Let's Pretend We're Married

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“Let's Pretend We're Married”
“Let's Pretend We're Married” cover
US 7" single
Single by Prince
from the album 1999
B-side "Irresistible Bitch"
Released November 23, 1983 (1983-11-23)
Format 7" single
12" single
Recorded Sunset Sound and Minneapolis 1982
Genre Pop, New Wave
Length 7" edit: 3:40
Album/12": 7:20
Label Warner Bros. Records
Writer(s) Prince
Producer Prince
Prince singles chronology
"Delirious"
(1983)
"Let's Pretend We're Married"
(1983)
"When Doves Cry"
(1984)
Prince (AUS) singles chronology
"Automatic"
(1983)
"When Doves Cry"
(1984)

"Let's Pretend We're Married" is a controversial, sexually-based song by Prince from his 1982 album 1999. It was also the final US single from the album. The song consists mainly of keyboards and drum machines, along with Prince's vocals. Two verses followed by choruses form the main basis of the song. The song breaks down to an instrumental section followed by Prince stating he wants to "fuck the taste out of [the girl's] mouth." The final part of the song is an a cappella with Prince stating his philosophy on life - he loves God for fear of the afterlife but he's going to have fun while he can, a theme echoed in "1999." The song was performed live on the Purple Rain tour.

The B-side, "Irresistible Bitch," received equal airplay and so qualified to chart alongside the A-side. The track was actually written and recorded in 1981, and segues from the song "Feel U Up," which was re-recorded in 1986 for the Camille project. The original version of "Irresistible Bitch" has a much rougher vocal, and is an organ-driven song. The 1983 remake has more percussion, both live drums and drum machines, along with bell-like keyboards and vocal backup from Wendy and Lisa. The lyrics are the familiar Prince theme of a jilted lover who treats his woman well, but gets treated badly in return. The song was performed on the Purple Rain tour, and once again with the New Power Generation, for their 1992–1993 tours.

Tina Turner has covered the song in live performances, and one of these is included on her Collected Recordings - Sixties to Nineties album. The latter track also appears as the B-side of her own "Show Some Respect" single, released in 1984. In addition, the band School of Fish covered the song on the b-side to the single "3 Strange Days".

[edit] External links

  • "Let's Pretend We're Married" lyrics