I Wish U Heaven

Infobox Single
Name = I Wish U Heaven


Caption = U.S. 7" single
Artist = Prince
from Album = Lovesexy
B-side = "Scarlet Pussy"
Released = 20 September, 1988
Format = 7" single
12" single
CD single
Recorded = Paisley Park Studios, December 1987–January 1988
Genre = Pop
Length = Album/7" edit: 2:43
12" (Part 1, 2 & 3): 10:12
Label = Paisley Park Records
Writer = Prince
Producer = Prince
Certification =
Chart position = * #18 R&B
* #24 UK
Last single = "Glam Slam"
(1988)
This single = "I Wish U Heaven"
(1988)
Next single = "Batdance"
(1989)

"I Wish U Heaven" is a song from Prince's 1988 album, "Lovesexy." It is a joyful, spiritual song with few lyrics, which runs 2:43. The 12" single is a substantially extended three-part suite which runs over ten minutes.

Part One of the mix starts with a stripped-down version of the "Lovesexy" album song, remixed with a dance beat. The original drum programming and rhythmic electric guitar riffs are deleted for much of the song.

Part Two is a gospel rendition with new lyrics, continuing the spiritual theme. This part of the song was often sung in concert during the Lovesexy World Tour. The beginning of this section paraphrases lyrics from "Housequake," from the previous album "Sign "☮" the Times". Prince also quotes the movie "Scarface," with the lines "Say hello to my little friend..." and then introduces "the blue angel." The blue angel was a new blue version of his custom white "cloud" guitar featured in the movie "Purple Rain." Sheila E. is also given a call out, and her voice can be heard responding in this section.

Part Three is based on an outtake called "Take This Beat" and deviates quite a bit from the original theme. This segment has Prince using his "Jamie Starr" persona to humorously tout the fact that the he's funky, musically talented, and has plenty of beats (songs) that are "so fine." The song ends with a looped repeat of the title. This version of the song became one of the highlights during the supporting tour in which Prince would usually order the house lights to be turned up, and instruct the crowd during a call and response segment.

The B-side, "Scarlet Pussy," is credited to Prince's feminine alter ego, Camille. The song is very sexual, using metaphors of cats and dogs for sexual organs. Prince uses his sped-up "Camille" vocals, as well as a slowed-down vocal, similar to "Bob George" from "The Black Album". The song features a saxophone solo from Eric Leeds. The decision to include such a raunchy song with the spiritual A-side was interesting; however, the "Take This Beat" section of the remix wasn't exactly choir material either. The edit of "Scarlet Pussy" was included on 1993's "The Hits/The B-Sides".

Trivia

Darren Hayes has done a cover of "I Wish U Heaven." The ex-Savage Garden vocalist recorded this song and included it on the "Platinum Edition Bonus CD" of "Spin".

External links

* "I Wish U Heaven" [http://www.dtt-lyrics.com/albums/lovesexy.html#heaven lyrics]