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.
The Max
Prince Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You can relax now, the Max is in control, uh
Uh, go, ah, yeah yeah
When my back is so far back it's on the other side of the wall
When half a chance is all I get if I get a chance at all
When the going gets tougher than the tough can go, I grind the axe
That's when I go, I go, I go to (the max) I go
(The max) Yo baby, tell me where the party's at?
(The max) Ayo baby, I want to shuffle the cards in that stack (I go)
(The max) We can dance if you want to but I might break yo' back
(The max) More funk for your buck you can bet on that
When they tell me to walk a straight line
I put on crooked shoes
When they tell me that I can't live forever
I pay some overdues
When they start makin' up a crazy rule
That's when I break a back
'Cause when I go, I go, I go to, the max, I go
(The max) Yo baby (oh yeah), tell me where the party's at?
(The max) Ayo baby, I want to shuffle the cards in that stack (oh, yeah yeah)
(The max) We can dance if you want to (oh yeah), but I might break yo' back
(The max) More funk for your buck you can bet on that
Let's go
Let's go
Let's go
Let's go
Oh, yeah yeah
(Dig it) When my body starts to shiver
From the chill of the scarlet sweat
When my lips eclipse the sun and the moon
Reflecting from the wet
When the blood of my love outraces
Every one of the stallions in your pack
That's when you go, you go, you go to the max, you go
The max (to the max)
The max (oh, get funky)
The max (get-get-get funky)
The max (get funky)
Let' go
I think I'm gonna like this
Let's go
I want to dance
Let's go
Let's go
(Oh, yeah yeah) Let's go
I go to the max
I'm not afraid (oh my God)
I want to dance
Then listen
When the going gets tougher than the tough can go, I grind the axe
That's when I go, I go, I go to, the max, I go
(The max) Yo baby, tell me where the party's at?
(The max) Ayo baby, I want to shuffle the cards in that stack
(The max) We can dance if you want to but I might break yo' back
(The max) More funk for your buck you can bet on that
This is the max
Dear love, dear love, dear love
Forgive me for my sins
But you left me in such a cold, cold world
to suffer in (kick it)
And contrary to popular belief
Even though one's life is brief
If you go there once you come again
and again and again and
Let's go
This is the max
The lyrics to Prince and the New Power Generation's song The Max are about embracing the idea of maximum enjoyment–going all out and dancing until you can't dance anymore. The song's lyrics offer a critique of societal expectations, with Prince lyrically rejecting the idea of conforming to a straight line or traditional rules. Instead, he decides to put on "crooked shoes" when asked to walk that straight line. Further, Prince takes advantage of every opportunity he has to dance and enjoy life. When he feels like he might be pushed past his limits, he "grinds the axe" and goes to the max, proving that he's not afraid.
One interesting fact about The Max is that it was featured in the fourth season of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Additionally, the song was featured in the 1990 documentary film Graffiti Bridge, which starred Prince. The Max was one of the hit singles off the album, the Love Symbol Album, which was released in 1992. The video for the song was directed by James Anthony, and it featured The NPG performing in Salvador Dali's Galatea of the Spheres. The song was popular on the dance charts, where it peaked at number seven. It was also performed during Prince's Act I of the 1993 tour with the NPG. During the same tour, the song was used in the opening segment of the show.
The Max was also featured on Prince's best-of compilation album, The Hits/The B-Sides, in 1993. While the song was praised for its energy and funky, danceable beats, it was also noted for its wide range of influences, including James Brown, George Clinton, and more. Although the song was not as commercially successful as other hits by Prince, it remains a favorite among fans and critics alike for its catchy riffs and fun, danceable beats.
Chords: Em7, F#m7/G# Gmaj7, A7 (repeat for verses and chorus)
Line by Line Meaning
Where are you?
Asking where the party is at.
You can relax now, the Max is in control
The party is under control and organized - partygoers do not need to worry.
Go, yeah yeah
Encouraging partygoers to go and enjoy themselves.
When my back is so far back it's on the other side of the wall
Feeling defeated and like there is no hope.
