Born and raised in Minneapolis, Prince signed a record deal with Warner Bros. Records at the age of 19, soon releasing the albums For You (1978) and Prince (1979). He went on to achieve critical success with the influential albums Dirty Mind (1980), Controversy (1981), and 1999 (1982). His sixth album, Purple Rain (1984), was recorded with his new backing band the Revolution, and was also the soundtrack to the film of the same name in which he starred. Purple Rain garnered continued success for Prince and was a major commercial achievement, spending six consecutive months atop the Billboard 200 chart. The soundtrack also won Prince the Academy Award for Best Original Song Score. After disbanding the Revolution, Prince released the album Sign o' the Times (1987), widely hailed by critics as the greatest work of his career. In the midst of a contractual dispute with Warner Bros. in 1993, he changed his stage name to the unpronounceable symbol logo. Hollow circle above downward arrow crossed with a curlicued horn-shaped symbol and then a short bar (known to fans as the "Love Symbol") and was often referred to as The Artist Formerly Known as Prince (or TAFKAP) or simply The Artist.
After signing with Arista Records in 1998, Prince reverted to his original name in 2000. Over the next decade, six of his albums entered the U.S. top 10 charts. In April 2016, at the age of 57, Prince died after accidentally overdosing on fentanyl at his Paisley Park home and recording studio in Chanhassen, Minnesota. He was a prolific musician who released 39 albums during his life, with a vast array of unreleased material left in a custom-built bank vault underneath his home after his death, including fully completed albums and over 50 finished music videos. He also released songs under multiple pseudonyms during his life, as well as writing songs that were made popular after being covered by other musicians, most notably "Nothing Compares 2 U" by SinΓ©ad O'Connor and "Manic Monday" by the Bangles. Estimates of the complete number of songs written by Prince range anywhere from 500 to well over 1,000. Released posthumously, his demo albums Piano and a Microphone 1983 (2018) and Originals (2019) both received critical acclaim.
Prince sold over 100 million records worldwide, ranking him among the best-selling music artists of all time. His awards included the Grammy President's Merit Award, the American Music Awards for Achievement and of Merit, the Billboard Icon Award, an Academy Award, and a Golden Globe Award. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2006, and the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2016, and was inducted twice into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame in 2022.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_(musician)
Studio albums
For You (1978)
Prince (1979)
Dirty Mind (1980)
Controversy (1981)
1999 (1982)
Purple Rain (1984)
Around the World in a Day (1985)
Parade (1986)
Sign o' the Times (1987)
Lovesexy (1988)
Batman (1989)
Graffiti Bridge (1990)
Diamonds and Pearls (1991)
Love Symbol (1992)
Come (1994)
The Black Album (1994)
The Gold Experience (1995)
Chaos and Disorder (1996)
Emancipation (1996)
Crystal Ball (1998)
The Truth (1998)
The Vault: Old Friends 4 Sale (1999)
Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic (1999)
The Rainbow Children (2001)
One Nite Alone... (2002)
Xpectation (2003)
NΒ·EΒ·WΒ·S (2003)
The Chocolate Invasion (2004)
The Slaughterhouse (2004)
Musicology (2004)
3121 (2006)
Planet Earth (2007)
Lotusflow3r (2009)
MPLSound (2009)
20Ten (2010)
Plectrumelectrum (2014)
Art Official Age (2014)
HITnRUN Phase One (2015)
HITnRUN Phase Two (2015)
Posthumous releases:
Piano and a Microphone 1983 (2018)
Originals (2019)
Welcome 2 America (2021)
Prince also released two albums credited to Madhouse, three albums credited to the New Power Generation, and one credited to the N.P.G. Orchestra:
Madhouse:
8 (1987)
16 (1987)
The New Power Generation:
Goldnigga (1993)
Exodus (1995)
Newpower Soul (1998)
The N.P.G. Orchestra:
Kamasutra (1997)
For Serbian singer Princ, please use Princ.
