When You Were Mine

Prince

About When You Were Mine

"When You Were Mine" is a song written and released by Prince on his 1980 album, Dirty Mind. Though not released as a single, the song received a promotional 12" release (which included "Gotta Broken Heart Again" and "Uptown"). "When You Were Mine" was later the B-side for Prince's "Controversy" single in 1981. Prince has performed the song many times in concert, and a live version was included on his 2002 live album, One Nite Alone... Live!. The original studio version was also included on The Hits/The B-Sides in 1993. Prince said he was inspired to write the rock song while listening to John Lennon. The track includes a Farfisa-inspired organ sound played on an Oberheim OB-X. 


Year:
1993
3:43
90 
#3

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When you were mine
I gave you all of my money
Time after time
You done me wrong
It was just like a dream
You let all my friends come over and meet
And you were so strange
You didn't have the decency to change the sheets

Oh girl, when you were mine
I used to let you wear all my clothes
You were so fine (so fine)
Maybe that's the reason that it hurt me so

I know (I know)
That you're going with another guy
I don't care (don't care)
'Cause I love you, baby, that's no lie
I love you more than I did when you were mine

When you were mine
You were kinda, sorta my best friend
So I was blind (so blind)
I let you fool around
I never cared (didn't care)
I never was the kind to make a fuss
When he was there
Sleeping in between the two of us

I know (I know)
That you're going with another guy
I don't care (don't care)
'Cause I love you, baby, that's no lie
I love you more than I did when you were mine

When you were mine
you were all I ever wanted to do
Now I spend my time
Following him whenever he's with you

I know (I know)
That you're going with another guy
I don't care (don't care)
'Cause I love you, baby, that's no lie
I love you more than I did when you were mine

When you were mine, yeah, oh no
Love you, baby, love you, baby
When you were mine

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Prince

Prince Rogers Nelson (born June 7, 1958 - found dead in his home April 21, 2016. He died of an accidental overdose of the drug fentanyl), was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Known by his mononym Prince, he was an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and actor. He produced ten platinum albums and thirty Top 40 singles during his career. He wrote several hundred songs plus produced and recorded his own music for his own music label. Prince had a wide vocal range and was known for his flamboyant stage presence and costumes. His releases sold over 100 million copies worldwide. He won seven Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe, and an Academy Award. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, the first year he was eligible. Ro… more »

24 fans

Written by: Prince Rogers Nelson

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Origin
"When You Were Mine" is a song written and performed by Prince for his third album, "Dirty Mind," released in 1980.
Genre
Prince’s “When You Were Mine” is considered a blend of New Wave, pop and funk, which showcases the artist’s diversity in music genres.
Song Composition
The entire track was composed, arranged, and produced solely by Prince, highlighting his dexterity as a multi-instrumentalist.
Lyrics Theme
The lyrics of the song revolve around the theme of unrequited love and heartbreak, where the protagonist laments the fact that he treated his former lover better than her current partner does.
Critical Acclaim
The song is generally lauded by critics for its catchy tune and profound lyrics, often cited as one of the standout songs from the album.
Influence on Other Artists
Various artists have covered the song over the years, including Cyndi Lauper, Mitch Ryder, and Ani Difranco, reshaping the paradigm of its influence in popular culture.
Live Performance
Prince frequently performed "When You Were Mine" live during his concerts, and it became one of his signature numbers.
Noteworthy Aspect
Despite its popularity, "When You Were Mine" was never released as a single in the US, which is considered intriguing given its popularity on live shows.
Album's Significance
The album "Dirty Mind" was significant because it marked Prince’s bold departure from the mainstream pop, adopting more provocative and controversial themes.
Connection to Personal Life
Though Prince was notoriously private about his personal life, some fans and critics speculate that the longing and nostalgia evident in the song's lyrics may reflect elements of Prince's own love life.

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