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 Sinéad 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)
N·E·W·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.
Big City
Prince Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Yeah, yeah, yeah)
Mhh we're in the big city
Uh, come on!
Where ever we are it's a big city
Dirty little hotel room or working on a farm
If everybody is a star, to me, you're the most pretty
When I'm in your arms
Bright Lights, a sea of faces
Something tells me this is gonna be fun
Tonight's the night
And of all the places
That I'm going to fall in love, it's got to be this one
There'll never be anybody happier than this
Let's make a vow and seal it with a kiss
(Uh, yeah)
Where ever we are it's a big city
Dirty little hotel room or working on a farm
If everybody is a star, to me, you're the most pretty
I'm in da big city, da big city, da big city
When I'm in your arms
It's our time, we're in the line for the big break
Everything is looking up when you're this low to the ground
It's bout time
Everybody's on the take
Let's get a big brush and paint this town
The night is young
Much younger than we are
Let's kiss the night
Away in a fast car
Where ever we are it's a big city
Dirty little hotel room or working on a farm
If everybody is a star, to me, you're the most pretty
I'm in da big city (and me), da big city, da big city
When I'm in your arms
Everybody's getting money instead of getting saved
Not you and me honey we already gave
Just as long as eye got you don't care come what may
(Well, she's in da big city)
Eye just came to tell y'all
From the darkest desperation to the highest bliss
Power to the one's aware of the bigger than this!
Big city uh, where's my guitar?
What's going on? Everything good
Where ever we are it's a big city
Dirty little hotel room or working on a farm
If everybody is a star, to me, you're the most pretty
I'm in da big city, da big city, da big city
When I'm in your arms
The big city so pretty
Oh yeah
Taking back the lane give it to the next man, plane
Foxy and you what you wanna do?
That's it
The lyrics to Prince's song "Big City" depict a sense of excitement and adventure that comes with being in a bustling metropolitan area. The song celebrates the allure and energy of the city, highlighting the contrast between different lifestyles and the freedom to explore new opportunities.
The opening line, "Alright you polaroids, let's go!" sets the tone for the song and suggests that the listeners should prepare for an immersive experience. Prince then sings, "Where ever we are it's a big city, dirty little hotel room or working on a farm." This line emphasizes that regardless of the location or circumstances, the city offers endless possibilities and captivating experiences. Prince acknowledges that everyone is unique and special, but in his eyes, the person he is with is the most beautiful, signaling a deep connection and affection.
The chorus repeats the phrase "I'm in the big city, da big city, da big city," emphasizing the excitement and exhilaration Prince feels whenever he is in his lover's arms. The lyrics also describe the bright lights and sea of faces, creating a vivid image of the city's energy and vibrant atmosphere. Prince believes that this particular night will be memorable, possibly a turning point in his life, and expresses his intention to fall in love in this city.
The second verse hints at a feeling of ambition and the desire for success. Prince sings, "It's our time, we're in the line for the big break, everything is looking up when you're this low to the ground." These lines convey the potential for growth and achievement, emphasizing that even in challenging times, there's room for hope and progress. The lyrics encourage embracing the moment and making the most of the opportunities that come along.
The overall message of "Big City" is about finding joy, fulfillment, and love in the midst of the vibrant chaos and endless possibilities of urban life. It celebrates the freedom to be oneself, pursue dreams, and create lasting memories.
Line by Line Meaning
Alright you polaroids, let's go!
Okay, you snapshots of memories, let's move forward!
Mhh we're in the big city
Mmm, we find ourselves in a bustling metropolis
Uh, come on!
Oh, let's go!
Where ever we are it's a big city
No matter where we are, it feels like we're in a sprawling city
Dirty little hotel room or working on a farm
Whether we're in a humble hotel room or toiling on a farm
If everybody is a star, to me, you're the most pretty
Even if everyone is considered special, to me, you stand out as the most beautiful
I'm in da big city, da big city, da big city
I am present in the grandeur of the big city
When I'm in your arms
When I am held by you
Bright Lights, a sea of faces
Radiant lights, a multitude of people
Something tells me this is gonna be fun
There's a feeling that this will be enjoyable
Tonight's the night
This very night is significant
And of all the places
Out of all the locations
That I'm going to fall in love, it's got to be this one
The place where I will find love, it simply has to be this one
There'll never be anybody happier than this
There will never exist anyone more joyful than us right now
Let's make a vow and seal it with a kiss
We should make a promise and solidify it with a kiss
It's our time, we're in the line for the big break
This is our moment, we're waiting for our big opportunity
Everything is looking up when you're this low to the ground
When you're starting from the bottom, everything seems promising
It's bout time
It is about time
Everybody's on the take
Everyone is trying to benefit
Let's get a big brush and paint this town
We should gather a large brush and revitalize this city
The night is young
The night is still early
Much younger than we are
Far younger than we are
Let's kiss the night
We should embrace the night
Away in a fast car
Zooming away in a speedy car
Everybody's getting money instead of getting saved
Everyone is focused on acquiring wealth instead of saving
Not you and me honey we already gave
But not us, darling, we have already contributed
Just as long as eye got you don't care come what may
As long as I have you, I am not bothered by any outcome
(Well, she's in da big city)
(Well, she is in the grand metropolis)
Eye just came to tell y'all
I just came here to inform all of you
From the darkest desperation to the highest bliss
From the utmost despair to the utmost happiness
Power to the one's aware of the bigger than this!
Strength to those who comprehend the significance beyond this!
Big city uh, where's my guitar?
Big city, uh, where is my guitar?
What's going on? Everything good
What is happening? Is everything alright?
The big city so pretty
The grand city is so beautiful
Taking back the lane give it to the next man, plane
Reclaiming our position and passing it on to the next person, swiftly
Foxy and you what you wanna do?
My attractive one, what do you desire to do?
That's it
That is all
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PRINCE ROGERS NELSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind