Controversy
Prince & The Revolution Lyrics


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I just can't believe all the things people say -- Controversy
Am I black or white? Am I straight or gay? -- Controversy
Do I believe in God? Do I believe in me? -- Controversy
Controversy Controversy
I can't understand human curiosity -- Controversy
Was it good for you? Was I what you wanted me to be? -- Controversy
Do you get high? Does your daddy cry? -- Controversy
Controversy Controversy

Do I believe in God? Do I believe in me?
Some people wanna die so they can be free
(I said) Life is just a game, we're all just the same...do you wanna play?
Controversy Controversy Controversy
Controversy Controversy Controversy

Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses
As we forgive those who trespass against us
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever
Controversy Controversy Controversy Controversy
Love Him, Love Him baby
Controversy Controversy Controversy
Controversy Controversy Controversy

Listen

People call me rude, I wish we all were nude
I wish there was no black and white, I wish there were no rules
(repeat 3 times)
Controversy Controversy

Do I believe in God? Do I believe in me? Let me tell ya...
Some people wanna die so they can be free




(I said) Life is just a game, we're all just the same...don't ya wanna play?
Controversy Controversy Controversy Controversy

Overall Meaning

"Controversy" is a song by Prince and The Revolution that explores the singer's identity and the labels society puts on individuals based on their race, sexual orientation, and beliefs. The lyrics reveal that Prince is frustrated with the constant scrutiny and judgment he receives from people who question his authenticity and identity. He questions whether he is black or white, straight or gay, and if he believes in God or simply in himself.


The chorus of "Controversy" highlights how Prince is bewildered by human curiosity and the obsession with people's personal lives. He wonders if he was all that his partner wanted him to be and asks if they get high and if their father cries. The repetitive use of the word "controversy" emphasizes how Prince feels caught up in a never-ending cycle of controversy and scrutiny over his personal choices and beliefs.


In the song's bridge, Prince explores the themes of life and death, stating that some people wish to die so they can be free. He encourages people to view life as a game where everyone is the same and should be able to play freely without judgment. The song ends with a segue into a prayer, further emphasizing Prince's exploration of his spirituality and belief in something larger than himself.


Line by Line Meaning

I just can't believe all the things people say
Expressing disbelief towards the many things that people say


Am I black or white? Am I straight or gay?
Asking whether his race and sexual orientation define his identity


Do I believe in God? Do I believe in me?
Asking about his personal beliefs and values


Controversy Controversy
Emphasizing the notion of controversy


I can't understand human curiosity
Expressing confusion about the nature of human curiosity


Was it good for you? Was I what you wanted me to be?
Asking whether he met the expectations of others


Do you get high? Does your daddy cry?
Asking about the drug use and emotional status of others


Controversy Controversy
Emphasizing the notion of controversy


Do I believe in God? Do I believe in me?
Repeating the questions about his personal beliefs and values


Some people wanna die so they can be free
Acknowledging that some individuals see death as a means of liberation


(I said) Life is just a game, we're all just the same...do you wanna play?
Proposing that life is a game in which everyone has an equal chance to participate


Controversy Controversy Controversy
Emphasizing the notion of controversy


Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses As we forgive those who trespass against us Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever
Quoting the Lord's Prayer


Controversy Controversy Controversy Controversy
Emphasizing the notion of controversy


Love Him, Love Him baby
Encouraging love and devotion


Controversy Controversy Controversy
Emphasizing the notion of controversy


People call me rude, I wish we all were nude I wish there was no black and white, I wish there were no rules(repeat 3 times)
Expressing a desire for a world without social barriers and constraints


Controversy Controversy
Emphasizing the notion of controversy


Do I believe in God? Do I believe in me? Let me tell ya...
Repeating the questions about his personal beliefs and values before providing an answer


Some people wanna die so they can be free
Repeating the acknowledgment that some individuals see death as a means of liberation


(I said) Life is just a game, we're all just the same...don't ya wanna play?
Repeating the proposition that life is a game in which everyone has an equal chance to participate


Controversy Controversy Controversy Controversy
Emphasizing the notion of controversy




Contributed by Lauren S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@patrickswayze2596

@@HighFrequencyRadio yes, Prince is, was sorry such a talented musician, and this track is actually quite simple if you break it down.

The bass is almost one note the entire song, the synthesiser is the most prominent instrument in this track, but when you take all those layers of simplicity and balance it the way he and they have makes it seriously one of thee best songs in history, which sadly isn’t one of his most well known tracks.

Controversy has a way of hitting you deep directly to your funk bone and inner groove to dance with moves you didn’t even know you had Hahaha

But you’re right Voitures, that basic guitar riffs and absurdly talented musician, to just be so freely capable of throwing little licks and funky leads.

Just, well,,, I can’t think of the word I’m searching for right now, but ‘incredible’ is an understatement, big you’re so on to it dude, just incredible 🖤🎶🤟🏼



All comments from YouTube:

@kimwright8768

Who's Listening To This Jam Controversy From Prince In 2024❤

@brandonmoore7497

I’m listening to Prince Controversy the end of March 2024

1:47

@mrstrange7350

You should listen to La Toya Jackson - Sехbох 💚

@MrWhingeypants

Are you a bot?

@NobodyLikesyou.

Me

@millyanderson70

Me !!! Such a good hit 💚

3 More Replies...

@KuroiHato69

41 years later and it still sounds awesome!

@tdb4763

My favorite album of his as well. Especially the B sides

@esc1074

Indeed😀

@buddhaboysmom3861

Yeah!! 💖

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