Songful Style! “When Doves Cry”

“When Doves Cry”

Usually, I begin these posts whining about how short a month has been. July is crawling like a puppy stuck in peanut butter and taking time to clean off his paws all the while having said peanut butter stuck to the top of his mouth! It is dragging, my friends! But, having said all of that, it is the last Monday of the month. That means it’s time for Songful Style! Suzy picked this month’s selection because it is one of her all time favorites by Prince! Songful Style is the brainchild of Suzy and Shelbee. They decided to play on the idea behind Style Imitating Art and apply it to music! What that means is each month, Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge, Suzy of The Grey Brunette, Anne of Spy Girl, Michelle of My Bijou Life Online, and I share looks based on a song selected by one of us. You can find them on our blogs and Instagram.  Our ensembles (pun intended) may be inspired by the lyrics of a song, the artwork of the album cover, maybe the MTV video, or even a memory the song evokes. Last month, Anne chose “Behind the Wall of Sleep” by the Smithereens (here’s my take on it)! We’re throwing a link party, and you’re invited! 

Wishful thinking…

I am the eternal optimist (with a healthy dose of pessimist thrown in). I continue to hope Elvis is alive and well and living in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where he’s been joined by Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, and Prince! Can you imagine the music! Seriously, I hope each and every one of them decided the notoriety, fame, and accompanying frustration just weren’t worth it, took their money, and lit off for a large cabin in the woods of the Upper Peninsula (where I’d love to live). There, they’ve created a studio complete with whatever one needs in a studio. And, they spend their days and nights creating music for just each other, needing to satisfy no one but themselves. I hope each of them knows how they impacted the lives of so many yet elect to stay where they are so they may live out their days doing what they love…making music and living the life!

Prince…

I remember when Prince burst onto the scene. Here was this gorgeous, sexy young man showing skin, wearing makeup, and ripping up the stage with his music. I also remember the controversy over his sexuality, even his race, and how he really didn’t give a sh*t over what anyone thought. I think part of Prince’s allure was his refusal to be just another cog in the musical world’s machine. He was a musician and didn’t need anyone’s approval. Here is an interview of an engineer who worked with him in California. It seems to sum up Prince’s genius in a way I couldn’t. I do believe Prince was one of those rare individuals who was just that…an individual. He couldn’t really be categorized then or now. He was just Prince.

A little history…

Prince Rogers Nelson was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and is often credited as a pioneer in the Minneapolis sound. Born on June 7, 1958, Prince continues to be recognized as one of the “greatest musicians of his generation” which, apparently, was the 1980s. I would make that one of the greatest musicians of all time! But, I’m not a musician nor a music critic. By the time he was 19, Prince had signed a record deal with Warner Bros. Records, releasing For You and Prince in quick succession. 1999 and Purple Rain, recorded in 1982 and 1984, respectively, solidified Prince’s place in the American rock and roll psyche (source).

A little more…

And, who can forget when he changed his name to a symbol in 1993? I remember seeing him on “The Rosie O’Donnell Show”, and she asked him if she could call him TAFKAP (The Artist Formerly Known As Prince). His response was a very terse, “No.” The interview went downhill from there! The Artist, as he was also known, believed Warner Bros Records wasn’t releasing his albums as they should. He also frequently appeared with the word, Slave, scrawled across his face. The year, 1996, saw the end of his relationship with Warner Bros. The Artist continued to write, record, and release albums. In 2000, Prince returned…well, his name did. Prince received many accolades, awards, and achievements over the course of his short life. Among these were Grammys, an Oscar, inductions into various Halls of Fame as well as the undying love of millions. There is a little old lady in my town with purple hair. When I talked to her once, she told me she belonged to a group of women who loved Prince and visited Paisley Park as often as possible. I had no idea!

Still more…

Prince passed on April 21, 2016 from an accidental overdose of fentanyl. He was 57.

The song…

Dig if you will the picture
Of you and I engaged in a kiss
The sweat of your body covers me
Can you my darling
Can you picture this?

Dream, if you can, a courtyard
An ocean of violets in bloom
Animals strike curious poses
They feel the heat
The heat between me and you

How can you just leave me standing
Alone in a world that's so cold? (So cold)
Maybe I'm just too demanding
Maybe I'm just like my father, too bold
Maybe you're just like my mother
She's never satisfied (she's never satisfied)
Why do we scream at each other?
This is what it sounds like 
When doves cry

Touch if you will my stomach
Feel how it trembles inside
You've got the butterflies all tied up
Don't make me chase you
Even doves have pride

How could you just leave me standing
Alone in a world so cold? (World so cold)
Maybe I'm just too demanding
Maybe I'm just like my father, too bold
Maybe you're just like my mother
She's never satisfied (she's never satisfied)
Why do we scream at each other?
This is what it sounds like 
When doves cry

How can you just leave me standing
Alone in a world that's so cold? (A world that's so cold)
Maybe I'm just too demanding (maybe, maybe I'm like my father)
Maybe I'm just like my father too bold (you know he's too bold)
Maybe you're just like my mother (maybe you're just like my mother)
She's never satisfied (she's never, never satisfied)
Why do we scream at each other? (Why do we scream, why)
This is what it sounds like 
When doves cry
When doves cry (doves cry, doves cry)
When doves cry (doves cry, doves cry)

