For most artists, releasing a track as iconic as “Purple Rain” would feel like a natural move. After all, it’s not just a hit—it’s a defining song in the history of rock and pop music. But for Prince, the decision wasn’t as clear-cut as it might seem. He had serious doubts about whether it was the right move.
Before it became the global anthem we know today, Prince was deeply hesitant about releasing the song. His fear wasn’t about whether people would like it or not—it was something much more personal. The emotional weight of the song made him nervous.
At one point, Prince even tried to stop the song’s release entirely, contemplating legal actions to block it. Here’s a closer look at why one of music’s greatest icons was initially so unsure about sharing “Purple Rain” with the world.
Prince’s Attempt to Pass Off “Purple Rain”
Prince’s first attempt to avoid releasing “Purple Rain” was by offering it to Stevie Nicks. He admired her talent and thought she could do more justice to the song than he could. The track, with its sweeping melody and raw vocals, felt like a daunting challenge to him.
Prince believed the song needed more than he could give it. He found himself overwhelmed by the pressure of making “Purple Rain” work, and hoped Nicks would take on the task instead.
However, Nicks, despite her respect for the song, was equally intimidated. “I listened to it and I just got scared,” she reportedly said. “I called him back and said, ‘I can’t do it. I wish I could. It’s too much for me.’”
Prince’s Doubts and Journey’s Reaction
In his final attempt to distance himself from “Purple Rain,” Prince reached out to Journey. He believed he had borrowed the song’s title melody from their hit, “Faithfully.” Despite his fame, Prince couldn’t shake the feeling that the song wasn’t entirely his creation.
Prince’s sense of unease led him to question whether he had unintentionally stolen the melody. With such a monumental track on his hands, he felt the need to second-guess his own creativity.
However, Jonathan Cain, Journey’s songwriter, wasn’t bothered by the similarity. In fact, he was flattered by the comparison, acknowledging that it didn’t matter whether Prince had drawn from their song.
Journey’s Response to Prince’s Concerns
When Prince reached out to Jonathan Cain about “Purple Rain,” Cain’s response was nothing but positive. “I’m just super-flattered that you even called,” he said. “It shows you’re that classy of a guy. Good luck with the song. I know it’s gonna be a hit.”
Cain’s reassurance helped ease Prince’s doubts, leaving him with no choice but to move forward with the song. While he had questioned its origins, it was clear the song had a future of its own.
In the end, “Purple Rain” became one of the most iconic songs in music history. It’s nearly impossible to imagine anyone else making it the classic it is today, cementing Prince’s legacy.