1999
by Prince
What is “1999” really about?
If you’ve ever wondered what “1999” by Prince is really about, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.
1999' by Prince is a vibrant and lively anthem about letting go of existential fears and celebrating life as if it’s the last chance to party. The song emphasizes dancing and joy as a response to the looming threat of the year 2000 and potential global crises.
So… what’s this song really about?
In '1999,' Prince encapsulates a mood of rebellious celebration in the face of uncertainty and fear of the future. Written during the late 20th century, a time brimming with anxieties about Y2K and nuclear threats, the song channels these fears into a defiant embrace of life and festivity. Prince suggests that instead of succumbing to fear, one should seize the moment ('dance my life away') as an expression of vitality and defiance. This resonates with a broader existential motif, using partying as both a literal and metaphorical escape from the potential apocalypse. The recurrent phrase "party like it's 1999" thus transforms into a carefree, almost rebellious mantra against the backdrop of potential catastrophe, encapsulating a spirit of living in the moment and cherishing human joy and connection despite uncertain times.
The deep emotional resonance of the song also manifests in its juxtaposition of fun, party lyrics with darker, more somber undertones ('Everybody's got a bomb'). This duality enriches the song, adding layers of depth to what might otherwise be a straightforward party track. It invites listeners to reflect on their own perceptions of impending doom and the choices we make to live fully in the now. The lyrics serve as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of making the most of the present, points underscored by the repetitive, chant-like encouragement to party throughout the track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the meaning behind the year '1999' in the song?
The year '1999' in Prince’s song symbolizes a pivotal moment of celebration before the uncertainty of the new millennium, reflecting both anxiety and excitement about the future.
Q: How did '1999' perform commercially?
'1999' was a commercial success, peaking in the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidifying Prince's status as a pop icon.
Q: Did '1999' have a particular cultural impact?
'1999' became an anthem for celebrating the new millennium, despite originally being released in 1982, and its message of living life to the fullest resonated widely as the year 2000 approached.
Lyrics to “1999”
84 Contributors1999 Lyrics
[Chorus: Prince and All]
They say
2000, zero-zero, party over, oops, out of time
So tonight, I'm gonna party like it's 1999
Yeah, yeah, shh
[Verse 3: Prince, Lisa, Dez, All]
Lemme tell ya somethin'
If you didn't come to party
Don't bother knockin' on my door, oh, uh, ah
I got a lion in my pocket
And, baby, he's ready to roar, yeah, yeah
Everybody's got a bomb
We could all die any day, oh
But before I'll let that happen
I'll dance my life away
Oh
[Chorus: Prince and All]
They say
2000, zero-zero, party over, oops, out of time
(We're runnin' outta time)
So tonight, I'm gonna party like it's 1999
So tonight, we gonna, we gonna, oh
Say it one more time
2000, zero-zero, party over, oops, out of time
No, no
Tonight, I'm gonna party like it's 1999
So tonight, we gonna, we gonna, woo
[Bridge: Prince and All]
All right, 1999
You say it, 1999
Ooh, 1999, oh, 1999
Don't stop, don't stop, say it one more time
2000, zero-zero, party over, oops, out of time
Yeah, yeah
Tonight, I'm gonna party like it's 1999
So tonight, we're gonna, we're gonna, woo
[Outro: Prince, Lisa, Prince and Lisa, All]
Yeah, 1999
Don'tcha wanna go? (1999)
Don'tcha wanna go? (1999)
We could all die any day (1999)
I don't wanna die
I'd rather dance my life away (1999)
Listen to what I'm tryin' to say
Everybody, everybody say, "Party"
C'mon now, you say, "Party"
That's right, everybody say, "Party"
Can't run from revelation, no (Party)
Sing it for your nation, y'all (Party), wow!
Drum it with your fingers, baby (Party)
Telephone's a-ringin', mama (Party)
C'mon, c'mon, you say, "Party"
Everybody, two times, "Party"
Woo, work it down to the ground, say, "Party"
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh (Party)
Come on, oh, take my body, baby (Party)
That's right, c'mon, sing the song, ”Party”
(Oh) (Party)
That's right (Party)
Got a lion in my pocket, mama, say, "Party"
Oh, and he's ready to roar (Party)
Ah
[Spoken Outro: Lisa]
Mommy, why does everybody have a bomb?
Mommy, why does everybody have a bomb?