In what can only be described as a phantasmagorical manifestation of postmodern spirituality, the musical artist formerly (and presently!) known as Prince has been a Jehovah’s Witness since 2001.
I had heard about Prince’s conversion, but had never read about his personal testimony. However, in an interview appearing in this Friday’s “USA Today,” Prince offers some insights into his relatively new faith. The interview is part of a publicity blitz surrounding the release of “21 Nights,” Prince’s new book of poetry, lyrics, and photographs. In the course of the interview, Prince makes some comments that illuminate his conviction that his faith has been nothing less than personally transformational:
I’m single, celibate, and sexy. I feel free…I don’t celebrate birthdays or holidays. I don’t vote…I love to bring the Bible to the table and ask [people] if they believe in God.
According to interviewer Edna Gundersen, Prince has also surrendered his passion for womanizing:
The onetime voracious womanizer, who crooned ‘Scandalous,’ ‘Do It All Night,’ and ‘Dirty Mind,’ has purged his lyrics of naughty lingo and spends more time proselytizing than partying. He’s as likely to show up on a neighbor’s doorstep with a Watchtower Bible as he is to frequent a hot club.
“Sometimes fans freak out,” Prince says of his missionary endeavors.
I don’t really want to burden this matter with analysis. I do find it compelling, though, that Prince, who sold out a London arena this year for an unprecedented 21 concerts, has the opportunity to occupy a much more influential “pulpit” than any clergyperson.
Of course, I have not touched upon the theological question of how it is that Jehovah’s Witnesses relate to Orthodox Christianity. That is a matter for another time. Of greater interest to me right now is the transformation of a popular musician’s life, not to mention the postmodern context in which this musician’s spiritual voice is given permission to resonate.
So, let’s review: Prince is no longer partying “like it’s 1999.” Instead, his life has apparently become a “purple rain,” poured out as a regal libation to the One whose salvation comes like a “kiss” and whose grace covers one’s consciousness like a “raspberry beret.”
In other words, “let’s go crazy!!”
I’ll give extra points to anyone who can turn “Little Red Corvette” into a spiritual metaphor!!
Not a chance, my friend! I’m not savy enough with the lyrics! But I do indeed like the “let’s go crazy” image. In Leonard Sweets lingo it’s all NUTS–Never Underestimate the Spirit.
Totally serious: I thought that Prince was gay~ Maybe he just has a feminine flare!!!
I was thinking more about “When Doves Cry.” Maybe a metaphor for pacifists during wartime?
His response to her may put a bit of a stretch to it, but she appears to be his woman at the well.