When Doves Cry

Prince's 'When Doves Cry' is a powerful exploration of emotional turmoil and relationship strife. The song opens with a sensual image, inviting the listener to 'dig' or consider a passionate moment between two lovers. However, this intimacy quickly gives way to a sense of conflict and misunderstanding. The 'courtyard' and 'ocean of violets in bloom' suggest a romantic ideal, but the 'animals' striking 'curious poses' hint at confusion and unnatural behavior within the relationship, symbolizing the complexities and sometimes performative aspects of love.

The chorus delves into the heart of the song's emotional conflict. Prince questions why his lover has left him 'standing alone in a world that's so cold,' highlighting feelings of abandonment and isolation. The comparison to his parents suggests a cycle of dysfunction, with Prince feeling he may be repeating their mistakes or inheriting their traits—being 'too demanding' like his father or 'never satisfied' like his mother. The titular doves, traditionally symbols of peace and love, crying out represent the pain and sorrow of a love that cannot be reconciled.

The song's structure and repetition of the chorus emphasize the cyclical nature of the conflict and the inability to break free from these patterns. 'When Doves Cry' is not just a song about a failing relationship, but a deeper commentary on how our familial relationships and personal insecurities can echo into our romantic lives, often leading to a breakdown in communication and ultimately, heartache. The song remains one of Prince's most enduring works, capturing the complexity of human emotions and the tragic beauty of love's darker side.