When half a chance is all I get if I get a chance at all
Having limited opportunities and feeling uncertain.
When the going gets tougher than the tough can go
When things become incredibly difficult and overwhelming.
I grind the axe, that's when I go, I go, I go to the max, I go
Giving more effort and pushing oneself to succeed, even when things are difficult.
The max, Yo baby, tell me where the party's at
Repeating the question, where is the party?
The max, Yo baby, I want to shuffle the cards in that stack (I go)
Wanting to have fun, gamble, and enjoy oneself at the party.
The max, We can dance if you want to, but I might break yo back
Inviting partygoers to dance but warns they might dance so hard it will be painful the next day.
The max, More funk for your buck you can bet on that
The party will be the most fun possible, for the cost.
When they tell me to walk a straight line
When others try to control or limit behavior.
I put on crooked shoes
Going against what is expected or being a non-conformist.
When they tell me that I can't live forever
When others discourage hope and happiness.
I pay some overdues (Kick it)
Working hard to make sure the party is the best it can be.
When they start makin' up a crazy rule
When others try to control or limit behavior.
That's when I break a back
Going against what is expected or being a non-conformist.
Cause when I go, I go, I go to the max, I go
Giving more effort and pushing oneself to succeed, even when things are difficult.
The max (to the max)
Reinforcing the idea that this party will be the best it can be.
Oh, get funky (get-get-get funky) (to the max)
Encouraging partygoers to have fun and get crazy.
Let's go (dance)
Inviting people to come dance at the party.
I'm not afraid (oh my god)
Being confident and unafraid of what others think or say.
This is the max
Confirming that this party is the best it can be.
Dear love, dear love, dear love
Addressing a loved one and apologizing for previous mistakes in the relationship.
Forgive me for my sins
Asking for forgiveness for specific wrongs committed.
But you left me in such a cold cold world to suffer in (kick it)
Feeling abandoned by a loved one and left to face difficulties alone.
And Contrary to popular belief
Going against what others believe to be true.
Even though one's life is brief
Acknowledging that life is short.
If you go there once you come again and again and
The party is so good that partygoers will not be able to resist returning.
This is the max
Confirming that this party is the best it can be.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Prince Rogers Nelson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@DJ-vu9lx
So young, so energetic, so beautiful,..these were the time we lived Our Happy. We skipped through our pain to find more joy.
I don't think it was only the drugs, fabulously deadly and easy to 'score'. It was a velvet time, A smooth and beautifully undefined adventure. Everyday, glorious. We we're pretty, happy and unafraid to try anything.
Prince was so much the time. Being music itself he inundated every facet of our hotblooded driven lives. There are really no words that completely tell the story.
So I let this genuis with his talent and creative way tell it all. As I rub a smooth square of purple velvet and sit back and let Our Prince take over.
How blessed we are, we had him and still he speaks thru our ears straight to the heart and brain simultaneously.
Really, nothing more to say. Thank you for all of that. Prince is the master of my day dreams.
May we live to see the dawn.
I won't proofread this, as it's coming from my heart💓
If you feel me let me know.
Strolling down Memory Lane with you. How sweet it is.
@joannbowden6220
If I may add a little enlightenment on this subject, as I live this every single day of my life.
When you live in severe, chronic, uncontrolled pain as I do & as Prince did, it doesn't take long b4 the opioids begin to lose their effectiveness.
When the pain becomes so bad you really just want your life to end b/c you can't take it anymore, you start searching for stronger & stronger meds to end ur pain.
Aaaahhh! Found something! GREAT! I'm back to my old self, but shhh, don't tell anyone I'm taking this. Wouldn't be good for my friends & family to know I'm taking this, cauz this is just a "lil too much".
Then that stops working! Oh damn! Now whaddya do?
You become a victim of "just one more"!
You tell yourself "I'm gonna take my regular dose & just one more.
That worked for me too for about a week & a half. The drug (morphine) sent me n2 acute kidney failure, so it accumulated in my system & put me in a 10 day coma. I'm truly lucky to be alive.
No one knew I was taking that extra pill that damned near killed me.
