About the Song
"When Doves Cry" is a song by American musician Prince, and the lead single from his sixth studio album Purple Rain. According to the DVD commentary of the film Purple Rain (1984), Prince was asked by director Albert Magnoli to write a song to match the theme of a particular segment of the film that involved Prince's character The Kid's intermingled parental difficulties with his father Francis L. and mother and a love affair with Apollonia. The next morning, Prince had composed two songs, one of which was "When Doves Cry". According to Prince's biographer Per Nilsen, the song was inspired by his relationship with Vanity 6 member Susan Moonsie.
Meaning Behind the Lyrics
The themes in "When Doves Cry" can be interpreted as a complex exploration of love and conflict, resonating with many listeners who have experienced tumultuous relationships. The emotional turmoil depicted in the song reflects a struggle between personal desires and familial obligations, illustrating how love can evoke both joy and pain. For many, the imagery of doves can symbolize peace and longing, suggesting a search for harmony amid chaos. Overall, the lyrics encapsulate the intricacies of love, loss, and the challenges of connecting with others, making it a relatable and poignant reflection on human experiences.
Did You Know?
- The Revolution is an American R&B/pop rock band formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1979 by Prince, serving as his live band and later as his studio band.
- Along with Prince's other projects, the Revolution helped create the Minneapolis sound.
Music Details
These details come from the iTunes song listing used for the artwork and metadata match.
- Album/collection: Purple Rain
- Genre: Pop
- iTunes release date: June 25, 1984
- Track runtime: 8:42
Video Snapshot
- Video title: Prince and the Revolution – When Doves Cry (Official Music Video)
- YouTube channel: Prince
- Video published: July 7, 2017
- Video runtime: 3 minutes, 45 seconds
- YouTube views when drafted: 136,509,979
- YouTube likes when drafted: 1,037,118
- YouTube comments when drafted: 31,567
Quick Facts
- Artist: PRINCE & THE REVOLUTION
- Song: WHEN DOVES CRY
- Album/collection: Purple Rain
- Genre: Pop
- Reference page: When Doves Cry
