On Episode 121 of the Press Rewind – Prince Lyrics Podcast, Aisha Staggers and I talk about the third and final single from the Lovesexy album, “I Wish U Heaven.” Is Prince acting wistful and nostalgic towards past lovers, friends, and associates? Or is he using it as a high road kiss-off to those who choose not to follow him on his spiritual journey?
“When the world’s compassion ceases, still I know.”
A gorgeous pop ballad utilizing Sheila E’s percussion, Eric Leeds’ sax, and Prince’s falsetto, among other musical treats, “I Wish U Heaven” is a short but semi-sweet track with a couple of different lyrical interpretative options. Anytime you can derive additional meaning from a song with two short verses, and a chorus is a pleasant surprise. Whichever way you choose to take the lyrics (listen to the episode for more details), the result is a single that may not have crossed over on pop charts but certainly left its mark on Black radio and video stations. The 10-minute 12″ version expands on the song’s themes and is divided into three parts. This version also interpolates an entirely different tune, “Take This Beat,” while resurrecting the Jamie Starr persona. Prince enjoyed the call and response aspects of the 12″ version of “I Wish U Heaven,” so much that he incorporated it into his Lovesexy tour sets. Whether you prefer it performed succinctly or drawn-out, both versions make for excellent listening.
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!
