As a life-long resident of the Land of 10,000 Lakes (that’s Minnesota, to the layperson), not only do I take great pride in the fact that Vikings have made it all the way to the NFC Championship game. More than that, perhaps, is the pride I take in the tremendous legacy of wonderful music that has been created by native Minnesotans. From Bob Dylan to The Replacements to Husker Du (and don’t forget about Lipps Inc. and Information Society!), Minnesota has a rich tradition of talented musicians.
Of course, that list includes The Purple One himself, Prince Rogers Nelson.
That is why I greeted the news that Prince had penned a “Vikings Fight Song” with great anticipation. I have always been a huge fan of the talented musician, although it is also considered a ethical imperative for every Minnesotan to be a huge fan of Prince. It may in fact be in our DNA. But I digress.
Prince has been seen a couple of times this season haunting luxury suites at Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome (that’s a mouthful), and he was on hand to watch as Minnesota throttled the Dallas Cowboys 34-3. Something about the victory must have stirred something with him, because Prince had an epiphany of artistic inspiration. Behold, ladies and gentlemen, Prince’s song for the Vikings, “Purple and Gold.”
Yowsers. Not a song that gets you real pumped up, to say the least. It sounds like something played during a funeral march instead of a rallying cry before battle. Here are the lyrics – with Prince’s idiosyncratic spelling style – to the Feelgood Hit of the Winter.
the veil of the sky draws open
the roar of the chariots touch down
we r the ones who have now come again
and walk upon water like solid ground
as we approach the throne we won’t bow down
this time we won’t b denied
raise every voice and let it b known
in the name of the purple and gold
we come in the name of the purple and gold
all of the odds r in r favor
no prediction 2 bold
we r the truth if the truth can b told
long reign the purple and gold
the eyes say ready 4 battle
no need 4 sword in hand
we r all amped up like a rock n roll band
ready 2 celebrate every score
ready 2 fight the elegant war
ready 2 hear the crowd roar
that’s what we came 4
and so much more
in the name of the purple and gold
r spirits may b tired
r bodies may b worn
but since this day is r destiny
r history – that’s y we must b
4ever strong as the wind that blows the Vikings’ horn
in the name of the purple and gold
Um, yeah. Most of the reviews have been unfavorable, to put it mildly, but who knows? It can take time for a piece of music – like all pieces of art – to be appreciated by the world. Unfortunately, in the case of Prince’s “Purple and Gold,” it might have to wait until the time my great great grandchildren are around before someone actually loves it.
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Prince Releases Minnesota Vikings Song [FOX9]
