Raspberry Beret

Lore & Background

The song's lyrics concern a sexual experience with a girl who wears a raspberry-colored beret. The sound expanded upon previous Prince arrangements, incorporating stringed instruments, Middle Eastern finger cymbals, and a harmonica in the extended version. The song was more in the pop vein than before, though the 12-inch single and video feature a funky intro. The extended version was included on the compilation album Ultimate in 2006.

Reader's Guide

The song reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US (behind 'A View to a Kill' by Duran Duran) and number 25 on the UK Singles Chart. It hit number one in Cash Box. Following Prince's death, it re-charted on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 33 on the chart dated the week of May 14, 2016. As of April 30, 2016, it had sold 691,421 copies in the United States.

Did You Know?

• The video was filmed on June 5, 1985, at S.I.R. in Los Angeles and directed primarily by Prince, with animation by Colossal Pictures co-founder Drew Takahashi.
• Guitarist Pat Smear appears as a background dancer in the video; according to Dave Grohl, he was nearly fired but allowed to stay because Prince liked his hair.
• The US B-side 'She's Always in My Hair' is a rock and roll number with guitar and organs; the UK B-side was 'Hello'.
• Warren Zevon performed the song on Late Night with David Letterman; he had previously recorded a version as part of Hindu Love Gods, released in 1990.