Prince – Let’s Go Crazy

About the song

Released in 1984, “Let’s Go Crazy” by Prince is a quintessential track from his iconic album “Purple Rain”. This song is not just a remarkable piece of music; it’s a cultural landmark that captures the electrifying essence of Prince’s artistry. Prince, known for his eclectic style and boundary-pushing creativity, crafted a song that is as much a rallying cry as it is a celebration of life.

“Let’s Go Crazy” opens with a dramatic organ prelude that mimics a church sermon, setting a tone of both urgency and transcendence. As Prince delivers the opening monologue, “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to get through this thing called life,” he immediately engages listeners with a sense of communal experience. This line alone has become one of the most recognizable and quoted in rock history, underscoring the song’s profound cultural impact.

Musically, “Let’s Go Crazy” is a powerhouse of genres, blending rock, funk, and pop seamlessly. The energetic guitar riffs, pounding drums, and Prince’s dynamic vocal performance create an exhilarating atmosphere that compels listeners to join in the celebration. The song’s tempo and fervor reflect the vibrant and rebellious spirit of the 1980s, while its lyrics offer a deeper, more existential message.

Thematically, “Let’s Go Crazy” is about embracing life’s challenges and uncertainties with a spirited defiance. Prince encourages listeners to enjoy life to the fullest and to push against the boundaries of convention. The phrase “Let’s go crazy” is not merely an invitation to party but a call to live boldly and fearlessly. The song’s message is encapsulated in the line, “Are we gonna let the elevator bring us down? Oh no, let’s go!” Here, the “elevator” symbolizes the pressures and constraints of life, and Prince’s exhortation is a plea to rise above them.

Prince was always an artist ahead of his time, and “Let’s Go Crazy” is a testament to his vision and influence. The song was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and cementing Prince’s status as a musical innovator. Its impact extended beyond the charts, becoming a defining anthem of the era and a staple in Prince’s live performances.

“Purple Rain”, the album from which “Let’s Go Crazy” hails, is often regarded as Prince’s magnum opus. It accompanied the film of the same name, which starred Prince and showcased his multifaceted talents as a musician, actor, and performer. The album’s success was monumental, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score.

Socially, “Let’s Go Crazy” resonated with a wide audience, embodying the liberation and hedonism of the 80s while also offering a deeper, philosophical edge. It became an anthem for those seeking to break free from societal constraints and live authentically. Prince’s ability to blend accessible pop sensibilities with profound, often provocative themes, made the song a timeless classic.

In conclusion, “Let’s Go Crazy” is more than just a high-energy track; it is a manifesto of Prince’s artistic ethos and a beacon of empowerment for listeners. Its infectious energy, combined with its inspirational message, ensures that it continues to inspire and energize new generations. Prince’s legacy as a groundbreaking artist is immortalized in this electrifying song, which remains a vital part of the musical and cultural landscape.

Video

Lyrics

Dearly beloved
We are gathered here today
To get through this thing called “life”
Electric word, life
It means forever and that’s a mighty long time
But I’m here to tell you there’s something else
The afterworld
A world of never ending happiness
You can always see the sun, day or night

Let’s go crazy (woo)
Let’s go crazy
Let’s go crazy
Let’s go crazy

If you don’t like
The world you’re living in
Take a look around
At least you got friends
You see I called my old lady
For a friendly word
She picked up the phone
Dropped it on the floor
Ah, ah is all I heard

Are we gonna let the elevator bring us down?
Oh no, lets go

Let’s go crazy
Let’s get nuts
Let’s look for the purple banana
Until they put us in the truck, let’s go

Oh yeah, yeah ,yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, there it is
Yeah, yeah, no, no (oh yeah)

All excited (all excited)
Don’t know why (I don’t know why)
Maybe it’s ’cause
We’re all gonna die
When we do
What’s it all for? (What’s it all for?)
Better live now
Before the Grim Reaper comes knocking on your door

Tell me, are we gonna let the elevator bring us down?
Oh no, let’s go

Let’s go crazy (let’s go crazy)
Let’s get nuts (let’s get nuts)
Let’s look for the purple banana
Until they put us in the truck, let’s go

C’mon, baby
Let’s get nuts
Yeah
Oh (Crazy)

Are we gonna let the elevator bring us down?
Oh no, let’s go

Let’s go crazy (let’s go crazy)
Let’s get nuts (let’s get nuts)
Let’s look for the purple banana (let’s look)
Until they put us in the truck, let’s go (’til they put us in the truck)
Let’s go

Dr. Everything’ll be alright
Make everything go wrong
Oh
Yeah yeah, let’s go