Hey, I’ve been wondering what the phrase “Purple Rain” means. We all know it from the Prince song/movie (I’ve heard the song, never saw the film). I’ve also heard it in the song “Ventura Highway” by America: “Sorry boy, but I’ve been hit by Purple Rain…”.
What Gives?
Thanks!
Usernamealreadyinuse.
It’s what sometimes comes shortly after the Purple Haze.
What??
But before the alligator lizards in the air.
Thanks a lot son, just the same…
Yeah, it’s a great song…
I guess this means you don’t know either, huh?
SOMEBODY must know!
I kinda sorta remember hearing the song was about nuclear war. Maybe ‘purple rain’ is supposed to be nuclear fallout?
Er, just for the record, we should note one possible explanation: it doesn’t really mean anything except that the picture is somewhat exotic and dreamy, and the words just happen to fit the rhythm and the lyrics.
But otherwise, I have to admit that I don’t know, myself.
WAG-could it have to do with death by a hail of bullets, alluding to the Purple Gang with whom scarface Capone divided Michigan during Prohibition years?
Googling (ignoring all Prince, movies, lyrics references) comes up with:
The Water Reuse System of Pasco County!
Nothing very useful, however. Sorry.
I had always believed it was a reference to the purple dye the police routinely add to the water they use to disperse crowds, so they can identify people later. I saw this system in action in Cape Town in 1989.
But mainly I suspect it was just a nice name.
Prince, being from Minneapolis, is a Vikings fan. Purple is their main colour.