The track was worked on further (or perhaps re-recorded) in early 1987, at Prince's Galpin Blvd Home Studio, Chanhassen, MN, USA, with lead vocals by American blues singer-songwriter Bonnie Raitt, during a short-lived collaboration between Prince and Raitt. Eric Leeds recorded saxophone overdubs on 21 January, 1987 (the same day Madhouse's first album 8 was released, four days before saxophone overdubs on There's Something I Like About Being Your Fool). Prince worked on the track again, possibly re-recording it entirely, on 31 May, 1988, at Paisley Park Studios, Chanhassen, MN, USA. The track remains unreleased, however.
I Need A Man
Prince Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Whoa-oh-ooh
People say you got big money, tell me, is it true?
They tell me that they'll wait in line, just to get a date with you
'Bout how tonight, you gave a hundred dollars to a skid-row bum
Well let me tell you something, baby, if you think I'm dumb
If you can't make me hot, I don't need you 'round
If you can't turn me on, I don't need it
I need a lover that is strong, ain't got time to fool around
I need a man
I need a real man
I need a man
I need a M-A-N, real man
They say you got a fancy car, a big Mercedes-Benz
They tell me that Springsteen is one of your best friends
Money don't make no man, sucker, get up off of that funk
Let me tell you one more time in case you think I'm drunk
If money's all you got, I don't want it, oh
If you can't make me hot, I don't need you 'round
If you can't turn me on, I don't need it, no
I need a lover that is strong, ain't got time to fool around
I need a man
I need a real man
Think I don't?
I need a man, yeah
I need a M-A-N, real man, whew, yeah
Give it to me
Give it
Is it alright if I play this thing?
Get out my way now
The only way of getting me hot
I need a lover with a lot
A little money don't hurt
But I'd rather have a body that works
If money's all you got, I don't want it, mmm
If you can't make me hot, I don't need you 'round
If you can't turn me on, I don't need it, no
I need a lover that is strong, ain't got time to fool around
I need a man, oh
I need a real man
Think I don't?
I need a man, yeah
I need a M-A-N, real man
I need a M-A-N, real man
Say it again
M-A-N, real man
One more time
M-A-N
The only way to get me hot
I need a lover with a lot
A little money don't hurt
But I'd rather have a body that works
Work
Work
Hold on now
Give it to me
Ow
Give it to me
Work
Skip the change, keep grooving
Ow
Work
Uh
Need a man, yeah
M-A-N, real man
Ow, give it to me
In "I Need A Man," Prince expresses his desire for a genuine, authentic lover who values more than just material possessions. The song begins by addressing rumors about the person he's singing to, someone who supposedly has a lot of money and attracts many suitors. However, Prince challenges the notion that wealth and fame alone are enough to win him over. He asserts that if money is all the person has to offer, he is not interested.
Prince emphasizes that he needs someone who can truly ignite his passion and desires. He craves a lover who can turn him on and satisfy his emotional and physical needs. He values strength and loyalty over superficial qualities. He doesn't have time for games or casual flings; he seeks a committed and genuine relationship.
The second verse continues to dismantle the idea that wealth and connections are the defining characteristics of a real man. Prince dismisses the person's fancy car and famous friends, emphasizing that money does not make a person. He admonishes the individual for relying on their wealth to define their identity and attract others. Prince believes that material wealth alone is not enough to sustain a fulfilling relationship.
Throughout the song, Prince repeats his longing for a "real man," highlighting the desire for authenticity and substance in a partner. He craves someone who can truly satisfy him on all levels, someone who appreciates and values him for who he is. The repetition of the letters spelling out M-A-N further emphasizes his yearning for a genuine and strong lover.
In the final part of the song, Prince emphasizes the importance of physical attraction but reiterates that it's not solely about money. While acknowledging that a little money can be beneficial, he prioritizes a lover with a functioning body over material wealth. He encourages his partner to give him everything they have, asking for their undivided attention and effort in the relationship.
Overall, "I Need A Man" reflects Prince's desire for a lover who brings more than material wealth to the table. He seeks a passionate connection, emotional depth, and physical chemistry. The song sends a message about the importance of authenticity and genuine love in relationships, highlighting the limitations of relying solely on money and status.
Line by Line Meaning
People say you got big money, tell me, is it true?
Some people claim that you have a lot of money, can you confirm if it's true?
They tell me that they'll wait in line, just to get a date with you
I've heard that people are willing to wait in line just to have a chance to go out with you
'Bout how tonight, you gave a hundred dollars to a skid-row bum
I've heard rumors that you generously gave a homeless person a hundred dollars tonight
Well let me tell you something, baby, if you think I'm dumb
But let me be clear, my dear, if you believe I am foolish
If money's all you got, I don't want it
If all you have to offer is money, then I am not interested
If you can't make me hot, I don't need you 'round
If you cannot arouse and excite me, I don't need you around
If you can't turn me on, I don't need it
If you cannot ignite my passion, I do not require it
I need a lover that is strong, ain't got time to fool around
I need a partner who is confident and committed, as I have no time for games
I need a man
I am in search of a man
I need a real man
More specifically, I need a genuine and authentic man
They say you got a fancy car, a big Mercedes-Benz
According to rumors, you own an extravagant car, specifically a large Mercedes-Benz
They tell me that Springsteen is one of your best friends
I have been informed that you count Bruce Springsteen as one of your closest friends
Money don't make no man, sucker, get up off of that funk
Money does not define a person, so stop relying on your wealth and snap out of that negative mindset
Let me tell you one more time in case you think I'm drunk
Allow me to repeat myself to ensure you don't mistake me for being intoxicated
Think I don't?
Do you believe I don't?
Give it to me
Deliver it to me
Is it alright if I play this thing?
May I have your permission to perform on this instrument?
The only way of getting me hot
The sole method to arouse me
I need a lover with a lot
I require a partner with a great deal of passion and desire
A little money don't hurt
While money is not essential, it doesn't hurt to have some
But I'd rather have a body that works
However, I prefer someone who has a functioning physique
Work
Engage in physical or mental effort
Hold on now
Wait a moment
Skip the change, keep grooving
Don't worry about insignificant details, just keep moving rhythmically
Need a man, yeah
I desire a man, yes
Say it again
Repeat it once more
One more time
Once again
Give it to me
Present it to me
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Prince Rogers Nelson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind