Prince » Tracks » Pop Life

Prince – Pop Life (3:43)

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About This Track

“Pop Life” was the second U.S. (and final U.K.) single off Prince and The Revolution’s 1985 album, Around the World in a Day, released on 10 July 1985. The lyrics relate the pitfalls of being a celebrity. The song starts with a faded-in synth line and quickly starts the main tune. The easy groove is achieved with a smooth bass guitar and piano embellishments. A drum machine provides handclaps to make the song danceable. “Pop Life” was recorded before Purple Rain was even completed, indicating the new direction Prince wanted to take after the movie hype. Drums on the song were played by Sheila E., and Wendy and Lisa provide backing vocals. The rest of the song was performed by Prince. The single reached #7 in the U.S.

Unlike many Prince hits, he did not create a video for this song.

The song was released in two extended versions. The U.K. 12” single version is a 9-minute extension of the tune, and ends with a similar synth sound as the beginning. The U.S. received a “Fresh Dance Mix”, which is a remix (by Sheila E.) that included some portions of the longer UK version. It clocks in at 6:16, and was included on the 2006 compilation album, Ultimate.

The U.S. B-side of the track was “Hello”, written quickly as a response to those who criticized Prince’s lack of participation in the “We Are the World” event.
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Albums featuring this track

  • Ultimate
    Prince Play
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  • Funky Party 2Nite
    Prince Play
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  • Prince - Live
    Prince Play
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  • Around the World
    Prince Play
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  • Squalukal

    what album is this live version from?

    last month

  • MissNina84

    Nice version! Funky bassss!

    February 2012

  • rbynum12

    Baddest musician period!

    August 2011

  • spacefaceinfurs

    really good

    July 2011

  • jillian8

    I like the studio version best, but everything he does is magic.

    July 2011

  • FeFeMonroe

    PRINCE is a rock genius. If u dont like ONE Prince song then u dnt appreciate the beauty of music

    May 2011

  • jakobdorof

    one of my prince faves

    December 2010

  • PurpleAfropuffs

    Live version Pop Life = Sheer Bliss

    November 2010

  • toshahas19

    A Serious Sex Symbol!!!

    August 2010

  • lookingup

    i love the live jazzy arrangement

    July 2010

  • theviperchick

    ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) .•` *♥ ♫ ♪♫ ♥♫ What's the matter with your life?¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) .•` *♥ ♫ ♪♫ ♥♫ Damn that Mail-Man!٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•٠•

    June 2010

  • Bachscar

    Life...it ain't really funky, unless it's got that POP!

    June 2010

  • wetwillies

    Love that bassline

    May 2010

  • XT500

    @BalladBombs: u really think Prince is underrated? Where are you living? On the moon?

    April 2010

  • deedee518

    i just love PRINCE!!!

    March 2010

  • MissJenniFire

    "...everybody needs a thrill" one of my favorite Prince songs! always loved the backup singing, too.

    February 2010

  • keysrgood

    seriously overlooked track, more greatness from the purple one.

    February 2010

  • fbnorfleet

    pop life :-) Fred Norfleet Business Owner FBN ITPro World Business Network msn: fbnorfleet@live.com yahoo: fbnorfleet@ymail.com skype: frednorfleet web-1: http://www.fbnitpro.com web-2: http://www.fbnitprowbn.com business/social network: http://fbnitprowbn.ning.com United States of America

    December 2009

  • nikki7love7

    boy wen you wanted a girl.

    September 2009

  • BalladBombs

    smashing! Most under rated musicians alive!!!

    June 2009
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