Prince was a genre-defying artist who reshaped the music industry with his creativity, style, and fearless self-expression. Born Prince Rogers Nelson in Minneapolis, he was a musical prodigy known for mixing funk, pop, rock, and soul.

Over his career, Prince sold over 100 million records, won 7 Grammy Awards, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.

Beyond music, he became a cultural icon who challenged norms about gender, race, and religion. Prince’s bold image and unapologetic lyrics empowered generations to embrace their identity and artistic freedom.

About the Song and Its Cultural Impact

Raspberry Beret by Prince and the Revolution is more than just a feel-good song from the ’80s—it’s a cultural moment. Released in 1985, this vibrant track blends catchy pop with storytelling and spiritual undertones. The amazing tale of a young man’s romantic encounter with a girl in a raspberry-colored hat has connected with generations.

More than a colorful love story, the song shows deeper themes—freedom, sexuality, spiritual discovery, and femininity. Prince doesn’t shy away from referencing God, especially as a contrast between structured religion and natural love.

His depiction of women as independent, free-spirited, and full of life struck a chord with many, making Raspberry Beret a timeless anthem of youthful awakening and individuality.

The Deeper Meaning Behind Raspberry Beret

At surface level, Raspberry Beret is a charming tale about a boy who falls for a girl in a second-hand store. But underneath its breezy melody lies a much richer narrative.

The raspberry beret itself becomes a symbol of individuality and rebellion—she’s not just any girl, she’s different, confident, and unapologetically herself. Their romantic connection is intimate and freeing, taking place outside social boundaries (“in a barn”) and contrasting with the rigid, colorless structure of the narrator’s work life.

Prince weaves in themes of God and religion—the line “seems that I was busy doing something close to nothing” references a mundane existence that’s disrupted by something divine: love. The girl leads him not only into romance but also into a deeper, almost spiritual transformation.

Women in the song, especially the girl in “Raspberry Beret,” represent more than just love interests. They symbolize inspiration, creativity, and personal awakening. This song celebrates female power in a fresh and liberating way, especially during the 1980s pop scene.

Full Lyrics of Raspberry Beret by Prince and the Revolution

Intro

One, two
One, two, three, uh!

Verse 1

Yeah
I was working part time in a five-and-dime
My boss was Mr. McGee
He told me several times that he didn’t like my kind
‘Cause I was a bit too leisurely
Seems that I was busy doing something close to nothing
But different than the day before
That’s when I saw her, ooh, I saw her
She walked in through the out door, out door

Chorus

She wore a raspberry beret
The kind you find in a second-hand store
Raspberry beret
And if it was warm, she wouldn’t wear much more
Raspberry beret, I think I love her

Verse 2

Built like she was, she had the nerve to ask me
If I planned to do her any harm
So, look here, I put her on the back of my bike and, uh, we went riding
Down by old man Johnson’s farm
I said, now, overcast days never turned me on
But something ’bout the clouds and her mixed
She wasn’t too bright, but I could tell when she kissed me
She knew how to get her kicks

Chorus

She wore a raspberry beret
The kind you find in a second-hand store
Raspberry beret
And if it was warm, she wouldn’t wear much more
Raspberry beret, I think I love her

Verse 3

The rain sounds so cool when it hits the barn roof
And the horses wonder who you are
Thunder drowns out what the lightning sees
You feel like a movie star
Listen, they say the first time ain’t the greatest
But I tell you, if I had the chance to do it all again, ooh
I wouldn’t change a stroke ’cause, baby, I’m the most
With a girl as fine as she was then

Chorus

(Raspberry beret) Oh!
The kind you find (The kind you find)
The kind you find (In a second-hand store)
Oh, no, no
(Raspberry beret)
(And if it was warm)
Where have all the raspberry women gone? (She wouldn’t wear much more)
Yeah (Raspberry beret)
Aah!
I think I, I think I, I think I love her!
(Raspberry beret)
No, no, no
No, no, no (The kind you find)
(In a second-hand store)
(Raspberry beret)
Tell me
Where have all the raspberry women gone? (And if it was warm she wouldn’t wear much more)
(Raspberry beret)
Ooh, uh, I think I love

Similar Songs Like Raspberry Beret

If Raspberry Beret made you smile with its fun vibe and catchy rhythm, there are more Prince songs you’ll want to hear.

• Little Red Corvette: This song uses a car as a symbol for romance and danger. It’s smooth, catchy, and filled with emotional spark.
• Cream: This confident anthem is full of swagger and charm. Prince’s vocals glide over a beat that feels both cool and classic.
• Pop Life: It asks big questions with a fun, upbeat sound. A perfect mix of bright energy and real-life reflection, wrapped in pop.

Similar Artists Like Prince and the Revolution

Looking for artists who bring the same bold, funky spirit as Prince and the Revolution? These five acts blended styles like funk, pop, and rock with their own energy and flair, helping shape the music of the ’80s and beyond in unforgettable ways.

• Rick James
  Genre: Funk / R&B / Rock
  Top albums: Come Get It! (1978), Street Songs (1981), Throwin’ Down (1982), Cold Blooded (1983)
• Sheila E.
  Genre: Pop / Funk / Latin
  Top albums: The Glamorous Life (1984), Romance 1600 (1985), Sheila E. (1987), Icon (2013)
• Morris Day and The Time
  Genre: Funk / Pop / R&B
  Top albums: The Time (1981), What Time Is It? (1982), Ice Cream Castle (1984), Pandemonium (1990)
• Chaka Khan
  Genre: Funk / Soul / R&B
  Top albums: Chaka (1978), I Feel for You (1984), Destiny (1986), The Woman I Am (1992)
• David Bowie
  Genre: Rock / Glam Rock / Funk
  Top albums: Young Americans (1975), Let’s Dance (1983), Tonight (1984), Black Tie White Noise (1993)

Frequently Asked Questions

Was there any Controversy Regarding The Lyrics of Raspberry Beret?

While the song is generally regarded as a sweet coming-of-age story, some listeners have speculated about deeper or more risqué meanings; however, most interpretations agree that it’s about a memorable first romantic encounter.

Has Raspberry Beret Appeared in Popular Culture?

Yes, the song has been featured in films like Girl 6 and remains one of Prince’s most beloved and recognizable tracks.

What was The B-side to Raspberry Beret?

In the US, the B-side was “She’s Always in My Hair,” a rock and roll number. In the UK, the B-side was “Hello”.