The title and lyrics refer to the prophesied second coming of Christ, while also calling for gun control laws (a topic also addressed in Annie Christian, also from 1981). It is assumed that the track would have been included as the first track on The Second Coming, the live album planned to accompany the planned movie of the Controversy Tour, also titled The Second Coming, but both projects were abandoned. The track remains unreleased.
The Second Coming
Prince Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All of God's children must learn 2 love
It won't be long (I said it won't be long)
Before the Second Coming, yeah
It won't be long, no, it won't be long
How many more good men must die before there's gun control
U've got 2 love your brother if you want 2 free your soul (Soul, soul, soul)
It won't be long (It won't be long)
All of God's, all of God's children must learn 2 love
The lyrics of Prince's song "The Second Coming" convey a strong message of love, brotherhood, and hope. The opening line, "It won't be long," sets the tone of the song, indicating that a significant event is about to occur. The subsequent lines, "All of God's children must learn 2 love," emphasize the importance of love in all aspects of life. The repetition of "It won't be long" creates a sense of urgency and anticipation, suggesting that something significant is about to happen. The mention of the "Second Coming" in the second line may refer to the second coming of Jesus Christ, which is a central belief in Christianity.
The next lines reveal a more profound meaning, stating that human beings need to learn to love and understand one another to bring peace and freedom. The line, "How many more good men must die before there's gun control," is a powerful statement about gun violence and the need for stricter gun laws. Prince also highlights the key role of brotherhood in the journey towards freedom, indicating that people need to start loving one another to "free their soul."
Overall, "The Second Coming" is a powerful and thought-provoking song that encourages listeners to embrace love and understanding to create a better world.
Line by Line Meaning
It won't be long
The future is imminent.
All of God's children must learn 2 love
All people must learn to love in order to be deserving of God's grace.
It won't be long (I said it won't be long)
The future is still imminent, and the singer is emphasizing this point.
Before the Second Coming, yeah
The future being referenced is the return of Jesus Christ to Earth.
It won't be long, no, it won't be long
Reiterating the idea that the future being referenced is coming soon.
How many more good men must die before there's gun control
The singer is lamenting the loss of life to gun violence and calling for stronger regulations on firearms.
U've got 2 love your brother if you want 2 free your soul (Soul, soul, soul)
The idea of loving others is linked to personal spiritual freedom and redemption.
It won't be long (It won't be long)
Repeating the point about the imminent coming of the future being referenced.
All of God's, all of God's children must learn 2 love
Reiterating the importance of love for all people as a prerequisite for acceptance by God.
Contributed by Violet J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
DJ CONTROL 2021
Man if he played this song in a Baptist church. The congregation would be amazed and a bright light would beam down on everyone. This is a really soulful spiritual song. Just feel his voice in this song. Just GREAT. Prince we miss u. R.I.P from all of true prince fans down here on earth.
Press Rewind - Prince Lyrics Podcast
It’d be cool if there was a studio version of this in the vault but even if not, this is amazing.
TwiztedGenius
My Favorite Intro, VOCALLY POWERFUL O(+>
Lesa L.
Thank u 4 posting this! This was so beautiful live. The audio is great!
ReddRainn
Only song in my life that goes through me and melts my soul......
Rich Gordon
Frankly ,I Adore his other songs,vaults or live songs ..like this.
Paul Calhoun
The song surprised me with it's medley and message, it's the beginning song for his Controversy concert. Now that I see the words to the song and his intention. Now I understand... ♥️
avace917
Would love to hear the actual recording of this directly off of the tape
avace917
Then again I was expecting to hear When Doves Cry with the bass on Purple Rain Deluxe, so there you have it
Press Rewind - Prince Lyrics Podcast
You and me both.