This is one of the few Prince songs he didn't write entirely on his own. It started off as a song recorded by David Coleman, the brother of Revolution band member Lisa Coleman and a talented multi-instrumentalist in his own right. Prince gave David some recording time at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles as a birthday gift, which is where he demoed the initial version of "Around The World In A Day." When Prince heard the song, he asked to use it, and David complied, earning a writer's credit on the track (John Nelson, who is Prince's father, also has a credit - Prince sometimes gave him credits so he would earn royalties).
Prince re-worked the song but kept the title. David Coleman played on the final version, adding cello, finger cymbals and two Middle Eastern instruments: darbuka and oud. Coleman died of an enlarged heart in 2004.
"Around The World In A Day" is the title track and first song on Prince's seventh album, which was released on April 22, 1985, just 10 months after his groundbreaking mega-seller Purple Rain. Prince initially planned to release no singles from the album, figuring radio stations would just play the songs they wanted. When they didn't, Prince issued "Raspberry Beret" as a single, followed by "Pop Life" and "America." The album didn't reach the commercial or artistic heights of its predecessor, but still went to #1 in America, where it sold over 2 million copies. This title track holds up as a fan favorite, with a groovy, Indian-flavored soul sound that stands out in his catalog.
Prince's staff engineer, Susan Rogers, recalled to Uncut: "David had this song, he played it for Prince, and Prince just loved it. He loved the theme and its little bit of exoticism. We played David's original cassette at the warehouse, with cello and finger cymbals. I remember it had the chorus and the tagline. Prince certainly wrote the verses."
Prince's own version was recorded with his band the Revolution at Flying Cloud Drive Warehouse in Eden Prairie, Minnesotta (which was converted into a recording studio) on August 16, 1984. He later added vocals and further embellishment and removed elements too. "I was handed a rough mix of the title track, that had a full rhythm section on it," Prince's saxophonist Eric Leeds recalled to Uncut. "Obviously, that never ended up on the final mix. I was disappointed. I asked Prince later why he took off the rhythm section. He said it was just the way he wanted it to be. I thought the original version was much hipper! But he was in his minimalist mode at that point."
Prince opened every show on his 1986 Parade tour with this song.
Around The World In A Day
Prince Lyrics
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A train is leaving all day
A wonderful trip through our time
And laughter is all you pay
Around the world in a day
Around the world in a day
Loneliness already knows you
There ain't no reason to stay
Come here and take my hand, I'll show you
I think I know a better way, y'all
Around the world in a day
(Listen to me, babe)
Around the world in a day
(All the babies sing it now)
No
No shouting
No shouting
No, no shouting
The little will escort you
To places within your mind
The former is red, white, and blue
The ladder is purple, come on and climb
Around the world in a day
Around the world in a day
Come on, sing
Around the world in a day
Say papa, I think I want to dance
(Summer she is sweet)
Around the world in a day
Around the world in a day
All the little babies sing around the world
Around the world in a day
The lyrics of Prince & The Revolution's "Around the World in a Day" express a joyful invitation to embark on a trip through time and space with an open heart and mind. The song talks about leaving the lonely and boring present behind and venturing into a more colorful and exciting world. The train that takes us on this journey is hailed as a symbol of unity and adventure, as it carries people from different backgrounds and places to places within their own minds. The song also mentions the colors of the American flag (red, white, and blue) and the color purple (famously associated with the artist) as pathways to explore and climb. The chorus repeats the title phrase as an upbeat mantra, inviting all the "little babies" to sing along and dance.
The lyrics can be interpreted as a call to escape the mundane reality and embrace a more imaginative and spiritual experience. The train that takes us on this journey may represent a transcendent force or a collective dream, as it bypasses geographical and cultural barriers and elevates us to a higher level of consciousness. The song is full of playful and nonsensical words ("Now dig", "No shouting", "Say papa") that add to the whimsical feel of the track. The line "The little will escort you" may refer to the power of imagination and curiosity in guiding us through life.
Line by Line Meaning
Open your heart, open your mind
Start with an open heart and an open mind
A train is leaving all day
This journey lasts all day long
A wonderful trip through our time
A fantastic journey through history
And laughter is all you pay
The only thing you need to bring is a sense of humor and a willingness to have fun
Around the world in a day
Traveling around the world in a single day
Around the world in a day
Traveling around the world in a single day
Now dig
Now pay attention and listen up
Loneliness already knows you
You've felt lonely before
There ain't no reason to stay
You don't have to stay lonely
Come here and take my hand, I'll show you
I'll help you escape loneliness
I think I know a better way, y'all
I've found a way to make things better for you
No shouting
Let's keep things calm, with no shouting
No shouting
Let's keep things calm, with no shouting
No, no shouting
Let's keep things calm, with no shouting
The little will escort you
Let your imagination lead the way
To places within your mind
Explore the depths of your own imagination
The former is red, white, and blue
Our past is patriotic and historic
The ladder is purple, come on and climb
The future is bright and exciting, so come along and join the journey
Around the world in a day
Traveling around the world in a single day
Around the world in a day
Traveling around the world in a single day
Come on, sing
Join me in song
Around the world in a day
Traveling around the world in a single day
Say papa, I think I want to dance
I'm ready to let go and have some fun
(Summer she is sweet)
The joys of summer
Around the world in a day
Traveling around the world in a single day
Around the world in a day
Traveling around the world in a single day
All the little babies sing around the world
Everyone is invited to join the journey
Around the world in a day
Traveling around the world in a single day
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: David G. Coleman, John L. Nelson, Prince Rogers Nelson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind