Raspberry Beret
by Prince
What is “Raspberry Beret” really about?
If you’ve ever wondered what “Raspberry Beret” by Prince is really about, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.
In 'Raspberry Beret,' Prince celebrates a vivid memory of a carefree and elegant young woman, focusing on the emotional impact of a brief romantic experience.
So… what’s this song really about?
At its core, 'Raspberry Beret' unfolds the narrative of a young man's enchantment with a whimsically bold woman, distinguished by her unique choice of attire—a raspberry beret discovered in a second-hand store. This detail not only accentuates her individuality but also hints at a nonconformist, perhaps carefree approach to life, which deeply affects the song's protagonist. The lyrical journey juxtaposes youthful nostalgia with romantic idealization, where sensory experiences (like rain on a barn roof or the climate suggesting minimal clothing) invoke a poignant, almost cinematic memory.
Moreover, through vivid storytelling, Prince explores themes of love, memory, and the impermanence of moments. The chorus, catchy yet laden with emotion, paints a picture of spontaneous connections that often leave lasting impressions far beyond their fleeting nature. The song masterfully uses a simple image, the raspberry beret, as a symbol for youthful exuberance and the bittersweet tang of nostalgia for past romances, encapsulating the blend of joy and yearning that characterizes brief but intense encounters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the raspberry beret symbolize in the song?
In the song, the raspberry beret symbolizes individuality and vivid memory, representing a distinct and memorable aspect of a romantic interest.
Q: Was 'Raspberry Beret' a successful hit for Prince?
Yes, 'Raspberry Beret' was a successful hit and is considered one of Prince's iconic songs, further solidifying his status in the music industry.
Lyrics to “Raspberry Beret”
49 Contributors
[Chorus]
She wore a raspberry beret
The kind you find in a second-hand store
Raspberry beret
And if it was warm, she wouldn't wear much more
Raspberry beret, I think I love her
[Verse 3]
The rain sounds so cool when it hits the barn roof
And the horses wonder who you are
Thunder drowns out what the lightning sees
You feel like a movie star
Listen, they say the first time ain't the greatest
But I tell you, if I had the chance to do it all again, ooh
I wouldn't change a stroke 'cause, baby, I'm the most
With a girl as fine as she was then
[Chorus]
(Raspberry beret) Oh!
The kind you find (The kind you find)
The kind you find (In a second-hand store)
Oh, no, no
(Raspberry beret)
(And if it was warm)
Where have all the raspberry women gone? (She wouldn't wear much more)
Yeah (Raspberry beret)
Aah!
I think I, I think I, I think I love her!
(Raspberry beret)
No, no, no
No, no, no (The kind you find)
(In a second-hand store)
(Raspberry beret)
Tell me
Where have all the raspberry women gone? (And if it was warm she wouldn't wear much more)
(Raspberry beret)
Ooh, uh, I think I love