Meaning of “1999” by Prince - Song Meanings and Facts (2024)

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Prince’s “1999” song is mocking, if you will, the concept of Armageddon. It was released during a time, the early 1980s, which has held a decades’-long record of being, according to scientists, theclosest the world has ever cometo nuclear war. So the song is not literally based on the year 1999, as in the advent of the new millennium, which was still almost two decades away.Rather this timeframe serves as a metaphor for three different ideas.One is being symbolic of the aforementioned seemingly-imminent nuclear Armageddon.Another points to a more religious understanding of the date, as in representing of the end of the world, since in this song Prince alludesto a general feeling of pessimism people were feeling aboutwhat the near future would bring.But “1999” is primarily centered on his recognizing that this year would logically be one of the biggest party dates in history, since once again it is ushering in a new millennium.

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You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Prince's 1999 at Lyrics.org.

So that is what the artist means when he states his intentto “party like it’s 1999”. He is going to let it all hang out and have the timeof his life.And again, this is in direct defiance of the depressing ideasthat the world is coming to an end. Indeed Prince acknowledges that “we couldall die any day”.Thus even taking tomorrow for granted is kind of a mootpoint.

So in all, “1999” is actually a celebration of life, with Prince and his co-stars admonishing the listener to enjoy the present as opposed to looking forward to an entropic tomorrow.

Meaning of “1999” by Prince - Song Meanings and Facts (1)

Billboard Success of “1999”

“1999” managed to make it onto the Billboard Hot 100 duringthree different decades. It did so twice in the 1980s. Its initial release wason 24 September 1982 by Warner Bros. Records, serving as the title track ofandlead singlefrom Prince’s fifth album.Theoriginal release peaked at number 44 on the Hot 100, in addition to hittingnumber one on their Dance Club Songs chart.The song was then re-releasedduring July of 1983, faring better on the Hot 100, this time peaking at number12.

The song then managed to make an appearance on the BillboardHot 100 again during, you guessed it, 1999.This time around “1999” peakedat number 40, making itthe first track inBillboard historynamed after a year to actually chart in the yearit was named after.

Nearing the end of his contract with Warner Bros.Record in the mid 1990s, Prince was upset that the label owned his masterrecordings. So he re-recorded “1999” during 1998.That versionflopped, only peaking at number 150 amongst Billboard’s charts.So theversion which hit number 40 in 1999 wasactually the original, Warner Bros. recording.

Finally Prince’s premature death in 2016 caused the song toexperience a resurgence, once again appearing on the Hot 100, this time peakingat number 27.

Global Success

“1999” also charted internationally throughout thedecades.During its 1983 release it hit the number 25 spot in Britain (theUK Singles Chart). Furthermore, it managed to break the top 10 in Australia,Belgium, Canada and New Zealand.

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It was then re-released in the United Kingdom in 1985, thistime getting as high as number 2 in the United Kingdom. Many believe its 1985success in the UK was partially due to being a double-A side with anotherPrince hit, “Little Red Corvette”.

Then the year 1999 saw the song chart in the followingcountries:

  • Australia
  • Belgium
  • The Netherlands
  • Germany
  • Ireland
  • UK
  • United States

Finally when Prince passed away in 2016, it also appeared onthe music charts in a number of regions, including Germany, France, and the UK.

Having such an impressive longevity has contributed to“1999” being certified quadruple-platinum by the RIAA.

“1999” is among the world’s greatest songs

Rolling Stoneplaces this classic at number 215 on its 2011 list of the“500 Greatest Songs of All Time”.

More Fun Facts about “1999”

  • Prince shares lead vocals on this song with two members of his bandThe Revolution,Lisa Coleman and Dez Dickerson, whom he worked with from 1979-1986.
  • The music video to “1999”, which features members of The Revolution, was directed by Bruce Gowers.
  • “1999” influenced the sound of Phil Collins’ 1985 hit song “Sussudio”, with Collins being a big fan of Prince’s works during its composition.
  • Prince retired this song for a while, with his original intent being to never play it again after the actual year 1999.However, he played asnippet of the song during his halftime show of Super Bowl XLI in 2007.Afterwards he once again began using it during his live performances.

Did Prince write this song?

Yes. Prince both wrote and produced “1999”.

Are there any covers of “1999”?

Yes, there are. Some famous artists who are known to havecovered this song include Billy Joel, Limp Bizkit and Meat Loaf.

Related posts:

  • Phil Collins’ “Sussudio” and Prince’s “1999”
  • “Purple Rain” by Prince and the Revolution
  • “Annie Christian” by Prince
  • “Le Grind” by Prince
  • Prince’s “When Doves Cry” Meaning
  • Sinead O’Connor’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” Lyrics Meaning
  • “DOA” by Rich Brian
  • “Raspberry Beret” by Prince

1 Response

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  1. Gerald W McAlister says:

    February 4, 2023 at 6:45 pm

    One of the great songs and great Artisits of all time. RIP Prince

    Reply

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