see their loved one happy, even if it meant being friends with them. The singer only wanted to see their love interest laughing and happy in the purple rain, and for them, it was the most important thing.

The use of purple rain as a metaphor in the song represents the love and passion that the singer has for their loved one. It could also be seen as a symbol for something unattainable or impossible, like the singer's love interest. The theme of friendship and love runs throughout the song, which is expressed through the lyrics "I only wanted to be some kind of friend, hey / It's such a shame our friendship had to end." The singer knows that their love cannot be reciprocated, and in the end, they are content with being friends.

Overall, "Purple Rain" is a melancholic and emotive tune about unrequited love and bittersweet friendships. By using metaphors, the song conveys deep emotions and tells a story of desire and yearning.

Line by Line Meaning

I never meant 2 cause U any sorrow
I didn't intend to hurt or upset you in any way.

I never meant 2 cause U any pain
I didn't want to cause you any physical or emotional pain.

I only wanted one time 2 see U laughing
I just wanted to see you happy and laughing.

I only wanted 2 see U laughing in the purple rain
I wanted to share a special moment with you, enjoying the beauty of nature together.

Purple rain, purple rain
Referring to the beauty of the purple-colored rain as a metaphor for something special and unique.

I only wanted 2 see U bathing in the purple rain
I wanted to share an intimate experience with you, experiencing the rain together in a sensual way.

I never wanted 2 be your weekend lover
I didn't want to be a casual fling, I wanted to be something more meaningful in your life.

I only wanted 2 be some kind of friend, hey
I wanted to have a connection with you, even if it wasn't romantic.

Baby, I could never steal U from another
I wouldn't want to come between you and someone else, that's not how I operate.

It's such a shame our friendship had 2 end
I regret that we couldn't maintain our friendship, but maybe it's for the best.

Honey, I know, I know, I know times are changin'
I realize that things are constantly evolving and shifting.

It's time we all reach out 4 something new, that means U 2
We should all try to explore new experiences, and that includes you.

U say U want a leader, but U can't seem 2 make up your mind
You might be looking for guidance or direction, but you're unsure of what you really want.

I think U better close it and let me guide U 2 the purple rain
I could help you find your way and lead you to something special and unique.

If U know what I'm singin' about up here, come on raise your hand
If you understand the deeper meaning behind the lyrics, show your support.

I only want 2 see U, only want 2 see U in the purple rain
I only want to experience something special with you, in a way that's unique to us.

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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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