Controversy
Prince_______ Lyrics


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I just can't believe all the things people say
Controversy
Am I black or white, am I straight or gay?
Controversy
Do I believe in god, do I believe in me?
Controversy
Controversy
Controversy
I can't understand human curiosity
Controversy
Was it good for you, was I what you wanted me to be?
Controversy
Do you get high, does your daddy cry?
Controversy
Controversy
Controversy

Do I believe in god, do I believe in me?
Some people want to die so they can be free
I said life is just a game, we're all just the same, do you want to play?
Yeah, oh yeah
Controversy
Controversy
Controversy
Controversy
Controversy
Controversy

Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses
As we forgive those who trespass against us
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever
Controversy
Controversy
Controversy
Controversy
Love him, love him baby
Controversy
Controversy
Controversy
Oh yeah, yeah, controversy
Controversy, oh yeah
Controversy

Listen
People call me rude, I wish we all were nude
I wish there was no black and white, I wish there were no rules
People call me rude, I wish we all were nude
I wish there was no black and white, I wish there were no rules
People call me rude, I wish we all were nude
I wish there was no black and white, I wish there were no rules
People call me rude, I wish we all were nude
I wish there was no black and white, I wish there were no rules
Ah, yee hoo
He he, yeah, controversy
Oh yeah, controversy

Do I believe in god, do I believe in me?
Let me tell ya
Some people want to die so they can be free
I said life is just a game, we're all just the same
Don't ya want to play?
Ooh, ooh
Ooh, controversy
Ooh, ooh
Ooh, controversy
Ooh, ooh
Ooh, controversy




Ooh ooh
Controversy

Overall Meaning

In "Controversy," Prince (also known as The Artist) challenges societal norms and conventions by asking bold questions about identity, sexuality, and religion. Throughout the song, Prince repeats the word "controversy," both as a theme and as a way to push back against those who may judge him based on his choices or identity.


In the first verse, Prince asks whether he is black or white, straight or gay, and whether he believes in God or himself. These questions reflect a desire to challenge limiting societal labels and to assert individuality. By repeating "controversy" after each question, Prince makes it clear that he is willing to embrace controversy to be true to himself.


Later in the song, Prince invokes religion, reciting the Lord's Prayer, only to follow it up with "controversy" once again. This juxtaposition of religious scripture and the song's central theme serves to emphasize the paradox of a society that both seeks guidance from and foments discord around religion.


Overall, "Controversy" is a provocative and introspective exploration of identity, sexuality, and religion that encourages listeners to question societal norms and embrace individuality.


Line by Line Meaning

I just can't believe all the things people say
Prince is surprised by the rumors and gossip spread about him


Am I black or white, am I straight or gay?
Prince questions society's labels and limitations regarding race and sexual orientation


Do I believe in god, do I believe in me?
Prince is questioning his spiritual beliefs and identity


Controversy
The word 'controversy' is repeated to emphasize the theme of the song


I can't understand human curiosity
Prince doesn't comprehend why people are so interested and invested in his personal life


Was it good for you, was I what you wanted me to be?
Prince is reflecting on whether he met other people's expectations and desires


Do you get high, does your daddy cry?
Prince is questioning others' drug habits and personal troubles, possibly alluding to the societal pressures that lead to such behavior


Do I believe in god, do I believe in me?
Prince repeats the earlier question to draw attention to how personal beliefs and identity are complex and multifaceted


Some people want to die so they can be free
Prince reflects on how some people see death as an escape from societal constrictions and pressures


I said life is just a game, we're all just the same, do you want to play?
Prince encourages listeners to embrace life and reject societal norms, seeing life as a game with no special rules or restrictions


Controversy
The theme of the song is reiterated


Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name...
Prince recites the Lord's prayer, reflecting on his spiritual beliefs and exploring the relationship between religion, art, and personal identity


Love him, love him baby
Prince expresses his love for God or for a partner, potentially both, and is challenging societal norms regarding love and relationships


Listen
Prince is drawing attention to the following lyrics, possibly indicating the importance of the message he is conveying


People call me rude, I wish we all were nude
Prince is challenging societal norms and calling for more openness and honesty in human interactions


I wish there was no black and white, I wish there were no rules
Prince is again rejecting societal labels and limitations based on race, gender, and social norms


Ah, yee hoo He he, yeah, controversy
Prince is embracing and celebrating the controversy surrounding his persona and his art, seeing it as a powerful force for change and creativity


Controversy
The word 'controversy' is repeated again to emphasize its importance and significance in the song




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JEFF BHASKER, NATALIA CAPPUCCINI, GUILLAUME DOUBET

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@patrickswayze2596

@@HighFrequencyRadio yes, Prince is, was sorry such a talented musician, and this track is actually quite simple if you break it down.

The bass is almost one note the entire song, the synthesiser is the most prominent instrument in this track, but when you take all those layers of simplicity and balance it the way he and they have makes it seriously one of thee best songs in history, which sadly isn’t one of his most well known tracks.

Controversy has a way of hitting you deep directly to your funk bone and inner groove to dance with moves you didn’t even know you had Hahaha

But you’re right Voitures, that basic guitar riffs and absurdly talented musician, to just be so freely capable of throwing little licks and funky leads.

Just, well,,, I can’t think of the word I’m searching for right now, but ‘incredible’ is an understatement, big you’re so on to it dude, just incredible 🖤🎶🤟🏼



All comments from YouTube:

@kimwright8768

Who's Listening To This Jam Controversy From Prince In 2024❤

@brandonmoore7497

I’m listening to Prince Controversy the end of March 2024

1:47

@mrstrange7350

You should listen to La Toya Jackson - Sехbох 💚

@MrWhingeypants

Are you a bot?

@NobodyLikesyou.

Me

@millyanderson70

Me !!! Such a good hit 💚

3 More Replies...

@KuroiHato69

41 years later and it still sounds awesome!

@tdb4763

My favorite album of his as well. Especially the B sides

@esc1074

Indeed😀

@buddhaboysmom3861

Yeah!! 💖

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