Prince – Purple Rain (Official Video)
April’s Theme:
The old saying April showers bring May flowers resonates with me. As the temperature slowly transitions from winter to spring, rain and warm weather are necessary to bring dormant grass, plants and trees back to life. However, with dramatic rises in temperature come hail, heavy rain and severe storms. Whether in the form of flash floods or tornados, these sudden events bring communities together as they cope with trials and tribulations. As families face adversity together, opportunities to grow and mature are provided like the words of James 1:2-4.
Inspiration Behind Purple Rain:
Prince was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, home of the National Football League’s Vikings. Whether Prince’s fascination with purple began by watching his hometown team’s purple uniforms or some other significant event, Purple Rain was dedicated to his father. Written by Prince and the Revolution, the lyrics of Purple Rain references the end of this world. This sudden climax provides a brief moment in time to reconcile with loved ones. This purple rain is symbolic of hope and tears that reconciliation will occur before your li is over,
Biblical Application:
So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation, 2 Corinthians 5:16-19.
Exegesis of Purple Rain:
I never meant to cause you any sorrow
I never meant to cause you any pain
I only wanted one time to see you laughing
I only wanted to see you laughing in the purple rain
Based upon the opening dedication in the attached video, Prince is apologizing to his father.
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
I only wanted to see you bathing in the purple rain
The purple rain appears to reference the end of this world, possibly after a nuclear war.
I never wanted to be your weekend lover
I only wanted to be some kind of friend, hey
Baby, I could never steal you from another
It’s such a shame our friendship had to end
Prince turns his attention to other people that he has hurt in life. Either this is an old girlfriend or someone he grew up with. She has moved on and doesn’t want to ruin her current relationship.
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
I only wanted to see you underneath the purple rain
Prince is seeking reconciliation with this woman.
Honey, I know, I know, I know times are changin’
It’s time we all reach out for something new, that means you too
You say you want a leader, but you can’t seem to make up your mind
And I think you better close it and let me guide you to the purple rain
Prince experiences a call to action, to lead people during this hypothetical end of the world situation. He urges this individual to follow his lead, guiding her toward the purple rain.
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain (ooh!)
If you know what I’m singin’ about up here, come on, raise your hand
Purple rain, purple rain
I only want to see you, only want to see you in the purple rain
This final stanza speaks to need to bring others toward reconciliation. Prince wants to lead others, to put aside their differences by apologizing and reuniting.
Final Thoughts:
At the end of Purple Rain, Prince seeks to be a peace maker. In this age of political division and hatred, America needs more leaders to focus on what people have in common instead of what divides. Rather than participating in an endless cycle of trashing other people, it’s time to forgive and forget. May the closing words of Purple Rain inspire you to become a peace maker, mending broken relationships from your past.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 