Explore Prince’s Heartfelt Holiday Song “Another Lonely Christmas”

Prince Rogers Nelson, the legendary musician, created his only holiday song titled “Another Lonely Christmas,” a poignant reflection on heartbreak. Released as a B-side to the single “I Would Die 4 U” on December 25, 1984, this track has since gained recognition among fans as a significant piece of Prince’s extensive catalog.

Over the course of the 1980s, Prince was remarkably prolific, delivering an album almost every year while also writing and producing music for various artists under his label, Paisley Park Records. His output included not only chart-topping singles but also memorable B-sides, often accompanied by extended mixes. For example, the B-side “Another Lonely Christmas” features a five-minute version on the 7-inch single and a seven-minute extended mix on the 12-inch version.

The lyrics of “Another Lonely Christmas” express the sorrow of a man mourning the loss of his lover, who died on December 25. The evocative lines highlight the confusion surrounding her death: “Your father said it was pneumonia, your mother said it was stress / But the doctor said you were dead, and I say it’s senseless.” The extended mix adds depth with additional verses and an instrumental outro, enriching the emotional landscape of the song.

Many fans first encountered the shorter version on Prince’s compilation album released in 1993, while the extended mix became more widely accessible through the deluxe edition of his works. Notably, Prince performed “Another Lonely Christmas” live only once, during a series of concerts at the St. Paul Civic Center shortly after its release. These concerts took place between December 23 and December 28, 1984, with the performance featuring the song on December 26.

While “Another Lonely Christmas” was never released as a single, it stands out as a noteworthy entry in Prince’s discography. That same year, he received his first Grammy nomination for the song “International Lover,” although he lost the award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance to Michael Jackson’s iconic “Billie Jean.” “International Lover” has since become a beloved slow jam, alongside other Prince classics like “Adore” and “Beautiful Ones.”

The emotional resonance of Prince’s music is often amplified by his lyrical themes. Another notable example is “Sometimes It Snows in April,” a tender piano ballad that reflects on loss. This song, recorded for the film Under the Cherry Moon, gained additional poignancy following Prince’s death on April 21, 2016, precisely 31 years after its recording.

In addition to his impactful songs, Prince’s collaborations have left a lasting legacy. His friendship with celebrated artist Joni Mitchell was partly sparked by his lyrics referencing her song “Help Me.” This connection highlights Prince’s appreciation for fellow musicians and his influence across genres.

As the holiday season approaches, “Another Lonely Christmas” offers listeners a unique blend of melancholy and reflection, showcasing Prince’s profound ability to capture complex emotions within his music. For those unfamiliar with this hidden gem in his catalog, it serves as a reminder of the artist’s enduring legacy and emotional depth.