While specific recording dates are not known, the track was recorded in Summer 1981 at Prince's Kiowa Trail Home Studio, Chanhassen, MN, USA (during the same session as Poppa Grooves and Tick, Tick, Bang). The album was completed at Sunset Sound, Hollywood, CA, USA, between 14 and 23 August, 1981.
Controversy
Prince Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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? (Yeah, yeah)
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
Ooh (ooh)
Ooh
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, ye, hey
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?
Controversy
Controversy
Controversy
Controversy
The lyrics to Prince's song "Controversy" are a reflection on the scrutiny the artist faced in the public eye. The first verse poses questions about Prince's identity, race, and sexuality, challenging the listener's assumptions about him. He then questions human curiosity, expressing his frustration with the way people try to categorize him. In the second verse, Prince brings up the topic of death, saying that some people want to die to be free. He then offers his perspective that life is just a game and we're all the same, urging the listener to play along.
Overall, the song is a commentary on the personal and societal pressures to conform and be defined by labels. Prince's message is one of rebellion, encouraging his fans to embrace their individuality and resist the urge to fit into society's predefined boxes.
Line by Line Meaning
I just can't believe all the things people say
Prince is expressing disbelief at the things people say about him.
Am I black or white? Am I straight or gay?
Prince is questioning the labels people use to categorize him.
Do I believe in God? Do I believe in me? Controversy
Prince is challenging societal norms and questioning whether he believes in himself and a higher power.
I can't understand human curiosity Controversy
Prince is expressing frustration at people's curiosity about his personal life.
Was it good for you? Was I what you wanted me to be? Controversy
Prince is questioning whether he lived up to people's expectations and if the experience was enjoyable for them.
Do you get high? Does your daddy cry? Controversy
Prince is questioning people's actions and the potential consequences of those actions.
Do I believe in God? Do I believe in me? (Yeah, yeah) 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
Prince is asking philosophical questions about the meaning of life and inviting others to join him in the search for answers.
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
Prince is blending religious references with his own questions and ideas about life to challenge societal norms and expectations.
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, ye, hey Controversy Oh, yeah, controversy
Prince is advocating for a world without judgment, labels, and rules, where everyone can be themselves.
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? Controversy Controversy Controversy Controversy
Prince is encouraging individualism and questioning the status quo, inviting others to join him in the search for meaning.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Prince Rogers Nelson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@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 🖤🎶🤟🏼
@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 💚
@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!! 💖