When You Were Mine by Prince?

Author Tillie Fabbri

Posted Aug 31, 2022

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When You Were Mine is a song by American musician Prince. It was released in September 1980 as the third single from his second album, Dirty Mind. The song was written by Prince in 1979.

The song is a ballad in which Prince reflects on a former lover. He expresses how he still feels about her, even though she is now with someone else.

The song is notable for its use of bass guitar and synthesizers, which were becoming increasingly popular in music at the time. The song's lyrics have been interpreted as being about cocaine addiction.

The song was a moderate success, reaching number 35 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. In the UK, the song peaked at number 16.

Critics have generally praised the song, with some calling it a highlight from Dirty Mind. Rolling Stone ranked the song number 488 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

When you were mine I didn't know what time it was I had no concept of hours or days I just knew that I loved you In a way I can't explain I just knew that I needed you In a way you'll never understand

Now you're gone You're with somebody else And I'm all alone I don't know what to do

I miss you I miss your touch I miss the way you make me feel I miss the way you used to look at me

I don't know how to deal with this I don't know how to deal with the pain I just know that I loved you And I'll never love again

What inspired Prince to write "When You Were Mine"?

When You Were Mine is a song by American recording artist Prince. The song was released on his 1980 album, Dirty Mind.

The song is a mid-tempo rocker with a synthesizer solo. The lyrics are about a former lover.

The song was reportedly inspired by Prince's real-life ex-girlfriend, drummer Lisa Coleman. The two had dated for several years and had even lived together for a time.

Coleman has said that the song is about the pain of a break-up. "It's about when you lose somebody that you really care about, and it just kills you inside," she said.

Prince also reportedly wrote the song about his own failed relationships. He has said that the song is about "the loneliness of being happy with someone and them not being able to reciprocate that."

The song has been covered by a number of artists, including Cyndi Lauper, Nina Simone, and Radiohead.

What is the meaning behind the lyrics of "When You Were Mine"?

The lyrics of "When You Were Mine" are about a person looking back on a past relationship and wondering what could have been. The lyrics talk about how the person regrets not being with the other person anymore, and how they wish they could have been more than just friends. The lyrics also talk about how the person misses the other person and how they used to be together.

How did "When You Were Mine" become one of Prince's signature songs?

"When You Were Mine" is one of Prince's signature songs because it is an incredibly catchy pop song with a powerful message. The song is about a relationship that ended badly, and Prince sings about how he regrets not appreciating the person he was with when he had them. The song has a catchy chorus that people can't help but sing along to, and it is one of Prince's most popular songs.

What is the story behind the recording of "When You Were Mine"?

The song "When You Were Mine" was written by Prince and originally recorded by him in 1980. It was first released on his album "Dirty Mind". The song is about a man reflecting on a past relationship. The song was later covered by Cyndi Lauper and released as a single in 1983. It became a hit for her, reaching the Top 40 in the US.

What are some of the unique elements of "When You Were Mine" that make it stand out from other Prince songs?

When You Were Mine is an uptempo synth-pop and new wave song written by Prince in 1980. The song was recorded in June 1981 at Prince's newly built Paisley Park Studios, and was the first song recorded there. It was released as the fifth and final single from Prince's second album, Controversy in 1981, reaching number two on the US Dance chart.

When You Were Mine is distinctive for its simple, catchy melody and Prince's high-pitched vocal performance. The lyrics are also notable for their directness and frankness, as Prince sings about the pain of losing a former lover. Overall, the song is a classic example of Prince's pop songwriting craft, and its success on the dance chart demonstrate his crossover appeal.

How did "When You Were Mine" become a hit single?

How did "When You Were Mine" become a hit single?

It's a question that's been asked numerous times, and there's no one definitive answer. For some, the answer lies in the quality of the song itself - a powerful, catchy and emotional ballad that has stood the test of time. Others will point to the promotion and marketing of the song, which was expertly handled by Madonna's team and resulted in the song being played on radio stations and in clubs around the world.