1000 Light Years from Here
Prince Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We can live underwater
It ain't hard when you've never been a part (been a part)
Of the country on dry land
We used to be smarter (smarter)
We taught 'em what they know and now we got to show 'em
What it means to be American (American)
Good life (good life)
Liberty, innovation (innovation)
Every child, no matter what color, gettin' an education
Now life in the hood is nothin' but fear
1000 light-years away from here
1000 light-years from here (oh)
1000 light-years from here (I'm talkin' about a peaceful resolution)
1000 light-years from here
1000 light-years away from here
1000 light-years from here (come on)
1000 light-years from here (we need a spiritual resolution)
1000 light-years from here
You can dream in color (you can dream in color)
When you let go of the proverbial
"You got to crawl before you walk"
(I told you so)
Listen to me now, brother (listen to me)
Like the motion of the stars above (we are a star)
So you might as well come on
Let's go (let's slide, stop talkin')
Hey
Baby dreamin' about a new world order, ah
But it's just a nightmare if you still got borders, oh
Wouldn't you rather have me near
Or 1000 light-years away from here?
1000 light-years from here (come on)
1000 light-years from here (and a peaceful resolution)
1000 light-years from here
Why would God make heaven so far away? (So far away)
With a whole world of his children cryin' to him every day
Maybe it's time we all stop the rain (stop the rain)
I'm just saying
Ah-ah-ah, ooh-ooh
Ah-ah-ah, ooh-ooh
Ah-ah-ah, ooh-ooh
If it's a good cryin', I'm tired of tears
Then close your eyes and open your ears
Listen to the music, listen to the song
Listen to your heart, is that so wrong?
Stop lookin' in the mirror, there's nothin' to fear
Your salvation is near
1000 light-years away from here
1000 light-years from here (it's here, it's here)
1000 light-years from here (if you want to be)
1000 light-years from here (c'mon hey)
1000 light-years away from here (hey, hey)
1000 light-years from here (so what you need to do, y'all)
1000 light-years from here (is start lookin' outside yourself)
1000 light-years from here (just, just, just clap your hands)
1000 light-years away from here
1000 light-years from here (i don't understand)
1000 light-years from here (but they keep sellin' lies)
1000 light-years from here (you keep people buyin')
1000 light-years away from here
1000 light-years from here (gonna can live forever)
1000 light-years from here (without even tryin')
1000 light-years from here (no more dyin')
No more
1000 light-years from here (woo)
1000 light-years from here (oh, oh)
1000 light-years from here
1000 light-years from here
1000 light-years from here
1000 light-years from here
1000 light-years away from here
1000 light-years from here
1000 light-years from here
1000 light-years from here
1000 light-years away from here
1000 light-years from here (so far)
1000 light-years from here (so far away)
1000 light-years from here
1000 light-years away from here
So far away from here
Oh, take me there
The lyrics of "1000 Light Years from Here" by Prince & Bria Valente touch upon themes of escapism, unity, social issues, and spirituality. The song talks about living underwater as a metaphor for finding a place of peace and detachment from the chaos of the world on dry land. The idea of being smarter and needing to show others what it truly means to be American suggests a desire for a more idealized and harmonious society.
The lyrics speak of a good life filled with liberty, innovation, and equal education for all children, regardless of color. However, the reality described in the hood is one of fear, a stark contrast to the ideals being sung about. The repeated mention of being 1000 light-years away from here emphasizes a sense of distance from the troubles of the present world, a longing for a peaceful resolution to the conflicts and injustices plaguing society.
The song encourages dreaming in color and letting go of limitations, such as the idea that one must crawl before walking. There is a call for unity and progress, a plea to move away from restrictive borders and towards a new world order based on inclusivity and understanding. The questioning of the distance of heaven and the notion of stopping the rain hint at deeper spiritual reflections and a desire for collective action to create positive change.
In the final verses, the lyrics urge listeners to listen to the music, follow their hearts, and look beyond themselves to find salvation. The repetition of β1000 light-years from hereβ reinforces the idea of a utopian distance, a place where there is no more suffering or deceit. The song closes with an optimistic vision of a future without death, where people can live forever simply by embracing a more compassionate and connected way of being. Overall, the lyrics of β1000 Light Years from Hereβ convey a longing for a better world, a plea for unity and spiritual awakening, and a hope for a brighter future beyond the struggles of the present.
