Raspberry Beret
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| "Raspberry Beret" | ||
|---|---|---|
| ||
| Single by Prince and The Revolution | ||
| From the album Around the World in a Day | ||
| Single Released | 1985 | |
| Single Format | 7" Single 12" Single | |
| Recorded | 1982 (updated in 1984) | |
| Genre | Pop, Funk | |
| Song Length | 7"/Album: 3:31 12" version: 7:28 | |
| Record label | Warner Brothers Records | |
| Writer | Prince | |
| Producer | Prince | |
| Lyrics | [External link] | |
| Chart positions | #2 US #25 UK | |
| Prince U.S. single chronology | ||
| "Take Me With U" 1985 | "Raspberry Beret" 1985 | "Pop Life" 1985 |
| Prince UK single chronology | ||
| "Paisley Park" 1985 | "Raspberry Beret" 1985 | "Pop Life" 1985 |
"Raspberry Beret" is the first U.S. (and second UK) single off of Prince and The Revolution's 1985 album, Around the World in a Day. The sound was completely different from any previous Prince track, incorporating Middle-Eastern finger-cymbals, stringed instruments and even a harmonica on the 12" version. The song was also more in the pop vein than ever before, though the 12" and video of the song feature a funky intro. Although the song was originally recorded in 1982, Prince drastically reworked it with The Revolution to give it more of an international sound. The video for the song was also significant, displaying Prince's new short haircut and The Revolution vaguely resembling Gypsies or hippies. The song quickly became a fan-favorite and a staple in nearly every Prince tour. An alternative rock cover version of the song was recorded and released in 1990 by the Hindu Love Gods and achieved moderate popularity.
The lyrics of "Raspberry Beret" are about a teenage boy's first sexual experience. Prince describes a girl who "came in through the out door", wearing a raspberry beret - "and if it was warm, she wouldn't wear much more". He ends the song by acknowledging that while "they say the first time ain't the greatest", if he could do it all again, he "wouldn't change a stroke".
It is often speculated that the song is about having sex with a girl on her period.
The U.S. B-side, "She's Always In My Hair" is a powerful rock and roll number, with strong guitar and organ and emotional lyrics screamed toward the end. Years later, the song would be performed live, much to the delight of long-time fans. The song was covered by D'Angelo on the Scream 2 soundtrack. The UK B-side was "Hello", which was included on the U.S. release of "Pop Life".
In the media
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