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When Doves Cry
Prince
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- Album
- Purple Rain
- Released
- 1984
- Genres
- funk, funk rock
- Length
- 5:54
- Tempo
- 126 BPM
- Label
- Warner Records
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About this song
Prince wrote the song for the soundtrack of Purple Rain, his semi-autobiographical film. Director Albert Magnoli asked him for a song to match a segment of the film that combined parental difficulties with a love affair, and the song reportedly came together the next morning. It is a rare Prince song without bass guitar, a choice that creates a sense of something missing that suits its theme.
What it's about
The song is inspired by Prince's relationship with Vanity 6 member Susan Moonsie.
Fun facts
- Sampled in 22 other songs, like “Please don't be naked by Shittyoldshirt”.
- Covered 32 times, including “When Doves Cry by Bonnie McKee”.
- Written and produced by Prince.
- Recorded at Sunset Sound Factory.