The song was released as the first single from Love Symbol, with "Strollin'", from the previous year's Diamonds and Pearls, as a B-side. In the United Kingdom, the CD single also contained a third track, "Daddy Pop", also from Diamonds and Pearls.
"Sexy MF" was recorded in Paisley Park Studios' Studio A. The song is a merger of "old school" funk and modern R&B music. The song also carries a strong Hip-Hop influence in Prince's delivery of the lyrics. The song is built around the bass, drums and guitar. Added to this is a consistent electric rhythm guitar undertone and horn stabs from the NPG Hornz. Throughout the song, the horns are given the chance to shine, along with a sax solo from Brian Gallagher. Musical solos are also provided by Levi Seacer, Jr. (guitar) and Tommy Barbarella (organ) who Prince mentions in the song's lyrics ("Tommy Barbarella in the house", "Come here, Tommy. Yeah!", and "Levi... Levi... Fly"). The music and most of the lyrics were composed by Prince, while Seacer came up with the chorus and the song's title. Tony M. delivers a rap which he wrote. It has been covered by the Dave Matthews Band as an outro from their song "Jimi Thing". The two-bar beat is unique putting the snare on the first and forth beats of the first bar and no snare at all in the second bar.
Recording
While specific recording dates are not known, basic tracking took place in early December 1991, at Paisley Park Studios, Chanhassen, MN, USA (during the same set of sessions that produced "Love 2 The 9's", "The Sacrifice Of Victor", "The Morning Papers", "Arrogance", and "And God Created Woman"). "Sexy MF" was placed as the opening track of the Symbol album for a while, until Prince later added the track "My Name Is Prince", recorded a few months previously. It was included as the third track (second song) on the March 1992 and Summer 1992 configurations of Love Symbol, before the Album Intro segue was removed.
Critical reception
Andy Healy from Albumism called "Sexy MF" "raucous", noting "the funk stew" with "its punching beat and irresistible callout backed by powerful horn blasts". He stated that the song "remain just as intoxicating" as it did when the album first dropped." Also Stephen Thomas Erlewine from AllMusic noted "the deep funk", stating that Love Symbol "has Prince's best dance tracks since The Black Album." Alexis Petridis from The Guardian said that the song "offers up a JB's-ish groove that's simultaneously raw and tightly controlled, a chorus punctuated by the kind of lip-smacking noise also featured on Kiss and its author on superb priapic form: "I got wet dreams comin' out my ears!"" Music Week commented, "It's a very sparse, basic groove not dissimilar to those churned out by James Brown in the Sixties, with lyrics that are alternately facile and controversial, the latter of which will keep airplay to a minimum. His fan base is such that it should, however, make significant inroads into the chart." Johnny Dee from Smash Hits noted the "grunting and grinding in the usual Paisley Park sassy funk style with some gorgeous jazzy brazz-n-stuff".
Chart performance
The song was released in an edited version in the US, where it peaked at number 66 on the Hot 100 chart and number 76 on the R&B chart. In the UK, the song sold significantly better, peaking at number 4.
Single formats
The single was available in multiple formats, including a Love Symbol-shaped vinyl disc. It was also included on The Hits 2, which was also a part of The Hits/The B-Sides. In addition, the "My Name Is Prince" maxi single included a club mix of "Sexy MF".
Cover versions
Dave Matthews Band have been known to play a rendition of "Sexy MF" (specifically the "sexy motherfucker shakin' that ass" line) during live versions of their song "Jimi Thing", then in 2016, after Prince's death, began playing a shortened version of the actual song, segued from Jimi Thing.
Bruno Mars covered the song for his Moonshine Jungle Tour.
Rammstein Guitarist Richard Kruspe sung a lyric of the song during their Festival Tour in 2016.
Ween played a shortened version of the song during their show at the Charlottesville Pavilion on April 20th, 2017.
Hometown band Phat Phunktion covered this song during a benefit at Funk Out Cancer benefit the High Noon Saloon, Madison WI 2013.
Sexy M.F.
Prince Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No not your body, your mind you fool
Come here baby, yeah
You sexy motherfucker
We're all alone in a villa on the Rivera
That's in France on the south side
In case you cared
That's why I tell you things
So you'll be the mostest
When it comes to life, to be this man's wife
You got to be well educated on the subject of fights
I mean prevention of
In other words, its R.E.a.l meaning of this thing called love
Are you up on this?
