I Would Die 4 U (2:49)

“I Would Die 4 U” was the fourth single in the U.S. from Prince and The Revolution’s 1984 album, Purple Rain. The perceived messiah complex of the song is perhaps the reason it was not quite as successful as its album counterparts. Most Prince fans believe the song is sung from the viewpoint of Jesus. Regardless, the up-tempo dance number packed dance floors, and was a Top 10 hit in the U.S.

The extended version 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.”