Don't cry (don't cry)

What does it mean…

There are many different articles dissecting this song. I’m going to go with my gut on this one because I think it’s a pretty straight forward song, especially when you watch the video. It’s the story of a couple with an intense relationship that falls apart. He feels like she left him alone and bewildered. We don’t really get her side of the story at all. We do get a peek into something of a different dynamic when he talks about his mother and father. Is it autobiographical? I don’t know. I have also read doves cry when things are changing from bad to good. Again, you can take that as the end of the relationship is a good thing because it was so toxic. You could also infer that the relationship has hit rock bottom and is now going into a different phase though there is that refrain of leaving him.

Interesting covers…

This version opens really slow…I kept waiting for the drama. And, then it hits! Points for hairography! Now, this version is much different from the first. I can’t make up my mind if I like it or not. I’m way too distracted by that little thingamabob on his mic stand. I just consulted with my musician professional aka my son! That thing is a looper and let him sing a part, then loop it, adding stuff as he goes along. Jordan said “It seems like it also has some other effects like dropping his voice an octave lower when he triggers that effect after the first verse.” There is also a version by two guys from Metallica which left me cold so I didn’t link it here. I’m sure you could find it, though. Lenny Kravitz, at the 2017 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, does a decent job, but it seems to lack the heart and soul of the song. Is that just me? I had such high hopes for this one! I mean 1999 voices (get it, 1999?) singing this song! But, I think it also lacks soul…it just sounds like a bunch of high school choirs getting together to sing any old song. Finally, I found a version with a woman really nailing it! Diamond White is only 23 years old and gets the feelings behind this song! My favorite, definitely!

My interpretation…

I’ll be honest. I wish I had leathers to look as tough and as sexy as Prince does on that motorcycle. And, you definitely wouldn’t find me soaking in a tub. I am not one of those people who enjoys a bath…give me a long shower any day! I watched this video over and over and over! I finally decided I’d have to work with the flowy white shirt, the brocade, and maybe his heels. Enter this dress from J Jill! It’s white, definitely flowy, and the brocade can sort of be mimicked by the wonderful golden embroidery. I bought these block heeled sandals on my girls weekend at DSW. I thought they captured both the Cuban heels Prince wore as well as the brocade of that suit he’s wearing near the end. While I love this look, I’m not 100% sure I hit the mark on the challenge! Oh, my son, Jordan, also said the motorcycle Prince is riding is the same as his! I should have had him bring it over!

The Lewk!

I decided to let my dress do most of the talking with this Lewk! I added these woven gold hoops. Nigel bought them for me for Christmas many, many years ago. The opal ring and the Lagos bracelet were also Christmas gifts from Nigel. I mentioned I bought these L’Artiste sandals on my girls weekend a couple of weeks ago (I got them at DSW). I had avoided the block heel sandal look for a while. I’m sure, now that I’ve bought a pair, the trend will go away! But, check these beauties out! I love everything about them…the floral print, the floral cutouts, the squared toe (which takes me back to eighth grade), and the block heels covered in the floral print! Aren’t they magnificent?

Affiliate links and such:

Just a reminder that Marsha in the Middle may use an affiliate link. Those links are usually italicized. If you click or make a purchase from an italicized link I provide, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support. I recently became a Brand Ambassador for Sarah Flint shoes. You can use SARAHFLINT-BAMARSHA for $50 off your first pair. As of right now, I also have an affiliate code for Kantha Bae! Use MarshaintheMiddle in the promo code box for $5 off any order (excluding Bestie restocks)! I have also become a Halftee Partner. Use the code, MARSHA2098, for 20% off any purchase. In case you didn’t know, bloggers must disclose the use of affiliate links. That’s why I include this in each post.

Wrap it up, Marsha!

I have to admit it has taken me hours to write this post (even more than usual). I have written, read, written, erased, gotten up and walked away, written, and over and over again. Prince was not an artist I listened to frequently. As such, I’m really only familiar with his most famous songs. I don’t know why I’m feeling such turmoil, sadness, and regret about Prince. But, he had this thing about him that made me want to be his friend. He just always looked like such a lost boy (even in the midst of those sexy videos). Does that make sense? Probably not! So, can we talk? Were you a fan of Prince and his music? Did you find him incredibly talented or incredibly overrated? What did you think of his fashion? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk! I promise to respond as quickly as possible!

Thank you!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I want you to know I appreciate each and every one of you who read my blog as well as those who subscribe! If you’d like to follow me on Instagram, you can find me here!

Where you can find me:

Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, My Bijou LIfe, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, The Grey Brunette, and Away from the Blue. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, Being a Wordsmith, and Mummabstylish. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I’m a co-host on the Weekend Traffic Jam (here). I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I also co-host Final Friday Print Mixing with Michelle on the last Friday of the month. I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties! Boy, that’s a lot of co-hosting!

And, now the party starts!

Shelbee has chosen “Mama” by Beth Hart for August’s song! Please link up your favorite song posts, fashion posts, creative posts…well, you know what to do!

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