Music entertainer "America" and "Prince" refer to "purple rain" in their music. What is it?

Question

It has been a mystery for 30 years since "Horse with no name" hit the charts.

*oops* I keep doing that, "Purple Rain" is refered to in another "America" song.

Answer 1

I don't remember hearing the words "purple rain" in the song "horse with no name" by America .....
the only time rain is mentioned is "it felt good to be out of the rian.." ...right?

Prince on the other hand is very obviously saying purple rain...
and purple rain was his idea of heaven....

from Wikipedia:
The emotional lyrics have multiple meanings; on the surface, they seem to be an apology from one lover to another, though on a deeper level, they become more of a spiritual allegory. It is a theory that "Purple Rain" is a metaphor for heaven, inspired by the testimonies of a woman who died on the operating table that the afterlife is full of falling purple rain.

Answer 2

I've never known what it means either. But I found this on and think it may help you understand the meaning.
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"Purple Rain" is a power ballad by Prince and the The Revolution. It was his third US single (second UK) and title track from the legendary 1984 album Purple Rain. The song is quite emotional and combines elements of rock and roll, pop and gospel music. It won the Oscar for Best Original Score in 1984.

The song was recorded live at the Minneapolis club First Avenue in 1983. The performance was the live debut of Wendy Melvoin, and also netted the final three songs of the Purple Rain album, although the songs would undergo studio overdubs later. Interestingly, "Purple Rain" contained an extra verse about money that was wisely edited out, as it diluted the emotional impact of the song.

"Purple Rain" opens with a lone guitar quickly followed by live drumming and a prominent organ, evoking images of church gospel music. Three verses are followed by a singalong chorus, with a building emotional delivery. After the final chorus, a searing guitar-solo takes over the song, delivering just as much impact as the lyrics. The song ends with a gentle piano solo and orchestral strings.

The emotional lyrics have multiple meanings; on the surface, they seem to be an apology from one lover to another, though on a deeper level, they become more of a spiritual allegory. It is a theory that "Purple Rain" is a metaphor for heaven, inspired by the testimonies of a woman who died on the operating table that the afterlife is full of falling purple rain.

The song is a staple of Prince's live performances. He has played it on nearly every tour since 1984, except for a period after his name change when he avoided his older hits for a few years. The song reached #2 in the U.S., and is Prince's signature song.

This song has been covered by dozens of other artists ranging from popular artists of various genres such as Tori Amos, LeAnn Rimes and The Waterboys to jazz and orchestral versions.[1] In March 2005, Q magazine placed it at number 40 in its list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Tracks.

The b-side, "God" is a much more overtly religious number (Prince's most religious to date), recalling the book of Genesis. The song also features extensive vocal experimentation. Towards the end, Prince mentions "The Dance Electric", which was a song given to former band member André Cymone. In the UK, the 12" Single also included an instrumental of "God", from which an edited portion appears in the Purple Rain film.

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purple_Rain_%28song%29"

Answer 3

Purple Rain is another band from the 80's that was closely related to prince, im not 100% on that though.

Answer 4

Could be from a drug induced haze lol

As the phrase purple rain in the song. It was "Ventura Highway"

not sure if you knew this or not:)

Of course everyone thought Strawberry jam at the end of Strawberry fields was really "I buried Paul "

so who knows

Answer 5

they say that Purple Rain is a metaphor for Heaven.

Answer 6

well you know that guy from the mcdonalds commercial, wel it is a shout out to him, and the fact that he jizzes alot on things, that call it purple rain.

Answer 7

the light, utopia.

Answer 8

don't know but thanks 4 da 2 points