"I Would Die 4 U" is a song by Prince and the Revolution. It is the fourth single from their 1984 album, Purple Rain. The fast-paced dance song was a top 10 hit in the United States. It reached number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the last song from the album to chart in the top 10.
Cash Box described the song as "a practice in restrained ecstasy," noting that Prince gives one of his most passionate vocal performances. Billboard called the song "electrifying," saying the excitement feels like electricity.
"I Would Die 4 U" is often played right after "Baby I'm a Star" on the Purple Rain album. As of April 30, 2016, the song had sold 561,772 copies in the United States.
"Another Lonely Christmas"
The B-side, "Another Lonely Christmas," tells a sad story about a man missing his lover, who passed away from pneumonia on a previous Christmas Day. Prince recorded the song in February 1984. At that time, Prince often spent a lot of time alone, but he said "Another Lonely Christmas" was not based on real events. The song is similar to "Sometimes It Snows in April," which appears on Prince's 1986 album Parade. Prince performed "Another Lonely Christmas" live only once, on December 26, 1984, at the St. Paul Civic Center in Minnesota.
Alternate versions
The longer version of "I Would Die 4 U" is a rehearsal session with the Revolution and musicians from Sheila E.'s band, including Eddie M (saxophone) and Miko Weaver (guitar). Sheila E. also participated in the recording, which happened before the Purple Rain Tour. The session includes added sounds and ends with a fade-out. A much longer version, almost 31 minutes long, was never officially released but has been shared unofficially. This extended mix was used as the B-side for the 1989 "Erotic City" single, which uses the same image of Prince on its cover as this single.
The B-side of the UK 12" single release also includes the song "Another Lonely Christmas" and the 1999 track "Free."
Track listings
7": Paisley Park / 7-29121 (US)
- "I Would Die 4 U" (short version) – 2:57
- "Another Lonely Christmas" – 4:51
12": Paisley Park / 9 20291-0 (US)
- "I Would Die 4 U" (long version) – 10:15
- "Another Lonely Christmas" (long version) – 6:47
12": Warner Bros. / W9121T (UK)
- "I Would Die 4 U" (short version) – 2:57
- "Another Lonely Christmas" – 4:51
- "Free" – 5:00
Personnel
Credits are provided by Duane Tudahl, Benoît Clerc, and Guitarcloud
- Prince – lead and backing vocals, electric guitar, piano, synthesizers
- Wendy Melvoin – electric guitar, backing vocals
- Lisa Coleman – synthesizers, backing vocals
- Matt Fink – synthesizers, Memorymoog, Linn LM-1
- Brown Mark – bass guitar
- Bobby Z. – Linn LM-1, Pearl SY-1 Syncussion, cymbals
Cover versions
- In 2002, French-British musician Space Cowboy released his version of the song. It reached number 55 on the UK Singles Chart and was his first single released under the name Space Cowboy.
- In 2022, English singer-songwriter Holly Humberstone performed a version of the song.