Purple Rain

Love the New Yorker's tribute to the fallen artist

Oof. A lot of famous musicians have died in the past few months, but none have affected me quite like this one.

Sweet Prince, you've provided the soundtrack to some of the highest highs and the lowest lows in my lifetime. You've inspired me and countless others to be ourselves, to not allow others to label us, to know the resilience of the human spirit and the miraculous power of art to help us understand, celebrate and cope with our lives.

Thank you.

Rest in peace.

And know that this song, like so many of your other songs, will forever remain one of my favorites:

I never meant to cause you any sorrow
I never meant to cause you any pain
I only wanted one time to see you laughing
I only want to see you laughing in the purple rain

Purple rain Purple rain
Purple rain Purple rain
Purple rain Purple rain

I only want to see you bathing in the purple rain

I never wanted to be your weekend lover
I only wanted to be some kind of friend
Baby I could never steal you from another
It's such a shame our friendship had to end

Purple rain Purple rain
Purple rain Purple rain
Purple rain Purple rain

I only want to see you underneath the purple rain

Honey I know, I know, I know times are changing
It's time we all reach out for something new
That means you too
You say you want a leader
But you can't seem to make up your mind
I think you better close it
And let me guide you to the purple rain

Purple rain Purple rain
Purple rain Purple rain

If you know what I'm singing about up here
C'mon raise your hand

Purple rain Purple rain

I only want to see you, only want to see you
In the purple rain