If so, then you can get up off hug and a kiss
Come here baby, yeah
You sexy motherfucker
Come here baby, yeah
You sexy motherfucker
We need to talk about things
Tell me what ya do, tell me what ya eat
I might cook for you
See it really don't matter 'cause it's all about me and you
Ain't no one else around
I'm even with the blindfold, gagged and bound
I don't mind, see this ain't about sex
It's all about love being in charge of this life and the next
Why all the cosmic talk?
I just want you smarter than I'll ever be when we take that walk
Come here baby, yeah
You sexy motherfucker
Come here baby, yeah
You sexy motherfucker
Horns stand please
I like it, I like it
You seem perplexed I haven't taken you yet
Can't you see I'm harder than a man could get?
I got wet dreams comin' out of my ears
I get hard if the wind blows your cologne near me
But I can take it, 'cause I want the whole nine
This ain't about the body, it's about the mind
Come here baby, yeah
You sexy motherfucker
Come here baby, yeah, ooh
You sexy motherfucker
Tommy Barbarella in the house
Scrub the dishes
Aah, aah, ahh, aah, aah, ah
Come here Tommy, yeah
Sexy, sexy, sexy, sexy
Levi, Levi, fly
(Ooh man, let's give 'em some more good shit)
I like it, I like it
Sexy motherfucker shakin' that ass, shakin' that ass, shakin' that ass
Sexy motherfucker shakin' that ass, shakin' that ass, shakin' that ass
Guard your folks and get your daughter
The sexy motherfucker's so fine I could drink her bathwater
A long, leggy 5'8", packing an ass as tight as a grape
I want to spit some game but I said to myself, hmmm
Just conversate (yeah), 'Cause I'm usually quite the calm one (Come on!)
You never found me out prowling boy, I'm just havin' fun
But I'm happy to change my state of mind for this behind
I bet that if you threw that ass into the air it would turn into sunshine
Sexy motherfucker shakin' that ass, shakin' that ass, shakin' that ass
Sexy motherfucker shakin' that ass, shakin' that ass, shakin' that ass
Sexy motherfucker shakin' that ass, shakin' that ass, shakin' that ass, ooo ooo
Sexy motherfucker shakin' that ass, shakin' that ass, shakin' that ass
You sexy motherfucker
Sexy motherfucker
Sexy motherfucker
Sexy motherfucker
Sexy motherfucker
Sexy motherfucker
Sexy motherfucker
Sexy motherfucker
Sexy motherfucker
You sexy motherfucker
Sexy motherfucker
Sexy motherfucker
Sexy motherfucker
The lyrics of Prince's Sexy M.F. are very explicit and focus on his desire for a woman's mind, apart from her body. The opening lines, "In a word or two, it's you I want to do / No not your body, your mind you fool" indicate that Prince values intelligence and wit over physical attractiveness. The second verse talks about being alone with the woman in a villa on the Rivera, and how Prince wants to be her closest friend. He talks about how they should educate themselves about fighting, not just the prevention of it, but the real meaning of love. Prince desires to have deep conversations about life with his partner, not just sexual ones. The chorus keeps coming back to the phrase "Sexy motherfucker", which is Prince's way of expressing his admiration for the woman.
The third verse is a little more explicit, with Prince talking about his sexual desire for the woman, but he still emphasizes that their relationship isn't just about physical attraction. He wants someone who challenges him intellectually and spurs him to become a better version of himself. The song ends with Prince's band members joining in on the chorus and some funky instrumentals.
Overall, Sexy M.F. is a very sexual song, but it's not just about sexual attraction. Prince values intelligence and meaningful conversation just as much, if not more than physical desire.
Line by Line Meaning
In a word or two, it's you I want to do
I desire your mind and soul rather than just your body.
No not your body, your mind you fool
I am attracted to your mental and emotional qualities, not just your physical appearance.
Come here baby, yeah
I want you to come closer to me.
You sexy motherfucker
I find you very attractive.
We're all alone in a villa on the Rivera
We are together in a luxurious villa in the south of France.
That's in France on the south side
The villa is located in the southern part of France.
In case you cared
I am providing this information in case you are interested.
Out of all your friends I want to be the closest
I want to have the most intimate relationship with you compared to any of your friends.
That's why I tell you things
I share intimate details with you because I want to be closer to you.
