Let's Look For The Purple Banana
When Prince mentioned the "purple banana" in his song "Let's Go Crazy," many people were left wondering what it means. Is it a metaphor for something else? Or is it just another example of Prince's quirky lyrics?
In this article, we'll explore the meaning behind the "purple banana" and why it matters. We'll take a closer look at the lyrics of "Let's Go Crazy" and dig deeper into Prince's genius. Let's get started!
The Lyrics of "Let's Go Crazy"
Before we can understand the "purple banana," we need to look at the lyrics of "Let's Go Crazy." Here's a portion of the first verse:
Dearly beloved
We are gathered here today
To get through this thing called life
Electric word life
It means forever and that's a mighty long time
But I'm here to tell you
There's something else
The afterworld
A world of never-ending happiness
You can always see the sun, day or night
As we can see, the song starts with a sermon by Prince, telling us that we're here to "get through this thing called life." He then goes on to talk about the afterworld, a place where there's never-ending happiness and you can always see the sun, day or night.
But then, in the chorus, he says:
Let's go crazy
Let's get nuts
Let's look for the purple banana
'Til they put us in the truck, let's go!
So, what does it mean to look for the "purple banana"? Let's find out.
The Meaning Behind the Purple Banana
According to many Prince fans and experts, the "purple banana" is a metaphor for the elusive and unattainable. It represents something that's just out of reach, something that we can never quite grasp.
It's also a metaphor for the pursuit of happiness. Prince believed that happiness is something that we should always be striving for, even if we never fully achieve it. The "purple banana" represents that pursuit.
But there's more to it than that. The "purple banana" also represents Prince's own artistry and creativity. In an interview with MTV, he said:
"The purple banana is a metaphor for whatever you want it to be. It's like the Holy Grail or something. People can analyze it all they want, but maybe it's just a fun thing to say."
So, while the "purple banana" does have a deeper meaning, it's ultimately a playful and fun phrase that Prince used to express his own creativity and unique worldview.
Why the Purple Banana Matters
Now that we know what the "purple banana" means, why does it matter?
For one thing, it's a perfect example of Prince's genius as a songwriter and lyricist. He was able to take a seemingly nonsensical phrase and imbue it with deep meaning and symbolism.
But more than that, the "purple banana" represents the importance of chasing our dreams and pursuing happiness, even if we never fully achieve it. It's a reminder that life is full of elusive and unattainable things, but we should never stop looking for them.
So, the next time you hear "Let's Go Crazy" and Prince sings about the "purple banana," remember that it's more than just a silly phrase. It's a symbol of hope, creativity, and the pursuit of happiness.
Conclusion
Now that we've taken a closer look at the "purple banana," we can appreciate the depth and meaning behind this seemingly nonsensical phrase. It's a testament to Prince's unique worldview and his ability to express himself through his music.
But more than that, the "purple banana" is an important reminder to never stop chasing our dreams and pursuing happiness, even if they seem just out of reach. So, let's all go out there and look for our own "purple bananas."