Prince
American · 20th-21st century
American singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, known for Purple Rain and an eclectic genre-spanning catalogue.
Connection to Taylor Swift
Uncle Jerry and Angela hear a probable allusion to I Would Die 4 U in peace, where Taylor takes Prince's public declaration of devotion and makes it a private one. Angela ties it to Taylor growing up with Prince's music. They treat it as likely rather than confirmed.
Notable Works
- Purple Rain, I Would Die 4 U, When Doves Cry, Kiss, Little Red Corvette
Appears in the Archive
Context within the Archive
I Would Die 4 U
“But I would die for you in secret”
Uncle Jerry suggests the line 'I would die for you in secret' is an allusion to Prince's 'I Would Die 4 U'. Angela agrees it is likely, noting that Taylor, born in 1989, would have grown up hearing Prince. The allusion deepens the line's devotional register by borrowing the intensity of Prince's declaration while Taylor adds 'in secret', turning the public romantic gesture into a private commitment.