The song was recorded live at the Minneapolis club First Avenue in 1983. The performance was the live debut of Wendy Melvoin, and also netted the final three songs of the Purple Rain album, although the songs would undergo studio overdubs later. Purple Rain's original lyrics contained an extra verse about money, which was edited out, as it diluted the emotional impact of the song.
"Purple Rain" opens with a lone guitar quickly followed by live drumming and a prominent organ, evoking images of church gospel music. Three verses are followed by a chorus, with a building emotional delivery. After the final chorus, a guitar-solo takes over the song. The song ends with a piano solo and orchestral strings.
The emotional lyrics have multiple meanings; on the surface, they seem to be an apology from a man who has been carrying on an illicit love affair with a woman; though on a deeper level, they become more of a spiritual allegory.
The song is a staple of Prince's live performances. He has played it on nearly every tour since 1984, except for a period after his name change when he avoided his older hits for a few years. At Super Bowl XLI's halftime show, in which he was the featured performer, "Purple Rain" was featured as the last song of his set and was, appropriately, played during a downpour at the stadium, which combined with the purple stage lighting created the song's signature image. Prince performed the song as the opening of a medley of his hits with Beyonce at the 2004 Grammys, and also at the 2006 Brits.
In order to be released as a single, the song's duration was shortened from 8:45 to 4:05.
The B-side, "God," is a much more overtly religious number (Prince's most religious to date), recalling the book of Genesis. The song also features extensive vocal experimentation. Towards the end, Prince mentions "The Dance Electric," which was a song given to former band member André Cymone. In the U.K., the 12" single also included an instrumental of "God," also known as "Love theme from Purple Rain," from which an edited portion appears in the film.
Purple Rain
Prince And The Revolution Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I never meant to cause you any pain
I only wanted to one time to see you laughing
I only wanted to see you
Laughing in the purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
I only wanted to see you
Bathing in the purple rain
I never wanted to be your weekend lover
I only wanted to be some kind of friend
Baby, I could never steal you from another
It's such a shame our friendship had to end
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
I only wanted to see you
Underneath the purple rain
Honey, I know, I know
I know times are changing
It's time we all reach out
For something new, that means you too
You say you want a leader
But you can't seem to make up your mind
I think you better close it
And let me guide you to the purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
If you know what I'm singing about up here
C'mon, raise your hand
Purple rain, purple rain
I only want to see you
Only want to see you
In the purple rain
The lyrics of Prince And The Revolution's song "Purple Rain" are both melancholic and hopeful. The singer apologizes for any pain or sorrow he may have caused the listener and expresses his desire to see them happy, laughing, and bathing in the purple rain. He also admits to wanting to be more than a friend, but knows he could never steal them away from someone else. He speaks of the changing times and encourages the listener to reach out for something new, while also offering himself as a guide to the purple rain. The song has several repetitions of the chorus "Purple rain, purple rain," which serves as a metaphor for something new and transformative.
Line by Line Meaning
I never meant to cause you any sorrow
I did not intend to bring you any pain or sadness.
I never meant to cause you any pain
I did not intend to hurt you in any way.
I only wanted to one time to see you laughing
All I wanted was to see you happy and joyful at least once.
I only wanted to see you
Laughing in the purple rain
I just wanted to see you enjoying life's simple pleasures, like dancing and singing in the rain.
Purple rain, purple rain
The color purple is both mystical and melancholic; a fitting metaphor for the song's mood and theme.
I only wanted to see you
Bathing in the purple rain
I wanted to see you experience something beautiful and otherworldly, like taking a bath in a purple-hued waterfall.
I never wanted to be your weekend lover
I didn't want a fleeting or superficial relationship with you.
I only wanted to be some kind of friend
I just wanted to be someone you could rely on and trust.
Baby, I could never steal you from another
I would never try to break up or interfere with your existing relationship.
It's such a shame our friendship had to end
It's unfortunate that we couldn't maintain a platonic relationship.
Honey, I know, I know
I know times are changing
I understand that the world is constantly evolving and things are not the same as they used to be.
It's time we all reach out
For something new, that means you too
We should all be open to new opportunities and experiences, including you.
You say you want a leader
But you can't seem to make up your mind
You may desire a guide or mentor, but you are indecisive about what you really want.
I think you better close it
And let me guide you to the purple rain
Perhaps it's time to listen to my advice and let me be the one to show you a different path in life.
If you know what I'm singing about up here
C'mon, raise your hand
If you understand and identify with what I'm expressing in this music, please show your support and enthusiasm.
I only want to see you
Only want to see you
In the purple rain
All I want is for you to be happy, even if it's just for a moment, and to see you experience something magical and out of the ordinary, like standing in the rain and feeling its purifying power.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PRINCE ROGERS NELSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ApolloTchize
Just sitting here with mouth open. Didn't move for the last minutes, just got goosebumps all around and tears start to roll. Nearly forgot to swallow and to breathe and was about to drool on the desk. How would you describe something like this to others without sound and video?
This is so raw, so passionate, so, well, intimidating because of sheer talent and genius and somehow down to what anything in universe is all about.
It's hard to find words for this. So raw, so passionate, so incredible skillful, that it marks and expands somehow the borders of human beings, as no human being could transport that in a ridiculous suit with a ridiculous guitar, but when you are Prince everything falls in place and it feels as natural as it can be. This is way beyond, what any other person I've ever heard of on earth could do.
Never seen anything like this and most probably never will.
Whoever this strange, little man was: He was much more than a man,., He was Prince. And whatever that is, is more, than we deserved. I feel like every cell of my useless existence is loaded now with his energy. Still. Sometimes he made me think, he is an evolutionary proof of concept of Human 2.0.
And although I wrote all this crazy stuff, I still feel speechless.
And when I look at this next time, it'll be the same. And again. And again. This will last for ages.
@warp1geon
Just an incredibly special era. Great music, no cellphones, no internet - just living in the moment.
@reginakellum270
Full resonance ❤
@cruisinguy6024
I feel so bad for the people that never got to actually experience a concert. I cannot imagine just standing there with thousands of others just holding a phone out / facetiming someone instead of getting lost in the moment.
My best concert memories were all before smart phones came out. Side note, I also worked as a medic at a major live concert venue so I've been at a TON of concerts / music festivals.
@patriciajordanwoods2003
I hear you! His converts were the best ever!
@shethingsd
No cell phone is quite right. Experience.
@h4x0rrrr
the internet existed in 1985
@johnteresi
You Think your a Tough Guy until This tune brings you to Tears. Most soulful performance ever. Prince played for the audience and leaves it all out there.
@uwesvneider4540
I LOVE THIS SONG !GREAT SOLO GOD BLESS HIM
@JosephDiamond-jx8sm
That's himself!!
@briangall8442
Take our hearts through the stone! English Cash COOL! With a touch of Algonquin Blue truth!