Prince and the Revolution was a groundbreaking musical group led by the legendary artist Prince. Formed in 1979, the band played a key role in Prince’s innovative sound during the 1980s.
The band’s most famous period was in the mid-1980s, particularly with the release of Purple Rain (1984), which was both a critically acclaimed album and a box-office hit film.
About the Song
“When Doves Cry” is one of Prince’s most legendary songs, mixing rock, funk, and soul in a way that had never been done before. Its haunting, minimalist instrumentation and deep lyrics express themes of love, conflict, and heartbreak.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Released | May 16, 1984 |
| Album | Purple Rain |
| Writers | Prince |
| Producers | Prince |
Meaning Behind the Song
“When Doves Cry” is a song about the emotional complexity of a troubled relationship. The lyrics describe the pain and confusion that come from love and conflict, symbolized by the image of doves crying.
With no traditional bass line, the song’s haunting melody and raw intensity show the inner turmoil and sensitivity of the person experiencing the emotional struggle. It’s a powerful mix of passion, heartache, and longing.
Full Lyrics of When Doves Cry
Intro
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Verse 1
Dig, if you will, the picture
Of you and I engaged in a kiss
The sweat of your body covers me
Can you, my darling, can you picture this?
Verse 2
Dream, if you can, a courtyard
An ocean of violets in bloom
Animals strike curious poses
They feel the heat, the heat between me and you
Chorus
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
Verse 3
Touch, if you will, my stomach (Hmm)
Feel how it trembles inside (Mhm)
You’ve got the butterflies all tied up
Don’t make me chase you, even doves have pride
Chorus
How can you just leave me standing
Alone in a world so cold? (World 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
Bridge
Yeah, yeah
Doo-doo, woah-oh
(Yeah, yeah)
Chorus
How can you just leave me standing
Alone in a world that’s so cold? (World that’s so cold)
Maybe I’m just too demanding (Maybe, maybe)
Maybe I’m just like my father, too bold (My father, you know he’s cruel)
Maybe you’re just like my mother (Maybe you’re just like my mother)
She’s never satisfied (Never, never satisfied, why scream?)
Why do we scream at each other? (Why?)
This is what it sounds like
When doves cry
Break
When doves cry (When doves cry, when doves cry)
When doves cry (When doves cry, they cry)
Oh, no, oh
Oh, no, yeah
Oh, oh, yeah
Oh, oh, yeah
Oh, oh, yeah
When doves cry
When doves cry (Hoo)
When doves cry (Hoo)
Baby, baby, baby, yeah
Outro
When doves cry (When doves cry, when doves cry)
Don’t cry
Darling, don’t cry
Don’t cry, don’t cry, don’t, don’t cry
Live Performances of When Doves Cry
Similar Songs Like When Doves Cry
If you are into gentle, emotional-themed songs or a fan of soft music, here’s a list of recommended songs that you might love:
- Purple Rain: It is a timeless ballad about love, pain, and letting go, combining rock, pop, and soul with Prince’s iconic guitar work and powerful vocals.
- Let’s Go Crazy: This upbeat, energetic track with an infectious groove expresses themes of living life to the fullest in the face of uncertainty. Its electrifying intro and message of courage make it an enduring classic.
- Kiss: It is a funky, playful song that blends catchy beats with a minimalist yet smooth melody. It is a fun take on love and attraction. Prince’s falsetto vocals and confident delivery increase the track’s playful energy.
Awards for The Song
| Award | Category |
|---|---|
| American Music Awards (1985) | Favorite Black Single |
| NAACP Image Awards (1984) | Song of the Year |
| Pazz & Jop Critics’ Poll (1984) | Best Single of the Year |
Similar Artists Like Prince and the Revolution
Here’s a list of similar pop-indie artists that you might like to go through and enjoy:
- Michael Jackson
Genre: Pop, R&B, Funk
Top Albums: Thriller (1982), Bad (1987), Off the Wall (1979) - David Bowie
Genre: Rock, Glam Rock, Pop
Top Albums: Ziggy Stardust (1972), Heroes (1977), Let’s Dance (1983) - Rick James
Genre: Funk, R&B, Soul
Top Albums: Street Songs (1981), Fire It Up (1979), Cold Blooded (1983)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Song When Doves Cry About?
The lyrics show a crumbling love affair and Prince’s fear of repeating the troubled relationship of his parents.
What is the Song’s When Doves Cry Legacy?
When Doves Cry is frequently cited as one of the greatest songs of the 1980s and of Prince’s career; it has inspired many artists and been sampled in other works, such as MC Hammer’s “Pray.”
What Inspired Prince to Write When Doves Cry?
Director Albert Magnoli asked Prince to write a song depicting the film Purple Rain’s themes of parental conflict and romantic turmoil.
