The Meaning Behind Prince’s Hit Song: Soft And Wet

When Prince released his debut album “For You” in 1978, it didn’t take long for audiences to take notice. One of the standout tracks from the album was “Soft And Wet,” an upbeat and sensual song that features Prince’s smooth vocals and intricate guitar work. But what is the meaning behind the lyrics of “Soft And Wet”? In this article, we’ll dive into the themes and inspiration behind this classic Prince song.

Table of Contents

Introduction to “Soft And Wet”

“Soft And Wet” was written and produced by Prince, and it was his first single to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching number 92. The song features a catchy melody and upbeat rhythm, but the lyrics suggest a more sensual and risqué undertone. As such, “Soft And Wet” established Prince’s reputation for incorporating sex and love into his music in often unexpected ways.

The Themes of Sex and Sensuality

“Soft And Wet” is a song about sex and sensuality. The lyrics describe the act of making love in terms that are both graphic and poetic, showcasing Prince’s penchant for blurring the line between innocence and explicitness. The lyrics touch on themes of pleasure, intimacy, and connection, and Prince’s falsetto vocals lend the song a particularly seductive quality.

An Example of Explicit Lyrics

The following excerpt from the song illustrates how Prince uses explicit lyrics to convey a deeper meaning:

“I wanna be the only one you come for
I wanna be your pole, your shrink, your medicine, man
I wanna be the only one you come for
The only one you come for”

Even though the lyrics are sexually charged, they also convey a deeper meaning. Prince is expressing his desire to be someone’s everything – their source of physical pleasure, emotional support, and spiritual fulfillment. In this way, the song goes beyond mere titillation and speaks to the human desire for intimacy and connection.

Inspiration Behind the Song

In interviews, Prince has talked about how the song was inspired by the music of James Brown, particularly the funk and soul influences that he would later incorporate into his own music. The song’s hook is reminiscent of Brown’s signature style, and Prince’s electrifying guitar work is reminiscent of the funk rock that was popular in the 1970s.

Quotes from Prince About the Song’s Inspiration

Here are a couple of quotes from Prince about the inspiration behind “Soft And Wet”:

“The funk that I heard in the James Brown music, that I heard in the Parliament-Funkadelic music, and that I heard in the Ohio Players, I put all that together, and that’s what came out.”

“I wasn’t consciously trying to be sexy or anything, I was just trying to be James Brown.”

The Legacy of “Soft And Wet”

While “Soft And Wet” may not be as well known as some of Prince’s later hits like “Purple Rain” or “Kiss,” it is seen as an early indication of Prince’s musical genius. The song’s frank depiction of sex and sensuality set the stage for Prince’s future work, which would continue to push the boundaries of what could be said and sung in pop music.

A Grammy Award-winning Musician’s Thoughts on “Soft And Wet”

Singer and songwriter Alicia Keys, who has cited Prince as one of her biggest musical influences, has spoken about the impact that “Soft And Wet” had on her career:

“Prince is an incredible musician and an amazing songwriter, and when I first heard ‘Soft And Wet,’ it was like nothing I’d ever heard before. That song was so funky and so sexy, and it was like Prince was speaking a language that only a select few people understand. I knew then that I wanted to be like him, and that he was going to be a big part of my musical journey.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Soft And Wet” is a song that showcases Prince’s unique voice and musical style. The song’s themes of sex and sensuality may have raised eyebrows in 1978, but they also spoke to audiences who were looking to break free from traditional societal norms. Ultimately, the success of “Soft And Wet” paved the way for Prince to become one of the most influential musicians of his time, and the song remains a classic in the Prince catalog.