Occasionally, there’s an idea so perfect where everything falls into place. Imagine writing songs, or music. Everything has come along, but one thing simply doesn’t fit. That’s exactly how one can explain Prince’s “Little Red Corvette.”
Following the sudden passing of the star, Jalopnik took a look into one of Prince’s most popular hits, “Little Red Corvette.” You’ll be surprised to learn that the song isn’t even about a Corvette, and the American sports car wasn’t involved in the writing process, either.
Instead, Prince came up with the very first lyrics to the song while napping in Lisa Coleman’s pink Ford Edsel. It’s clear, the song simply would not have been as catchy with the “Edsel” name.
Between naps, Prince continued to pen lyrics to the song, eventually writing the “Little Red Corvette” portion. There’s never any mention of the pink Edsel, most likely for the greater good. Because they don’t write songs about Edsels, and not many wrote music like Prince.
Comments
Prince was a music genius . Had a chance to see him live at the old Pontiac Silverdome in 1994 . By far the best concert I’ve ever been to . We never sat in our seats the whole concert . Those were the days !
REST IN PEACE PRINCE
Kind of like a Springsteen concert–two artists who played for their fans, played long sets and left everyon eextremely satisfied yet wanting more. Wish more artists were like them.
Thank you Sean for doing this about Prince. He is an American legend and his impact will be felt for generations. He passed away way too soon and many of us are greatly saddened right now.
I really don’t believe this song has much to do with any car based on the lyrics I know.
Cool song cars or not.
Pretty sure its a metaphor.
This song was loaded metaphors!
Hey, come on – give them a little credit:
Sure, there may be some content discrepancies (although I suspect “Little Red Corvette” is likely the one thing people would remember from the song – kind of like “Raspberry Beret” or “1999.”)
But give them some credit for turning an idea around so fast, keeping it clean, and resisting the usual GM mandatories: logo(s), copyright line, predictable car porn shot, lease offer or some creepy sell copy.
Just goes to show what you can do to help GM’s image when there’s too little time for levels of approval and overthinking.
Should do that more often.
I spent a bunch of years in “the ad biz” – and I’m pretty sure that is the finest ad I’ve ever seen…and among the most moving.. Thank you Sean & others!!!!! What a beautiful tribute
10 seconds in an you know that song had NOTHING to do with a Corvette. Never mind why she kept used prophylactics in her pockets!
It’s amazing how when a guy dies nobody ever says anything negative about the person. Sometimes they should!