So you'll be the mostest
I want you to be the closest to me and the most important person in my life.
When it comes to life, to be this man's wife
To be with me romantically on a long term basis,
You got to be well educated on the subject of fights
You must have good knowledge of how to handle arguments.
I mean prevention of
I am referring to avoiding arguments altogether.
In other words, its R.E.a.l meaning of this thing called love
This is what true love is about.
Are you up on this?
Do you understand what I am saying?
If so, then you can get up off hug and a kiss
If you understand, we can express our affection for each other.
We need to talk about things
We should have a serious conversation.
Tell me what ya do, tell me what ya eat
Share with me your daily habits and routines.
I might cook for you
I would love to prepare food for you.
See it really don't matter 'cause it's all about me and you
Our relationship is the most important thing.
Ain't no one else around
We are alone and don't have any distractions.
I'm even with the blindfold, gagged and bound
I am willing to be submissive and explore fantasies with you.
I don't mind, see this ain't about sex
I am open-minded and this is not just about physical intimacy.
It's all about love being in charge of this life and the next
Love is the most important thing in our lives and will guide us to our future.
Why all the cosmic talk?
Why talk about grand and universal ideas?
I just want you smarter than I'll ever be when we take that walk
I want you to be intelligent and knowledgeable to help me grow as a person.
Horns stand please
I want to hear some horn music now.
I like it, I like it
I really enjoy the music.
You seem perplexed I haven't taken you yet
You may be wondering why we haven't been intimate yet.
Can't you see I'm harder than a man could get?
I am aroused and ready for physical intimacy.
I got wet dreams comin' out of my ears
I have many sexual fantasies about you.
I get hard if the wind blows your cologne near me
I am aroused by your scent and presence.
But I can take it, 'cause I want the whole nine
I am willing to wait and be patient because I want a full and meaningful relationship with you.
This ain't about the body, it's about the mind
Our relationship is not entirely based on physical intimacy; I value our emotional and intellectual connection more.
Sexy motherfucker shakin' that ass, shakin' that ass, shakin' that ass
You are so attractive and I can't help but admire you physically.
Guard your folks and get your daughter
Watch your loved ones and be protective of them.
The sexy motherfucker's so fine I could drink her bathwater
You are incredibly attractive and desirable to me.
A long, leggy 5'8", packing an ass as tight as a grape
You have long legs and a perfectly shaped derriere.
I want to spit some game but I said to myself, hmmm
I want to use my charm to impress you but I am considering the best approach.
Just conversate (yeah), 'Cause I'm usually quite the calm one (Come on!)
Let's chat because I am typically very composed and relaxed in conversation.
You never found me out prowling boy, I'm just havin' fun
I am not a womanizer; I am just enjoying myself.
But I'm happy to change my state of mind for this behind
You are so attractive that I am willing to try new things to be with you.
I bet that if you threw that ass into the air it would turn into sunshine
You are so perfect that even natural laws would change for you.
Sexy motherfucker shakin' that ass, shakin' that ass, shakin' that ass, ooo ooo
You are still incredibly attractive and desirable to me.
Sexy motherfucker
You are very sexy.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Prince Rogers Nelson, Anthony Mosley, Levi Jr. Seacer
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@JaynaeMiller
Prince was his own genre. There will never be--in my lifetime or anyone's lifetime--another Prince.
@ericrivera8410
I like his cyber funk stage song Annie Christian about who serial killers are made
@Spry17072
Это точно, он офигенный❤
@williamhumes2689
He was bad ass
@KnottsBear-yTalesPreserved
Him and MJ are people of another level. Nothing will ever surpass them in any way.
Prince though was one of a kind. The dude had everything to offer.
@ZZombyWooff
naah, Årince was cool 70s soul music. I cant see any difference. that was his influence, and he sounds like that. its cool. sounds awesome
@wendles4186
My heart is still broken. He was genius beyond his time. No one even close.
@user-oi7py2to5t
Yes!!!!Yes!!!Yes !!
@tyronewilliams8344
Prince was the only artist who could make contradictions work in a song: The song is called "Sexy MF" but the lyrics are about love and marriage. He steals a girl like a gangster (microphone gun and all) yet opens the car door for her. Prince was the artist who dared. And those horns hit SO HARD!
@karlhelm875
LOVE THE HORNS AND THE GUITAR.