I didn’t know him personally and obviously the loss that fans feel is nothing compared to the loss that his friends and family are feeling. My heart goes out to the family of Prince. When a musician who’s music brought so much joy to your life and inspired you dies it leaves a small hole in your heart. It’s not the same as when a loved one dies, it’s hard to really put a finger on it.
When I was in my early teens I heard when doves cry on the radio and spent all of that summer trying to sing like Prince, learning every word and intonation. I’m sure i drove my parents nuts. I took the few dollars I got for my allowance and I bought purple rain on tape cassette.
I remember opening the plastic wrapped cassette tape and finding out it smelled like grapes. I spent weeks listening and digesting every song. I spent countless hours reading the lyrics and trying to memorize every word of every song from the jacket.
I remember hiding in my grandmothers pantry and listening to Darling Nikki hoping my grandmother wouldn’t hear.
At least 20 years later my brother James sat me down to play Darling Niki on his guitar for me because he understood.
Thank you Prince for the privilege of knowing your music and the influence you had on me and so many others. RIP.
Dearly beloved
We are gathered here today
2 get through this thing called life
Electric word life
It means forever and that’s a mighty long time
But I’m here 2 tell u
There’s something else
The afterworld
A world of never ending happiness
U can always see the sun, day or night
So when u call up that shrink in Beverly Hills
U know the one – Dr Everything’ll Be Alright
Instead of asking him how much of your time is left
Ask him how much of your mind, baby
‘Cuz in this life
Things are much harder than in the afterworld
In this life
You’re on your own…
