Prince was a popular American artist known for his electrifying performances, emotional songwriting, and bold, genre-blending style that fused rock, funk, pop, and soul.
Some of Prince’s top hits include When Doves Cry, 1999, and Kiss, each showing his genius in sound, soul, and showmanship.
His music shows themes of love, identity, and redemption, leaving a lasting legacy of creativity, influence, and expressive artistry.
About the Song
Purple Rain conveys the beauty and sorrow of letting go, combining emotional honesty with spiritual undertones. It’s a soul-stirring anthem that blends the feeling of heartbreak and hope.
Through great guitar work, gospel-infused melodies, and heartfelt lyrics, the song expresses regret, love, and the desire for peace, creating a timeless, cinematic sound.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Released | 25 June, 1984 |
| Album | The Hits/The B-Sides |
| Writer | Prince |
| Producer | Prince |
Complete Lyrics of Purple Rain
Verse 1
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 want to see you laughing
In the purple rain
Chorus
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
I only want to see you bathing
In the purple rain
Verse 2
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
Chorus
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
I only want to see you underneath the purple rain
Verse 3
Honey, I know, I know, I know times are changing
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
I think you better close it
And let me guide you to the purple rain
Chorus
Purple rain, purple rain, yeah
Purple rain, purple rain, wooo!
If you know what I’m singing about up here
Come on, raise your hand
Purple rain, purple rain, yeah
I only want to see you
Only want to see you in the purple rain
Instrumental Outro
Guitar Solo
Live Performances of Purple Rain
1. Live in Syracuse, March 30, 1985
2. Live At Paisley Park, 1999
Similar Songs Like Purple Rain
- Sometimes It Snows in April: This slow, emotional ballad shows Prince’s softer side, filled with sadness and beauty, touching on loss, memories, and the pain of saying goodbye.
- The Beautiful Ones: A powerful mix of love and heartbreak, this track builds slowly before bursting with raw emotion and passion, just like Purple Rain does.
- Condition of the Heart: Delicate and dreamy, this song blends gentle piano with poetic lyrics about longing and love, offering a calm, heartfelt mood that deeply moves listeners.
- Electric Intercourse: Full of emotion and falsetto vocals, it’s a live favorite that shares the intimate, soul-stirring feel of Purple Rain with beautiful depth.
Similar Artists Like Prince
Emotional, genre-blending, and unforgettable, these artists share Prince’s flair for passion, performance, and musical creativity:
- David Bowie
Genre: Glam Rock / Art Rock / Synthpop
Top Album: The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars - Lenny Kravitz
Genre: Funk Rock / Soul / Alternative Rock
Top Album: Are You Gonna Go My Way - D’Angelo
Genre: Neo-Soul / R&B / Funk
Top Album: Voodoo - Janelle Monáe
Genre: R&B / Funk / Pop / Afrofuturism
Top Album: The ArchAndroid
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Prince Mention Purple Rain?
Purple Rain symbolizes a mix of sorrow and hope; rain represents sadness, while purple evokes royalty, peace, and spiritual rebirth after emotional storms.
Is Purple Rain About a Real Relationship?
Though inspired by relationship struggles, it’s more metaphorical. It shows universal feelings of heartbreak, apology, and longing for peace in love’s aftermath.
Was Purple Rain Based on a Dream or Vision?
Prince reportedly described Purple Rain as a vision of the end of the world, colored with spiritual healing and emotional closure through music.