Whatever the reason, "When You Were Mine" is a song that resonated with millions of people and continues to do so today. It's a reminder of a past love, and a reminder that even though that love is gone, the memories and the feelings still remain.

The song was written by Madonna and her then-boyfriend Stephen Bray, and was originally released on Madonna's second album, "Like a Virgin." The album was a massive success, and "When You Were Mine" was released as a single in some countries, but not in the United States.

In the years since, the song has been covered by a number of artists, including Cyndi Lauper, who had a hit with her version in 1984.

Madonna's own version of "When You Were Mine" was eventually released as a single in the United States in 1986, and it quickly became a radio favorite. It reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and remains one of Madonna's most popular and well-loved songs.

What is the legacy of "When You Were Mine"?

When You Were Mine is a song by American singer-songwriter Prince. The song was released as the sixth and final single from his 1980 album, Dirty Mind.

The song is a ballad about the singer's jealousy towards his lover's former partner.Prince's lyrics convey both vulnerability andconfidence, simultaneously conveying the feelingsof both hurt and love.

When You Were Mine was one of the first songs Prince wrote upon arriving in Minneapolis. The song was inspired by his then-girlfriend, Susan Moonsie of the group Vanity 6.

The song was originally recorded with a different arrangement, with a slower tempo and different lyrics. However, after hearing the song, engineer Don Batts urged Prince to re-record it with a more up-tempo feel.

The result is the classic version of When You Were Mine that is widely known and loved today.

When You Were Mine has been covered by a number of artists, including Cyndi Lauper, Annie Lennox, Michael Jackson, and No Doubt. The song has also been featured in numerous films and television shows.

When You Were Mine is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with fans of all ages. It is a song that is both personal and relatable, and its legacy will continue to live on for many years to come.

How did "When You Were Mine" influence other artists?

When You Were Mine is a song written and performed by American singer-songwriter Prince. The song was originally released on his 1980 album, Dirty Mind, but was later included on his soundtrack album for the 1984 film, Purple Rain. The song is a mid-tempo synth-funk ballad with a guitar solo.

When You Were Mine has been covered by numerous artists, including Cyndi Lauper, who released her version as a single in 1986. Her version peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Lauper has said that she was "very honored" that Prince allowed her to cover the song.

Other artists who have covered When You Were Mine include Ani DiFranco, who released her version as a single in 1998, and Celine Dion, who included the song on her 2002 album, A New Day Has Come.

When You Were Mine has also been sampled by several artists, including Missy Elliott and Christina Aguilera.

What is the place of "When You Were Mine" in Prince's discography?

When You Were Mine is a song by American musician Prince. It was released on his 1980 album, Dirty Mind. The song was written by Prince during his early years as a recording artist.

The song is a mid-tempo track with a synth-funk sound. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is reminiscing about a former lover. The song is one of Prince's most successful early singles, reaching number five on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

In terms of Prince's discography, When You Were Mine is considered to be one of his most classic and timeless tracks. The song is often cited as a favorite by fans and critics alike. It is also one of Prince's most covered songs, with versions by artists such as Cyndi Lauper, Michael Jackson, and Taylor Swift.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who wrote the song when you Were Mine by Prince?

The song was written by Prince, and produced by Prince and the Revolution.

What album is when you Were Mine on?

This song is on Prince's 1980 album, Dirty Mind.

Is “when you Were Mine” a new wave song?

No, "When You Were Mine" is not a new wave song.

Did Prince ever release when you Were Mine as a single?

No, Prince never released "When You Were Mine" as a single.

Did Prince ever perform One Nite Alone Live?

No. Prince did not perform One Nite Alone Live.

Tillie Fabbri

Tillie Fabbri

Writer at CGAA

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Tillie Fabbri is an accomplished article author who has been writing for the past 10 years. She has a passion for communication and finding stories in unexpected places. Tillie earned her degree in journalism from a top university, and since then, she has gone on to work for various media outlets such as newspapers, magazines, and online publications.

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