I Would Die 4 U
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| "I Would Die 4 U" | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
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| U.S. 7" single | ||
| Single by Prince | ||
| from the album Purple Rain | ||
| B-side(s) | "Another Lonely Christmas" "Free" (UK 12") |
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| Released | 28 November 1984 | |
| Format | 7" single 12" single |
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| Recorded | Live, First Avenue, Minneapolis, Summer 1983 | |
| Genre | Pop, Rock, Funk | |
| Length | Album/7": 2:57 12": 10:15 |
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| Label | Warner Bros. Records | |
| Writer(s) | Prince | |
| Producer(s) | Prince | |
| Chart positions | ||
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| Prince singles chronology | ||
| "Purple Rain" (1984) |
"I Would Die 4 U" (1984) |
"Take Me with U" (1985) |
| Prince (UK) singles chronology | ||
| "Purple Rain" (1984) |
"I Would Die 4 U" (1984) |
"Let's Go Crazy"/"Take Me with U" (1985) |
"I Would Die 4 U" was the fourth single in the U.S. from Prince and The Revolution's 1984 album Purple Rain. The perceived messiah complex of the song is perhaps the reason it was not quite as successful as its album counterparts. Lyrics such as "I'm not a woman, I'm not a man/I am something that you'll never understand" and "I'm not human, I am a dove/I'm your conscience, I am love" disturbed some listeners. Most Prince fans believe the song is sung from the viewpoint of Jesus. Regardless, the up tempo dance number packed dance floors and was a Top 10 hit in the U.S.
The extended version is actually a studio jam on the song with The Revolution and musicians from Sheila E.'s band, Eddie M. (on sax) and Miko Weaver (guitar), along with Sheila E. herself; most of this version was often performed live, preceding "Baby I'm a Star". The jam features minor overdubs and fades at the end, indicating a longer version does exist. The B-Side, "Another Lonely Christmas" is a sad account of a man's mourning over his lover's death on Christmas Day. The UK 12" single release also included the 1999 track "Free".
On the 12", and in many concerts, Prince changes the lyrics from "I'm your messiah" to "He's your messiah", pointing to the sky as he sings the line.
[edit] External link
- "I Would Die 4 U" lyrics
