The Minneapolis-born songwriter, performer, guitar aficionado and actor Prince passed away, sadly, at the age of 57 years old on April 21, 2016. But the icon from the Land of 10,000 Lakes continues to live seemingly as strongly as ever thanks to his talents, musical output, and purple-hued comportment.
The rock and roll legend is known for his style and power on stage and throughout his illustrious career, Prince has released some of the most indelible songs in the classic rock genre. Here below, we wanted to explore three of them. A trio of tunes from the six-string genius that have since stood the test of time. Indeed, these are three eternal classic rock songs by Prince.
[RELATED: On This Day: Prince Was Born—a Look at His Life and Legendary Career]
“When Doves Cry” from Purple Rain (1984)
For those who watch the seminal rock and roll film Purple Rain and accompanying soundtrack that helped turn Prince from a lesser-known rock artist into a global superstar, there are scenes that showcase strife and fighting. For this song, which was the lead single from the soundtrack, Prince wrote about the repercussions of those emotional battles. Here, he brings the song to life with rhythmic thrusts and then breaks the track down as he sings about beautiful white birds shedding tears. On the classic track, which was Prince’s first No. 1 offering on the Billboard Hot 100, he sings,
How can you just leave me standing
Alone in a world that’s so cold? (So cold)
Maybe I’m just too demanding
Maybe I’m just like my father, too bold
Maybe you’re just like my mother
She’s never satisfied (she’s never satisfied)
Why do we scream at each other?
This is what it sounds like
When doves cry
“Purple Rain” from Purple Rain (1984)
The titular song from the rock star’s breakout 1984 album, this track is etched into the sky. Few rock songs are more beloved and more well known. This track is on the same level of others like “Stairway to Heaven” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.” For Prince, who is known for his energetic, pelvic-propulsive songs, this was one that slowed things down. Reflective and emotive, the track shows him practically weeping through his instrument. And while there are few lyrics to the hefty number, on the song, which hit No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, he sings,
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
“Kiss” from Parade (1986)
Following the success of Purple Rain, Prince didn’t shy away from acting and writing the songs for the soundtrack for his films. Case in point: the album Parade for the film Under the Cherry Moon, which Prince directed and starred in. But more than the success of the soundtrack or movie, this song, “Kiss,” is the most memorable aspect from that period for The Purple One. “Kiss” is a song that only Prince could have written. It’s funky and dynamic and includes literal pursed-lipped kisses in the chorus. It’s sexy and flirtatious and it demonstrates rock and roll talent as well as any song from the 1980s. The track, which also hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, has Prince singing,
You don’
t have to be beautiful
To turn me on
I just need your body, baby
From dusk ’til dawn
You don’t need experience
To turn me out
You just leave it all up to me
I’m gonna show you what it’s all about
You don’t have to be rich
To be my girl
You don’t have to be cool
To rule my world
Ain’t no particular sign
I’m more compatible with
I just want your extra time and your
Kiss
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Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
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