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.
Judas Smile
Prince Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
U been bamboozled, hoodwinked, took
If U thought that U could put me down
And not get a page in my book
U been bamboozled, hoodwinked, took
Tryin' 2 ball, U will fall
And never get a second look
Without the eye U cannot see
Just a form in the darkness
I brought the light and U believed
With everyone of my creations
A future story would be told (Change it up)
I tried 2 change it up with temptation (With temptation)
But all your claims must be sold (Walk away with soul, soul)
4 every soul there's a buyer (There's a buyer)
4 every action there's a price (How much U pay for that, dude?)
4 every option there's a tryer
But when the claim run out, ain't nothing nice
That's why...
CHORUS
I changed your name, it didn't suit ya
I did the same 4 a little while (The same 4 a little while)
The day your love led 2 revenue (Talkin' about the money)
In return a Judas smile (Hahaha, U gave me)
What I am will never fade away
Like U being funky - it'll never be
Woo hoo, (What I am) What I am U will finally see (U will see)
Then U will admit 2 4 part harmony
CHORUS
(Hoodwinked)
(Ah, come on)
1979 times 2 or maybe a bit 'fo that
Me, your sister and yo' brother got paid when the man let 'em up 2 bat
Whaddya do, do U act like a fool and wonder why your people disown ya?
Sang any song Mr. Charlie wanna sang, see around here we don't know ya
They'd have 2 take me out (Okay)
4 treating B like a B if she ain't one
And if she is it's no good like a rat in the hood
We gonna give her a Bible and then some
Come on! (Uh)
The chocolate invasion starts here {x3}
The chocolate invasion
Neapolitan born 2 rule
I never was fond of a dumb blonde
That can't swim in the carpool
Your secret's out da box, B.
'Less U 'fess up 2 what U stole
Here's what we think - U're the weakest link
Get ready 'cause we coming with the old school (Old school)
Old school (Old school) {x2}
Come on, come on - give it 2 me, baby
(That's music, baby)
(Keep doin' it)
Ahh Mr. Aussieman what makes ya think I'll work 4 U?
Paying 15 cents on the dollar
Those are the wages of a fool, nigga
Pinocchio mentality on levels more than 9
From now on the only piece U'll ever get from me's my mind
Chocolate invasion starts here
Chocolate invasion starts here (Ahh)
The chocolate invasion starts here {x2}
Now wait a minute
How dare U call a robot 'Mecca'?
I knew that smack was jive
Step right up 2 the minstrel show
Starts in about 5 minutes
Confess these shuffling punks (Yeah)
Everyone claiming no sin
Act the fool if U wanna
Guess the quickest way out (Tell 'em) is the way in
(Bamboozled) U been bamboozled, hoodwinked, took
If U thought that U could put me down
With a song that got no hook (Oh no)
The chocolate invasion starts here
No matter your color U're still my brother
If U've got no fear - uh!
The chocolate invasion starts here
U still our sister although we missed ya
Come wipe away your tears
Peace 2 Common, (D'Angelo, Macy Gray, Lenny Kravitz)
2 brother Curtis - big love
Maceo (Larry Graham, Patti Labelle)
Erykah Badu
The chocolate invasion starts here
Chocolate invasion starts here
The chocolate invasion starts here {x2}
In "Judas Smile," Prince seems to send out a warning to all those who doubted him or tried to keep him down. With a catchy chorus of "U been bamboozled, hoodwinked, took," he takes jabs at those who underestimate him and promises that they will never get a second look. He alludes to his creative power and how he brought light to nothingness, but attempted to change things up with "temptation" or perhaps new sounds, only to see the same old claims being made. He then speaks about the price one ultimately pays, which is nothing nice when the claim runs out or when everything is said and done.
Later in the song, Prince speaks more directly about people trying to take advantage of him and how he saw through their true intentions. He refers to a "Judas smile," which suggests that the person is betraying him with false kindness. He also alludes to the music industry and how he, his sister, and brother all got paid for their success when given the opportunity. Prince then says that he will never work for anyone else, particularly for someone who pays him poorly. The song ends with Prince paying tribute to other artists and thanking them for supporting him.
Line by Line Meaning
U been bamboozled, hoodwinked, took
You have been tricked and fooled.
If U thought that U could put me down
If you thought that you could defeat me or bring me down.
And not get a page in my book
And not become a part of my story or success.
Tryin' 2 ball, U will fall
If you try to play big or act tough, you will fail.
And never get a second look
And never be noticed or valued again.
Before me there was nothing
Before my existence or influence, there was nothing.
Without the eye U cannot see
Without my guidance or vision, you cannot see the possibilities.
Just a form in the darkness
Just existing without hope or direction in the darkness.
I brought the light and U believed
I brought hope and success and you believed in me and my message.
With everyone of my creations
With each one of my creations or successes.