Line by Line Meaning
We can live underwater
We have the ability to exist in unconventional circumstances.
It ain't hard when you've never been a part (been a part)
It's not challenging for those who have not experienced a different reality.
Of the country on dry land
Referring to a society that is stable and established.
We used to be smarter (smarter)
At one time, we possessed greater wisdom or insight.
We taught 'em what they know and now we got to show 'em
We have educated others, and now itβs our responsibility to demonstrate the proper way.
What it means to be American (American)
Unpacking the values and identity associated with being American.
Good life (good life)
A life characterized by fulfillment and happiness.
Liberty, innovation (innovation)
The ideals of freedom and creativity that define our progress.
Every child, no matter what color, gettin' an education
Ensuring equitable educational opportunities for all children regardless of their background.
Now life in the hood is nothin' but fear
Living in impoverished areas is now filled with anxiety and insecurity.
1000 light-years away from here
A metaphorical distance indicating how far we are from an ideal reality.
1000 light-years from here (oh)
Reiterating the disconnect from the desired state of peace.
1000 light-years from here (I'm talkin' about a peaceful resolution)
A call for a harmonious solution to our problems.
1000 light-years away from here
Again stating the vast gap from where we hope to be.
1000 light-years from here (come on)
Encouragement to acknowledge the distance from our ideal outcomes.
1000 light-years from here (we need a spiritual resolution)
Highlighting the necessity for deeper, transformative change.
1000 light-years from here
Continues to emphasize our current state of disconnection.
You can dream in color (you can dream in color)
You are free to envision a vibrant, hopeful future.
When you let go of the proverbial
When you release traditional constraints or beliefs.
"You got to crawl before you walk"
Acknowledging the need for gradual progress.
(I told you so)
A recognition of prior warnings or advice given.
Listen to me now, brother (listen to me)
A plea for attentiveness and understanding in dialogue.
Like the motion of the stars above (we are a star)
Our actions and journeys are interconnected, much like celestial bodies.
So you might as well come on
Encouraging participation toward a common goal.
Let's go (let's slide, stop talkin')
Prompting action rather than just discussion.
Hey
A signal to engage and pay attention.
Baby dreamin' about a new world order, ah
Imagining a transformed global society that is more just.
But it's just a nightmare if you still got borders, oh
True peace cannot exist if we remain divided by boundaries.
Wouldn't you rather have me near
Urging for closeness and unity rather than division.
Or 1000 light-years away from here?
Questioning whether distance is preferable to connection.
1000 light-years from here (come on)
Again, stressing the needed change for a better reality.
1000 light-years from here (and a peaceful resolution)
Reiterating the desired outcome of harmony.
1000 light-years from here
Reaffirming the gap from our present condition and aspirations.
Why would God make heaven so far away? (So far away)
Questioning why ultimate peace and happiness seem unattainable.
With a whole world of his children cryin' to him every day
A recognition of the suffering experienced by people globally.
Maybe it's time we all stop the rain (stop the rain)
Suggesting the need to put an end to suffering and strife.
I'm just saying
Expressing a thought or belief worth considering.
If it's a good cryin', I'm tired of tears
Even when crying brings release, the exhaustion of sadness persists.
Then close your eyes and open your ears
Encouraging introspection and active listening.
Listen to the music, listen to the song
Pay attention to the messages conveyed through art.
Listen to your heart, is that so wrong?
Following your emotions and intuition should not be considered inappropriate.
Stop lookin' in the mirror, there's nothin' to fear
Stop focusing on self-doubt and embrace what lies ahead.
Your salvation is near
Hope and resolution are approaching.
1000 light-years away from here
Reinforcing the idea that our desired state is still distanced from current reality.
1000 light-years from here (it's here, it's here)
A declaration that the potential for change is already within reach.
1000 light-years from here (if you want to be)
Emphasizing that change is contingent on willingness.
1000 light-years from here (c'mon hey)
Continuing to invite engagement in the quest for betterment.
1000 light-years away from here (hey, hey)
Again reflecting on the journey toward our ideals.
1000 light-years from here (so what you need to do, y'all)
Guidance on the actions required for progress.
1000 light-years from here (is start lookin' outside yourself)
Encouraging broader perspectives beyond personal concerns.