So just wanted you to know that you never know exactly what's going on in a person's life & it's never good to judge a situation unless you were there.
Sorry this is so long.
I truly miss my Prince. He was a musical genius, the likes of which we probably will not ever see again in our lifetime.
RIP, PRN. YOU ARE TRULY LOVED & MISSED
@SherrieSherrieSherrie
The Max ~ Prince
Where are you?
You can relax now, the Max is in control
Go, yeah yeah
When my back is so far back it's on the other side of the wall
When half a chance is all I get if I get a chance at all
When the going gets tougher than the tough can go
I grind the axe, that's when I go, I go, I go to the max, I go
The max, Yo baby, tell me where the party's at
The max, Yo baby, I want to shuffle the cards in that stack (I go)
The max, We can dance if you want to, but I might break yo back
The max, More funk for your buck you can bet on that
When they tell me to walk a straight line
I put on crooked shoes
When they tell me that I can't live forever
I pay some overdues (Kick it)
When they start makin' up a crazy rule
That's when I break a back
Cause when I go, I go, I go to the max, I go
The max, yo baby (oh yeah), tell me where the party's at
The max, yo baby, I want to shuffle the cards in that stack (oh, yeah yeah)
The max, we can dance if you want to (oh yeah), but I might break yo back
(to the max)
The max, more funk for your buck you can bet on that
Let's go [Repeat: x4]
Oh, yeah yeah!
(Dig it) When my body starts to shiver from the chill of
The scarlett sweat
When my lips eclipse the sun and the moon
Reflecting from the wet
When the blood of my love outraces
Every one of the stallions in your pack, that's when
You go, you go, you go 2 the max. you go
The max (to the max)
The max (oh, get funky)
The max (get-get-get funky) (to the max)
The max (get funky)
Let' go
I think I'm gonna like this
Let's go (dance)
I want to dance
Let's go
Let's go
Let's go (Oh yeah yeah!)
I go to the max
I'm not afraid (oh my god)
I want to dance
Then listen,
When the going gets tougher than the tough can go
I grind the axe, that's when I go, I go, I go 2 the max. I go
The max, yo baby, tell me where the party's at
The max, yo baby, I want to shuffle the cards in that stack
The max, we can dance if you want 2, but I might break yo back
The max, more funk for your buck you can bet on that
This is the max
Dear love, dear love, dear love
Forgive me for my sins
But you left me in such a cold cold world to suffer in (kick it)
And Contrary to popular belief
Even though one's life is brief
If you go there once you
Come again and again and
Let's go
(I'm so sorry for you)
This is the max
Songwriters: PRINCE ROGERS NELSON
© Universal Music Publishing Group
For non-commercial use only.
Data from: LyricFind
@khismet
Dear love, dear love, dear love
Forgive me for my sins
But you left me in such a cold cold world to suffer in (kick it)
And Contrary to popular belief
Even though one's life is brief
If you go there once
You Come again and again and
Let's go👍
This is the MAX💜
@ziggypop79
The most underrated album in his catalogue, probably my favourite.
@The_Promiseland
"You can relax now, the max is in control" 💜Love the beat
@venanciahopkins5035
The Max is one of my favorites from the Love Symbol album, so sexy and funky with a Middle Eastern vibe. The genius of Prince!
@contreras8590
agreed!!!
@paulsheppard2294
Continental blue light God created woman. I put it up there was sign of the times.
@daradiant1
That's why I said Mayté brought June Bug out of his shyness and made this awesome during the time they were together.
@joannmay17
Prince was a musical genius and a legend and he's alive in spirit..
@willowmadhuridixit8991
There was, is and never will be anyone like him, ever again. Never. We are blessed to have been alive at the same time as this incredible artist genius.
RIP Prince. The show is over and no more pain. You’ve done your earthly duty.
@AlexanderNevermind888
This was truly a really great slept on Prince album. The sound was different, with the addition of Tony M and the dancers. But later I begin to truly appreciate it. It's a testament to Prince's genius that he was able to play whatever music he felt like during his growth.
@ierit3796
Prince has many songs that have become timeless classics. This damn sure ain't one of them.