When Doves Cry – Prince | Top 40 Chart Performance, Story and Song Meaning
Chart Performance: Pop (#1) and R&B (#1); 1984
Story Behind The Song By Harris Sterling
By 1984, Prince was emerging as one of the most innovative artists in popular music. When director Albert Magnoli requested a song for a key scene in the film Purple Rain, Prince responded by writing When Doves Cry.
Recorded at Prince’s Paisley Park studio, the track became notable for its stripped-down arrangement. Most striking was Prince’s decision to remove the bass line from the final mix, creating a sparse yet dramatic sound built around drum machines, layered vocals, and guitar.
Released in the spring of 1984, When Doves Cry rose to #1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the R&B chart. It became the top-selling single of the year in the United States.
The lyric reflects emotional conflict within a troubled relationship, touching on themes of misunderstanding and parental influence. Rather than offering resolution, the song presents tension and introspection.
When Doves Cry became one of Prince’s signature recordings and a defining moment in the success of Purple Rain.
This content was created and written by Top 40 Contributing Editor Harris Sterling. © 2026 Harris Sterling. All rights reserved.
Produced by:
Prince
Lyrics Written by:
Prince
Awards:
American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Single (1985)
Harris Sterling
Independent music label executive Harris Sterling has worked in the music industry for most of his career.
As Executive Vice President for independent music label Madacy Entertainment, he led the strategic marketing and business development for the label, negotiating agreements with the major record labels to release custom music compilations under license with major brands, such as Ford Motor Company, Crayola, Care Bears and Elvis Presley Enterprises.
Harris also led Madacy’s strategy for the licensing of its entire music catalogue to Apple for their launch of the IPOD.
In 2011, Harris co-founded Starting Five Media, a company that specializes in recording and licensing custom renditions of popular songs as well as clearing the rights to the music composition for use by their clients in media projects.
Harris has negotiated publishing and master recording rights for many Top 40 songs for use in various media projects, TV Commercials and more.