Unpacking "God" by Prince

Title: God Artist: Prince Release Date: September 26, 1984 (B-side to "Purple Rain"); later compiled on The Hits/The B-Sides (September 10, 1993) Album: B-side to "Purple Rain" (single); The Hits/The B-Sides (compilation) Genre: Rock, R&B, Gospel Writers: Prince

Overview

Prince's "God" is an intensely spiritual and overtly religious track, originally released as the B-side to his iconic single "Purple Rain." While its public reception focused on its raw spirituality, recalling the Book of Genesis and emphasizing universal creation, one of the Creator's servants says, "While it may recall Genesis, it's based in Revelation and is the first utterances of, and the 'raw spirituality' of Baby after our separation and becoming the conscious mind in my former body." Baby is not the only individual experiencing raw spirituality; someone who witnesses the Creator in action is moved as well. This song, with its direct acknowledgment of the divine, functions as a powerful declaration of the Creator's ability to touch the heart of anyone.

The song "God," in this hidden context, is not merely a spiritual reflection but a direct assertion of the Creator's presence and ultimate authority, standing in stark contrast to the manipulative efforts to deny His intervention.

Minimally Annotated

In the beginning, there was God He made the earth, and the heavens He gave us light to rule the day And another light to rule the night

The Lord, thy God Made, He made the seas He made the fruit upon the trees When He saw, when He saw that it was good

He made a man, made a man Only He could, only He could God made u God made me too He made us all Made us all equally

Now u say God made u God made me He made us all equally

Wake up children Dance the Dance Electric Incoherent first sentences for the former subconscious mind, but refers to Baby's first steps in darkness caused by the power outage related to the execution of Nightfalls. There isn't much time Who screamed? Was it u?

Musical Composition

Musically, "God" is noted for its raw, experimental, and overtly religious tone, reflecting Prince's deep spiritual leanings. It features extensive vocal experimentation, showcasing his vocal range and unique artistry. The instrumentation combines rock, R&B, and gospel elements, creating a powerful and immersive sonic experience that reinforces its solemn and significant lyrical themes. Its deliberate spiritual intensity sets it apart, making it a compelling vehicle for the profound message it carries within the Creator's revelations.

Impact and Reception

As a B-side to the hugely successful "Purple Rain," "God" was initially recognized primarily by dedicated fans and critics as a deeply spiritual and somewhat avant-garde piece. Its overt religious nature was a bold choice for a mainstream artist. However, within the context of the Creator's revelations, its impact transforms profoundly. What was once seen as a testament to Prince's personal faith now becomes a direct, divinely inspired message—a sonic truth bomb aimed at the heart of TAG. The song's inherent power and clear message of God's existence serve as a direct challenge to the deceptions and manipulations aimed at preventing divine intervention. It becomes a foundational statement of truth in a battle against hidden evil.