by Prince’s Treasured Songs of Love
As one of the most prolific and influential artists of all time, Prince left behind an immense body of work spanning multiple genres over several decades. While he dabbled in many styles throughout his career, love was a constant theme that served as inspiration for many of his most memorable songs. Prince’s vast discography offers a treasure trove of tracks that resonate with love, passion, and commitment in different ways. For couples about to embark on their forever journey, here are 5 essential Prince songs that perfectly capture the different facets of love.
Purple Rain (1984)
Arguably Prince’s most iconic song, “Purple Rain” is a powerful declaration of unwavering love. Released as the title track and lead single from his 1984 film and accompanying album of the same name, the song tells the story of a man pouring his heart out to the one he loves during a rainy night. With its soaring guitar solo and Prince’s impassioned vocals, “Purple Rain” creates an unforgettable soundscape that transports listeners right into the throes of new love.
The lyrics describe a lover’s willingness to go to great lengths and sacrifice everything just to be with his partner through anything: “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 wanted to see you laughing in the purple rain.” Prince belts these words with raw emotion, conveying the intensity and devotion of a new relationship. Backed by minimal instrumentation, his vocals take center stage to deliver a powerful message of unwavering love and commitment.
For couples embarking on their journey together, “Purple Rain” serves as the ultimate song about falling deeply in love and being willing to weather any storm as long as you have each other. Its emotional lyrics and epic guitar solo create a truly cinematic listening experience that captures the magic and passion of new love in full force. Over 35 years since its release, “Purple Rain” remains one of the most iconic love songs of all time.
I Wanna Be Your Lover (1979)
While “Purple Rain” beautifully illustrates committed love, “I Wanna Be Your Lover” from Prince’s self-titled 1979 album captures the raw excitement and desire of a budding relationship. With its infectious funk groove and Prince’s signature falsetto, the song oozes sexuality and conveys the thrill of mutual attraction.
The playful lyrics find Prince expressing his interest in a potential lover: “I wanna be your brother / I wanna be your mother and your sister too / I wanna be your lover / Wanna be the only one that you come for.” He emphasizes his desire to fulfill every role for his object of affection. Backed by a driving bassline and upbeat instrumentation, the song transports listeners right to the moment two people first lock eyes and feel that spark.
For couples just starting out, “I Wanna Be Your Lover” perfectly encapsulates the exhilarating feeling of falling for someone new. Its catchy rhythm, suggestive lyrics, and Prince’s alluring vocals create an atmosphere that’s fun, flirty, and oozing with chemistry—capturing all the excitement and intrigue of a budding romance. Over 40 years since its release, the song remains a quintessential funk anthem about new love that’s impossible not to dance to. Its infectious energy is a great reminder of just how thrilling those early stages can feel.
Little Red Corvette (1982)
While “I Wanna Be Your Lover” captures the excitement of a new spark, “Little Red Corvette” from Prince’s 1982 album 1999 illustrates the passion and thrill of a steamy love affair. Metaphorically describing a romantic encounter, the uptempo song has an electric guitar-driven rhythm that drives its infectious beat.
The lyrics find Prince recounting a chance meeting with a mysterious woman that leads to a night of pleasure: “She’s just a girl in a little red corvette / She’s just a girl who knows how to get what she wants and what she wants is me.” Through vivid imagery, he paints a picture of lust, attraction, and indulgence. Backed by a funky bassline and Prince’s gritty vocals, the song bubbles over with sexual energy that’s impossible not to dance to.
For couples already in the throes of passion, “Little Red Corvette” is the perfect soundtrack for a fun, intimate night together. Its driving beat, suggestive lyrics, and Prince’s sultry delivery create an atmosphere that’s thrilling, indulgent, and oozing with chemistry—capturing the excitement and intensity of a steamy love affair. Even decades later, the song remains a quintessential funk anthem about giving in to temptation and pleasure. Its electric energy is a great reminder of just how passionate the early days of a relationship can feel.
Diamonds and Pearls (1991)
While the previous songs focused on new love and passion, “Diamonds and Pearls” illustrates the depth and commitment of a long-lasting relationship. Featured on Prince’s 1991 album of the same name, the sultry slow jam finds him celebrating the beauty and value of his significant other.
The lyrics compare his lover to the most precious gems: “You’re a rare kind, you’re one of a kind / You’re as beautiful as a diamond, you’re as beautiful as pearls.” Backed by smooth instrumentation and Prince’s buttery vocals, the song oozes sophistication. In contrast to earlier tracks that captured fleeting moments, “Diamonds and Pearls” illustrates the maturity and stability that develops over time between two people who have stood the test of it all.
For couples ready to commit forever, “Diamonds and Pearls” serves as the perfect love song. Its heartfelt lyrics, lush instrumentation, and Prince’s tender delivery create an atmosphere that’s intimate, timeless, and celebratory. The song reminds listeners of just how deep the bond between two people can become when they choose each other through all seasons of life. Even decades after its release, “Diamonds and Pearls” remains one of Prince’s most romantic ballads—a beautiful tribute to the enduring nature of true love.
The Love We Share (1982)
Rounding out this collection is the beautiful ballad “The Love We Share” from Prince’s 1982 album 1999. Featuring gentle piano and Prince’s vulnerable vocals, the song is a testament to the power of human connection and intimacy between two souls.
The lyrics find Prince baring his heart and soul: “The love we share seems to go nowhere / And I’ve lost my way, take me there.” He pleads for comfort and understanding from his lover, conveying vulnerability. In contrast to earlier tracks focused on physical passion, “The Love We Share” illustrates the emotional intimacy that develops when two people offer their whole selves to one another.
For couples ready to fully commit, “The Love We Share” serves as the perfect expression of love on a deep soul level. Its heartfelt lyrics, sparse instrumentation, and Prince’s intimate delivery create an atmosphere of raw vulnerability—capturing the essence of a meaningful partnership built on trust, compassion, and emotional nakedness. Even decades later, the song remains one of Prince’s most touching ballads about the profound connection that’s possible between two people willing to see each other fully.
A Soundtrack For Love
While these five songs only scratch the surface, Prince’s immense catalog contains countless other tracks that can resonate with couples at any stage. From the passion of “Gett Off” to the intimacy of “Adore,” and the commitment of “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World” to the celebration of “U Got the Look,” Prince provided the soundtrack to love in all its complexity over the years.
As they embark together on their journey, newlyweds can look to Prince for the perfect music to set the mood. Whether cooking dinner, traveling in the car, or slow dancing at home, putting on a Prince playlist is sure to enhance any moment. His songs capture all the emotions, from the first spark of attraction to the deepest levels of emotional and spiritual intimacy between partners choosing each other forever.
So as you start this new chapter, turn up the volume and let Prince’s treasured love songs accompany you on your way. From the rollercoaster highs of new love to the stable comfort of a long-term bond, his music will resonate with you through all seasons. Most of all, let his timeless love ballads serve as a reminder of the beauty, passion, and commitment that make this new forever journey so worthwhile. You’ll be in good company with the Purple One as your love’s soundtrack.
