From American Songwriter · Kat Caudill · · 50s
Prince's Forgotten Lyrics Still Feel Poetic
Prince's overlooked lyrics reveal deep emotions and social commentary.
In brief
Prince's overlooked lyrics reveal deep emotions and social commentary. Prince's forgotten songs like 'I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man' and 'Dance On' express complex feelings and societal issues. Originally reported by American Songwriter.
I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man
Prince's song from 1987's Sign O' The Times was a Top 10 hit but often overshadowed by his larger songs.
“I may be qualified for a one-night stand / But I could never take the place of your man.”
When You Were Mine
Prince's 1980 song on Dirty Mind shows he still loves his ex more than when they were together.
“Cuz I love you, baby, that’s no lie / I love you more than I did / When you were mine.”
Let’s Pretend We’re Married
This song uses a racy approach to express getting over someone else with an infectious beat.
“Excuse me but I need a mouth like yours / To help me forget the girl that just walked out my door.”
Dance On
Prince's song mentions grenades, gang violence, and nuclear war within the first minute and a half.
“They all know the words but the music is doomed.”
The takeaway
Prince's forgotten songs like 'I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man' and 'Dance On' express complex feelings and societal issues.
