Arrogance
Prince and the New Power Generation Lyrics
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(Here he is) Yeah
(Here he is)
(Here he is)
What makes a man want to rule the world? (A double A double arrogance)
(You got it)
Make him man enough to say he's 50-50 girl (A double A double arrogance)
What makes a man want to curse and swear? (A double A double arrogance)
(You got it)
Then blame it on heaven 'cause he's already there
Pimp rag, tootsie pop, and a cane
What makes a man want to play guitar? (A double A double arrogance)
(You got it)
Same thing that makes him want to be a star (A double A double arrogance)
(You got it)
What makes him want to see his name in lights? (A double A double arrogance)
(You got it)
It was the same thing that made Eve take the first bite
Pimp rag, tootsie pop, and a cane
(Don't make me get up, there he is, get him, don't make me get up)
Like a flame and she came and I was no longer cold
That's a little shady, for this lady was only sixteen years old
The song "Arrogance" by Prince and the New Power Generation is a commentary on the nature of arrogance and what drives it. The lyrics ask why someone would want to rule the world, behave arrogantly and blame their actions on heaven. Prince suggests that it is a double dose of arrogance that makes a man want to do these things. The lyrics also explore the idea of why someone would want to play guitar, be a star, and see their name in lights, suggesting that the same arrogance drives these desires.
Another part of the lyrics that stands out is Prince's mention of a pimp rag, tootsie pop, and a cane. These items are often associated with pimps, and could be seen as a commentary on the arrogance of men who believe they can control and profit off of women. The final line of the song is particularly striking, as Prince sings about a shady situation with a sixteen-year-old girl. This line is open to interpretation, but suggests that even at a young age, people can be drawn into the cycle of arrogance and the desire for power and control.
Overall, "Arrogance" is a thought-provoking commentary on the nature of arrogance and the desires that drive it. By exploring these themes through music, Prince challenges listeners to think about the motivations behind our own actions and to question the source of our desires for power and control.
Line by Line Meaning
Why are you so arrogant?
Questioning the reason behind one's own overconfidence
(Here he is) Yeah
Affirmation towards a present entity with a slight agreement
(Here he is)
Reinforcement towards a present entity
(Here he is)
Reinforcement towards a present entity
What makes a man want to rule the world? (A double A double arrogance)
Pondering on the aspects of one's dictatorial behavior with conceit as the primary driver
(You got it)
Agreement towards a previous statement
Make him man enough to say he's 50-50 girl (A double A double arrogance)
Asserting that a man must be brave enough to split the control in a relationship
(You got it)
Agreement towards a previous statement
What makes a man want to curse and swear? (A double A double arrogance)
Enquiring on the cause of a man's use of expletives which portrays excessive pride
(You got it)
Agreement towards a previous statement
Then blame it on heaven 'cause he's already there
Blaming one's arrogance on something beyond their control
Pimp rag, tootsie pop, and a cane
Materialistic items owned by the person in question
What makes a man want to play guitar? (A double A double arrogance)
Analyzing the driving factor behind a man's desire to play guitar with excessive self-confidence in the mix
(You got it)
Agreement towards a previous statement
Same thing that makes him want to be a star (A double A double arrogance)
Drawing similarities between desiring musical stardom and being excessively arrogant
(You got it)
Agreement towards a previous statement
What makes him want to see his name in lights? (A double A double arrogance)
Questioning the reason behind one's display of their name in a prominent manner with excessive pride as the driving force
(You got it)
Agreement towards a previous statement
It was the same thing that made Eve take the first bite
Drawing a parallel between Adam and Eve's appetite for knowledge and the person's appetite for arrogance
Pimp rag, tootsie pop, and a cane
Materialistic items owned by the person in question
(Don't make me get up, there he is, get him, don't make me get up)
An exclamation or warning to prevent any conflict or aggressive exchanges by the person in question
Like a flame and she came and I was no longer cold
Describing a passionate encounter with a partner as a means of breaking away from arrogance
That's a little shady, for this lady was only sixteen years old
Admitting to a potentially controversial involvement with a minor partner
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Prince Rogers Nelson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind