I Would Die 4 U

"I Would Die 4 U" was the fourth single in the U.S. from Prince and The Revolution's 1984 album, Purple Rain, released on 28 November 1984. The up-tempo dance song is thought by some Prince fans to be sung from the viewpoint of Jesus. Regardless, it was a popular dance song of late 1984 and a top 10 hit (the last from the album) in the U.S. The extended version of the song is actually a studio jam on the song with The Revolution and musicians from Sheila E.'s band, Eddie M (on sax) and Miko Weaver (guitar), along with Sheila E. herself; most of this version was often performed live, preceding "Baby I'm a Star". The jam features some overdubbing and fades at the end; a longer version, nearly 31 minutes long, was never released officially, but has been bootlegged. The B-side, "Another Lonely Christmas", is a sad account of a man's mourning over his lover's death on Christmas Day. The UK 12" single release also included the 1999 track "Free". On the 12", and in Purple Rain Tour concerts, Prince changes the lyrics from "I'm your messiah" to "He's your messiah", pointing to the sky as he sings the line.

[Verse 1] I'm not a woman I'm not a man I am something that you'll never understand I'll never beat you I never lie And if you're evil I'll forgive you by and by, 'cause... [Chorus] You: I would die for you, yeah Darling, if you want me to You: I would die for you [Verse 2] I'm not your lover I'm not your friend I am something that you'll never comprehend No need to worry No need to cry I'm your messiah, and you're the reason why, 'cause... [Chorus] You: I would die for you, yeah Darling, if you want me to You: I would die for you, woo! [Instrumental break] [Bridge] You're just a sinner, I am told Be your fire when you're cold Make you happy when you're sad Make you good when you are bad I'm not a human I am a dove I'm your conscience I am love All I really need is to know that you believe [Chorus] Yeah, I would die for you, yeah Darling, if you want me to You: I would die for you Yeah, say one more time You: I would die for you Darling, if you want me to You: I would die for you 2, 3, 4, you! [Outro] I would, die for, you I would, die for, you You: I would, die for, you You: I would, die for, you