Initial tracking dates are unknown, but it is likely that the track was recorded in 1995 at Paisley Park Studios, Chanhassen, MN, USA. An earlier mix of the track was included as the ninth and final track on a July, 1995, configuration of Emancipation, and as the first track on another 1995 configuration. Prior to the 9 September, 1995 (am) show at Paisley Park Studios, pink sheets of paper were handed out to the audience with the title "Emancipation", but the poem written was entirely different than the song's lyrics (see trivia below); no recording is known to have been made of this poem.
The song's lyric reuses one of his most well-known lyrics during the chorus - "see you in the purple rain" (from Purple Rain).
Emancipation
Prince Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I had 2 have double everything
When they tell me that's enough
That's when I want to fill my cup
2 the top, Johnny, hear me sing
CHORUS:
Emancipation - free 2 do what I want to
Emancipation - see you in the purple rain
Emancipation - break the chain, break the chain
Ever since that Eve did unto Adam, alright
What somebody been sho'nuff doin' 2 me (Watch it!)
I've been tryin' 2 break the chain
Get my little ass out the game
I'd rather sing with a bit more harmony, oh
CHORUS
Johnny please, huh, when I was on my knees
My back was broken and my spirit ill at ease
And now it seems just like the autumn leaves
Your money's turned from green 2 brown and now you best believe
CHORUS
(Emancipation) {repeat in BG}
Break the chain, oh yeah
Well, sho'nuff
See you in the purple rain
Emancipation - free 2 do what I want to
Break the.. break the.. break the chain!
Hey!
Alright!
Hey! {x4}
Emancipation
Free - don't think I ain't!
Emancipation
The song Emancipation by Prince is about wanting to break free from the chains that society and other people have placed on him. He starts the song with a reference to his childhood, stating that he always had to have double everything and that he wants to fill his cup to the top. This can be interpreted as Prince feeling like he has never had enough, and always wanting more than what others tell him is sufficient. He then breaks into the chorus, which emphasizes his desire for freedom to do what he wants and break the chains that bind him.
Prince goes on to reference Adam and Eve, stating that he has been trying to break the chain since Eve did it to Adam. This can be interpreted as Prince trying to break free from the chains of sin and temptation that have been present since the beginning of humanity. He wants to get out of the game and sing with more harmony, which could represent his desire for a more peaceful and authentic existence. The song then returns to the chorus, repeating the message of freedom and the breaking of chains.
In summary, Emancipation is a song about Prince's desire to break free from the restrictions and limitations placed on him by society and others. He wants to be free to do what he wants, free from the chains of sin and temptation, and ultimately free to live a more authentic life.
Line by Line Meaning
Ever since I was a little baby
Since I was young, I always lived with twice the essentials.
I had 2 have double everything
I required two of everything that's necessary for a comfortable living.
When they tell me that's enough
I aim to surpass anyone that limits my potential or tells me to settle.
That's when I want to fill my cup
In instances where others enforce their own boundaries on me, I push myself beyond them to achieve my goals.
2 the top, Johnny, hear me sing
I will succeed in all of my endeavors, and I will be heard throughout the process.
Emancipation - free 2 do what I want to
The ability to act independently without restraints ensures my success and pushes me to attain my goals.
Emancipation - see you in the purple rain
I will proceed no matter what challenges or obstacles come my way.
Emancipation - break the chain, break the chain
I will break free from restrictions and succeed in ways that no one thought possible.
Ever since that Eve did unto Adam, alright
From the beginning when Eve betrayed Adam, there have been external forces determined to hurt and hold me down.
What somebody been sho'nuff doin' 2 me (Watch it!)
Someone has been deliberately causing me pain.
I've been tryin' 2 break the chain
I have been fighting to break free from my restraints and soar to unimaginable heights.
Get my little ass out the game
I will no longer accept limited success, I want more and will get it.
I'd rather sing with a bit more harmony, oh
I would prefer to be recognized for my accomplishments rather than have to fight continually to obtain them.
Johnny please, huh, when I was on my knees
When I was helpless and weak, Johnny, please hear me.
My back was broken and my spirit ill at ease
My will and motivation were completely broken down, and my spirit was lost.
And now it seems just like the autumn leaves
Like the leaves falling off during autumn, change is occurring for a new beginning.
Your money's turned from green 2 brown and now you best believe
Money that was once an asset has now become a liability and will no longer hold anyone down.
(Emancipation) {repeat in BG}
(Emancipation)
Break the chain, oh yeah
Break free from any restrictions and move freely towards one's goals.
Well, sho'nuff
Absolutely
See you in the purple rain
No matter what happens, I will see this endeavor through to the very end.
Emancipation - free 2 do what I want to
The ability to act without any limitations is critical to success and is essential to the achievement of one's goals.
Break the.. break the.. break the chain!
Break free of any limitations that restrain one's ability to succeed.
Hey!
Hey!
Alright!
Alright!
Hey! {x4}
Hey!
Emancipation
Free - don't think I ain't!
I am free, I refuse to be held back, and I won't hesitate to act out my ambitions.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PRINCE ROGERS NELSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind