Raspberry Beret

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“Raspberry Beret”
“Raspberry Beret” cover
U.S 7" single
Single by Prince
from the album Around the World in a Day
B-side "She's Always In My Hair" (U.S.)
"Hello" (UK)
Released 15 May 1985
Format 7" single
12" single
Recorded The Warehouse, St. Louis Park; 1984
Genre Pop, Funk
Length 7"/album: 3:31
12" single: 7:28
Label Paisley Park Records
Writer(s) Prince
Producer Prince
Prince singles chronology
"Take Me with U"
(1985)		 "Raspberry Beret"
(1985)		 "Pop Life"
(1985)
Prince (UK) singles chronology
"Paisley Park"
(1985)		 "Raspberry Beret"
(1985)		 "Pop Life"
(1985)

"Raspberry Beret" is the first U.S. (and second UK) single from Prince and The Revolution's 1985 album, Around the World in a Day. The sound was completely different from any previous Prince track, incorporating Middle-Eastern finger-cymbals, stringed instruments, and even a harmonica on the extended version. The song was also more in the pop vein than ever before, though the 12-inch single and video of the song feature a funky intro. Although the song was originally recorded in 1982, Prince drastically reworked it with The Revolution to give it more of an international sound. The string section was: Novi Novog on violin, Suzi Katayama and David Coleman on cello. Wendy and Lisa provided backing vocals, and the rest of the song was performed by Prince. The video for the song - Prince's first since his short-lived "ban" on music videos - was also significant, displaying Prince's new short haircut, and The Revolution vaguely resembling Gypsies or hippies. The song quickly became a fan favorite, and a staple in nearly every Prince tour. The extended version was included on Ultimate in 2006. While this song reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US, it only reached #25 on the UK Singles Chart.

The U.S. B-side, "She's Always In My Hair," is a rock and roll number, with guitar and organs and emotional lyrics screamed toward the end. The song's lyrics are said to be about Prince's one-time girlfriend and former member of both Vanity 6 and Apollonia 6, singer Susan Moonsie. The song has several notable features including its use of finger cymbals and flanger effect. The song is basically the tale of one man who has grown tired of a friend/lover who has little regard for the singer's need for personal space as the title suggest. Years later, the song would finally be performed live, much to the delight of long-time fans. The song was covered by D'Angelo on the Scream 2 soundtrack. The U.K. B-side was "Hello," which was included on the U.S. release of "Pop Life."

The 12" Version has an incorrect time listing on the label. It is listed as 7:28, when the actual length of the song is 6:30

[edit] In movies

  • Raspberry Beret was used in the 1996 movie Girl 6.

[edit] Covers

  • A cover of the song was recorded by Dump (band) for their 2001 album That Skinny Motherfucker With the High Voice?.
  • Neil Hannon, lead singer and songwriter of Irish band The Divine Comedy, has proclaimed the song as his favourite ever, and has been known to play it live.

[edit] External links

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