The Rainbow Children
"Share the truth, preach the good news!"
As promised, Here is my in-depth researched overview of Prince’s 24th studio album. The second album after he switched from the The artist formerly known as (the symbol) back to Prince. The name we all know and love.
This isn’t an album of songs but rather an experience! A full concept album recorded in one take. It’s Afrofuturism, Neo-Soul, Funk/Jazz fusion & Gospel all in one singular sound. Prince, being in his forties at this time— no longer naïve and pandering to his audience . Throughout his interviews at this time he brings up the ideas of truth, freedom, and ownership. He wasn’t going to let a record label, relationship, religion; or anyone for that matter bring him down.
At one point or another black musicians return back to their roots and spirit to humble themselves. Whether that’s blues, jazz or gospel for example, it’s the best way to evoke emotion. My belief on why there is so much religious symbolism, recall, and historical significance in this album that is, The Rainbow Children.
LET ME PREFACE: I am not a woman of the cloth by any means, but I did grow up in the church and can appreciate the symbolism and inspiration that came into play to make this album. With that said, this is all my own interpretation…
so lets dive in shall we? I recommend playing the album while reading.
The Wise One - Will be referred to throughout the album and is the one who lives according to the rule of God. Most likely derived from the teachings of Jehovah Witnesses. As we know, this is around the time Prince became a devout Jehovah Witness. Under the guidance of legendary bass player Larry Graham, who became an overwhelmingly influence. Throughout the album there are themes of truth, freedom, faith, discipline and fidelity. The narrator in the titled track mentions, “As prophesized by The Wise One- his woman were tempted by the “resistor” which can be the devil or anyone not falling in line with The Wise One’s beliefs, then mentions chaos being ensued and she and the other 5 banished from the rainbow. The woman here is obviously Mayte as they were going through a divorce at this time, but unsure who the 5 others where (its a specific number to ignore). The song draws from the Biblical Eden story, but from reading Mayte Garcia’s book, My life with Prince, The Most Beautiful it’s also about his personal life. The sin is most likely her not being receptive to his new found religion and the practices that came with it. The song ends with a promise that God would bring him another one who loved him so. This not only happens in the song but in real life. Talk about life imitating art!