1000 light-years from here (just, just, just clap your hands)
A call for unity and celebration of collective efforts.
1000 light-years away from here
Once more indicating the distance to our desired state.
1000 light-years from here (i don't understand)
Expressing confusion over the current state of affairs.
1000 light-years from here (but they keep sellin' lies)
Critiquing the misinformation and false narratives in society.
1000 light-years from here (you keep people buyin')
Highlighting how falsehoods perpetuate ignorance and denial.
1000 light-years away from here
Reiterating the gap between reality and the ideal.
1000 light-years from here (gonna can live forever)
A vision of eternal existence, beyond just physical life.
1000 light-years from here (without even tryin')
Suggesting that this state is accessible with ease, should we choose it.
1000 light-years from here (no more dyin')
Envisioning a world free from suffering and mortality.
No more
A concise declaration of the end of despair.
1000 light-years from here (woo)
An expression of enthusiasm for future possibilities.
1000 light-years from here (oh, oh)
Affirmation of hope for a brighter future.
1000 light-years from here
Reassessing the distance to achieve our visions.
1000 light-years from here
Continuing to emphasize our aspirations.
1000 light-years away from here
Again iterating the significant divide from the life we seek.
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PRINCE ROGERS NELSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Yvette Sanchez
The greatest of thanks to the Prince estates for sharing with us forever devoted Prince fans all of this heavenly greatness!! It all means everything to us!! We love it all endlessly!! You truly have a great heart to be sharing all of this with us!!
Oh, Yes!! Now this is excellence at its finest!! This is such a powerful song with great lessons in it!! & This is such a valuable song!! Everything about this song is true magnificence!! The words really grab your attention & make such great points!! The music sounds so incredible!! & Prince sang this so divinely with his always incredible voice!! This song truly reigns supreme!!
Prince always was & will always remain our one & only true Master of Music!! He was so supremely multi-talented!! He always gave us total ultimacy in everything that he did for us!! Prince always was & will always remain truly one of a kind, irreplaceable!!
As well as Prince having always given us total ultimacy in everything that he did for us, he was also always a great humanitarian & always an incredibly wonderful person!! So, Prince definitely has always been & will always remain truly The Ultimate in every way!!
Prince always inspired us, touched our hearts, taught us so much through his wisdom that he shared with us, & made us so extremely happy!! He truly must be shining in Heaven like he shined on this Earth!!
The greatest of thanks to you always for everything, Prince!! You made the greatest difference in our lives!!
We miss you, love you, cherish you, will never forget you, & hold you close in our hearts for all eternity, our forever beloved, sweet Prince!!
PRINCE REIGNS FOREVER!!
PRINCE IS ETERNAL!! PURPLE POWER!! PEACE ALWAYS!!
ι»ε
Lyrics :
Ahh, ooh...
We can live underwater
It ain't hard
When you never been a part
Of the country on dry land
We used to be smarter
We taught 'em what they know
And now we got to show 'em
What it means to be American
Good life, liberty
Innovation
Every child
No matter what color
Gettin' an education
Now life in the hood
Is nothin' but fear
One thousand light years away from here
One thousand light years from here
Oh
I'm talkin' about a peaceful resolution
One thousand light years away from hΠ΅re
One thousand light years from hΠ΅re
Come on
We need a spiritual resolution
You can dream in color
When you let go
Of the proverbial
"You got to crawl before you walk"
Mmm (I told you so)
Listen to me now, brother
(Listen to me)
Like the motion of the stars
We are a star
So you might as well come on
Let's go (Let's slide)
Hey (Stop talkin')
Baby dreamin' about...
A new world order
Ahh
But it's just a nightmare
If you still got borders, oh
Wouldn't you rather have me near
For one thousand light years away from here?
One thousand light years from here
Come on
And a peaceful resolution
Why would God make heaven so far away?
A whole world of His children
Cryin' to Him everyday
Maybe it's time we all stop the rain
I'm just saying
Ahh, ooh
If it's a good cryin'
I'm tired of tears
Then close your eyes
And open your ears
Listen to the music
Listen to the song
Listen to your heart
Is that so wrong?
