If I Was Your Girlfriend -Prince

"Sometimes I trip on how happy we could be."

                                                                   -Prince

The song "If I Was Your Girlfriend" is a provocative and introspective exploration of the dynamics of a romantic relationship. Released in 1987 on his critically acclaimed album "Sign o' the Times," the song uses a unique lyrical approach to offer a fresh perspective on the theme of love.

        The song's opening line, "If I was your girlfriend, would you remember to tell me all the things you forgot when I was your man?" immediately sets the tone for the rest of the song. Prince takes on the persona of a hypothetical female partner, asking her male partner whether he would be more open and communicative with her if she were his girlfriend rather than his "man."

        Throughout the song, Prince delves deeper into this gender-bending thought experiment, exploring how the dynamics of a relationship might change if he were the female partner. He suggests that he would be more attuned to his partner's emotional needs, asking her "Would you let me dress you / I mean, help you pick out your clothes / Before we go out? / Not that you're helpless / But sometimes, sometimes / Those are the things that being in love's about."

        The song's chorus repeats the title phrase, "If I was your girlfriend," with increasing intensity and urgency, as if Prince is trying to convince his male partner that he would be a better romantic partner if he were a woman. The gender-bending of the song's lyrics is subversive and playful, but it also serves a deeper purpose.

        By taking on the persona of a hypothetical female partner, Prince is able to explore the power dynamics of a relationship from a new perspective. He challenges traditional gender roles and expectations, asking his male partner whether he would be comfortable with a female partner who is more assertive and takes charge in the relationship. This subversion of traditional gender roles is a hallmark of Prince's music, and "If I Was Your Girlfriend" is a particularly powerful example of his ability to challenge societal norms through his music.

        The song's production is also noteworthy, with a stripped-down, minimalistic sound that emphasizes the lyrics and Prince's vocal performance. The use of a drum machine and sparse instrumentation creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability that is fitting for the song's introspective lyrics.

      Long story short,  "If I Was Your Girlfriend" is a thought-provoking and introspective exploration of the dynamics of a romantic relationship. Through his unique approach to songwriting and production, Prince challenges traditional gender roles and expectations, creating a powerful and subversive piece of music that is as relevant today as it was when it was released over 30 years ago. My top ten favorite Prince songs always change, but this song remains #1.