A future story would be told (Change it up)
A future filled with opportunities or success will be created.
I tried 2 change it up with temptation (With temptation)
I tried to change the direction or success with temptation, but it didn't work.
But all your claims must be sold (Walk away with soul, soul)
All your claims to success or achievement must be backed up with action and soul.
4 every soul there's a buyer (There's a buyer)
For every person or soul, there is always a buyer or someone willing to invest in them.
4 every action there's a price (How much U pay for that, dude?)
For every action, there is always a cost or consequence that must be paid.
4 every option there's a tryer
For every option or opportunity, there is always someone willing to give it a try.
But when the claim run out, ain't nothing nice
But when the time for claiming success or opportunities runs out, the consequences are not pleasant.
I changed your name, it didn't suit ya
I changed the way you were viewed or labeled, but it didn't fit you.
I did the same 4 a little while (The same 4 a little while)
I tried to change myself or my direction, but only for a short time.
The day your love led 2 revenue (Talkin' about the money)
The day when you were able to create success or revenue through your love or passion.
In return a Judas smile (Hahaha, U gave me)
But in return, I received fake praise or reward in the form of a Judas smile.
What I am will never fade away
My influence or success will always be remembered and lasting.
Like U being funky - it'll never be
Just like how you will never regain the ability to be cool or successful.
Woo hoo, (What I am) What I am U will finally see (U will see)
You will finally understand or realize the type of person or success that I am.
Then U will admit 2 4 part harmony
Then you will admit to the harmony or success that I have created.
1979 times 2 or maybe a bit 'fo that
Referring to a specific year or moment in time that has been repeated or remembered.
Me, your sister and yo' brother got paid when the man let 'em up 2 bat
Referring to a payment or reward received when there was an opportunity to succeed or achieve something.
Whaddya do, do U act like a fool and wonder why your people disown ya?
What do you do when you continuously make poor choices or decisions and wonder why your family or community rejects you?
Sang any song Mr. Charlie wanna sang, see around here we don't know ya
Referring to someone who tries to fit in or succeed by copying someone else's actions or ideas and will still not be accepted or known in their own community or circle.
They'd have 2 take me out (Okay)
Referring to being so committed to a goal or belief that they would have to physically harm him to stop him.
4 treating B like a B if she ain't one
For treating someone poorly or unfairly even if they don't deserve it.
And if she is it's no good like a rat in the hood
Even if someone deserves poor treatment or punishment, it's not a good thing and only causes more issues.
We gonna give her a Bible and then some
Trying to teach someone a lesson or help them by giving them advice or guidance.
The chocolate invasion starts here {x3}
Referring to a new era or movement that is starting.
Neapolitan born 2 rule
Someone who is meant to achieve success or take charge in a certain environment or situation.
I never was fond of a dumb blonde
Not liking or respecting someone who is ignorant or not smart.
That can't swim in the carpool
Someone who doesn't fit in or can't survive in a certain setting or environment.
Your secret's out da box, B.
Referring to someone's secret or hidden agenda that has been discovered or exposed.
'Less U 'fess up 2 what U stole
Unless you admit to what you did wrong or what you took without permission.
Here's what we think - U're the weakest link
Here's what we believe - you are the weakest or least successful person in the group or situation.
Get ready 'cause we coming with the old school (Old school)
Get ready because we are going back to the older, more traditional way of doing things.
Come on, come on - give it 2 me, baby
Encouraging someone to try their best or give their all to succeed.
(That's music, baby)
Referring to the power or importance of musical influence or success.
(Keep doin' it)
Encouraging someone to continue working hard and achieving success.
Ahh Mr. Aussieman what makes ya think I'll work 4 U?
Questioning why someone would assume he would work for them.
Paying 15 cents on the dollar
Referring to a low or unfair wage or payment for his work or success.
Those are the wages of a fool, nigga
Those are the wages paid to someone who is foolish or easily manipulated.
Pinocchio mentality on levels more than 9
A mindset or belief that is always lying or stretching the truth (referring to the story of Pinocchio) to a high degree.
From now on the only piece U'll ever get from me's my mind
From now on, the only thing he is giving is his intellectual property or ideas, not his time or work.
No matter your color U're still my brother
Referring to unity and acceptance of all people regardless of their race or background.
If U've got no fear - uh!
If you are brave or not afraid to take risks or succeed.
U still our sister although we missed ya
Even though you have been absent or gone for a while, you are still part of the family or community.
Peace 2 Common, (D'Angelo, Macy Gray, Lenny Kravitz)
Referring to other artists or people who inspire and create unity.
2 brother Curtis - big love
Referring to Curtis Mayfield, who was a major influence on Prince's music.
Maceo (Larry Graham, Patti Labelle)
Referring to musicians who were associated with Prince in some way.
Erykah Badu
Referring to another artist who was an inspiration and influence on Prince's music.
Contributed by Mia T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.