Around The World In a Day

Prince's song 'Around The World In a Day' invites listeners on a metaphorical journey that transcends physical boundaries and explores the depths of the human mind and spirit. The opening lines, 'Open your heart, open your mind / A train is leaving all day,' set the stage for an adventure that is as much about inner exploration as it is about worldly travel. The idea that 'laughter is all U pay' suggests that the journey is one of joy and discovery, free from the burdens of everyday life.

The recurring refrain, 'Around the world in a day,' emphasizes the immediacy and accessibility of this journey. Prince encourages listeners to leave behind loneliness and embrace a new path, symbolized by the invitation to 'take my hand, I'll show U / I think I know a better way.' This better way is not just a physical route but a mental and emotional transformation, a shift in perspective that can lead to greater fulfillment and happiness.

The lyrics also introduce a guide, 'The little one,' who will escort the listener to 'places within your mind.' This guide represents a part of ourselves that is curious and open to new experiences. The contrast between 'red, white and blue' and 'a purple' suggests a move away from conventional, perhaps nationalistic, identities towards a more unique and individualistic sense of self. The color purple, often associated with Prince, symbolizes creativity, spirituality, and a break from the norm. By inviting listeners to 'come on and climb,' Prince is urging them to ascend to new heights of self-awareness and understanding.