Stop lookin' in the mirror
There's nothin' to fear
Your salvation is near
One thousand light years away from here
One thousand light years from here
One thousand light years away from here
It's here
If you want to be
C'mon,hey
So what you need to do, y'all
Is start lookin' outside urself
Just clap your hands
Don't understand
But they keep sellin' lies
To keep people buyin'
You can live forever!
Without even tryin'
No more dyin'
No more
Whoo
Ooh
Henrique Ramos
1000 LIGHT YEARS FROM HERE
[Intro]
Ahh, ooh
(Aaaah, oooh)
[Verse 1]
We can live underwater
It ain't hard
When you never been a part
Of the country on dry land
We used to be smarter
We taught 'em what they know
And now we got to show 'em
What it means to be American
Good life, liberty
Innovation (Innovation)
Every child
No matter what color
Gettin' an education (An education)
Now life in the hood
Is nothin' but fear
One thousand light years away from here
[Chorus]
One thousand light years from here
Oh
I'm talkin' about a peaceful resolution
One thousand light yΠ΅ars away from here
One thousand light yΠ΅ars from here
Come on
One thousand light years from here
We need a spiritual resolution
One thousand light years from here
[Verse 2]
You can dream in color
When you let go
Of the proverbial
"You got to crawl before you walk"
Mmm (I told you so, oh)
Listen to me now, brother
(Listen to me)
Like the motion of the stars we are
(We are)
So you might as well come on
Let's go (Let's slide)
Hey (Stop talkin')
Baby dreamin' about...
A new world order
Ahh
But it's just a nightmare
If you still got borders, oh
Wouldn't you rather have me near?
Or one thousand light years away from here
[Chorus]
One thousand light years from here
Come on
One thousand light years from here
And a peaceful resolution
One thousand light years from here
[Bridge]
Why would God make heaven so far away? (So far away)
A whole world of His children
Cryin' to Him everyday
Maybe it's time we all stop the rain
I'm just saying
Ahh, ooh
[Instrumental Break]
[Verse 3]
If you're sick of cryin'
And tired of tears
Then close your eyes
And open your ears
Listen to the music, listen to the song
Listen to your heart, is that so wrong?
Stop lookin' in the mirror, there's nothin' to fear
Your salvation is near
One thousand light years away from here
[Chorus]
One thousand light years from here
(One thousand light years away from here)
It's here
If you want to be
C'mon,hey
So what you need to do, y'all
Is start lookin' outside urself
Just clap your hands
Don't understand
But they keep sellin' lies
To keep people buyin'
You can live forever!
Without even tryin'
No more dyin'
No more
Whoo
Ooh
One thousand light years from here
(One thousand light years away from here)
(One thousand light years away from here)
(One thousand light years away from here)
(One thousand light years away from here)
(One thousand light years away from here)
One thousand light years away from here
(One thousand light years away from here)
(One thousand light years away from here)
One thousand light years away from here
One thousand light years away from here
One thousand light years away from here
(So far)
(So far away)
One thousand light years away from here
(So far away)
(Take me there)
Produced By
Prince
Written By
Prince
Release Date
July 30, 2021
Album
WELCOME 2 AMERICA (2021)
Dr George Taylor III
Love this song - you can tell he was on most instruments on this specific cut. He killed it and it sounds fun.
B B
This might just be my favourite so far π Choir, how about it? π
Mercedes PrinceFan86
That drum line though...π€πΌπΆππππππ
Jennasis Rayn
I miss him so much. This is such a treat. Thank you my Prince π
suZee Six
All of the songs are so hopeful. I really need that in these trying times. The lyrics are so beautiful and inspirational. Thatβs our beautiful Prince!
Tronoan Kira Yoshikage
BIG FAXXX!!! (FACTS)
G. P.S.
Prince is such a gift to humanity. He's 1000's years ahead of the game! A peaceful, spiritual revolution. He felt it. He knew it. He lived it. Thank you, Universe for this ENERGY!! PRINCE FOREVER!
Tronoan Kira Yoshikage
BIG FAXXX!!! (FACTS)
willnzsurf
π―
Lance Raymundo
What a beautiful song! <3 <3 <3
Thank you Prince!