Episode 78: I Wonder U

On Episode 78 of the Press Rewind – Prince Lyrics Podcast, Farooq Ansari (@anti_social on Twitter) and I talk about the mood piece that is “I Wonder U” off the Parade album. The song is notable not necessarily for its lyrics but as the first officially released song on a Prince album that was not sung by Prince! We still have plenty to say about this short segue.

“I wonder u, you’re on my mind.”

I wondered what Farooq and I would talk about when it came to a song like “I Wonder U.” Essentially, a segue between “New Position” and “Under the Cherry Moon,” this track is a total vibe. It’s slinky, sexy, and a bit perplexing from a lyrical perspective.

Prince and Wendy Melvoin’s vocals were initially placed together on this track before Prince decided to delete his, making this the first Prince song on a Prince album sung by someone else. The Clare Fischer orchestration makes this short but sweet song spark.

Version that includes both Prince and Wendy’s vocals, minus the orchestration.
Prince and the Revolution performed “Christopher Tracy’s Parade,” “New Position” and “I Wonder U” in one suite of songs during the Parade tour.

The goal of each episode of Press Rewind is to:

  • Take a track by track look at the lyrical content of Prince’s discography
  • Discuss my own interpretation of each song’s lyrics along with any guest I may have
  • If submitted, discuss listener’s interpretations of each song’s lyrics

Thank you for joining me on this journey through Prince’s catalog!

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