“Adonis & Bathsheba” is an unreleased track written and recorded by Prince on July 27, 1986. The song is a favorite among fans who were given the opportunity to vote on a number of tracks selected to be included on Crystal Ball Volume II. “Adonis & Bathsheba” was one of several song choices Prince played for fans during a Paisley Park event called “Prince: A Celebration” in June 2000. However, the project never made it to the public. (Click here to Download a free mp3 of “Adonis & Bathsheba” for your collection)
Adonis & Bathsheba is an interesting title. Both are figures of extreme beauty, one from the bible and the other from Greek mythology. The lyrics tell a sensual story of these two trying to find the perfect place for their love. But with no bed, they ultimately decide to love where they stand.
Bathsheba means “daughter of the oath” in Hebrew. In the Old Testament of the Bible Bathsheba was married to Uriah the Hittite.
Bathsheba is described as having great beauty. She was so beautiful that when King David saw her bathing from his roof he had to have her. King David seduced her and made her pregnant. Later, he arranged to have Bathsheba’s husband killed in battle & so he could marry her.
An Adonis is typically a very handsome young man. Adonis in Greek mythology is the eternally youthful god of beauty and desire. Adonis is also described as a handsome young shepherd who was killed while hunting a wild boar. According to Greek Mythology, the anemone flower is said to have sprung from Adonis’ blood. Subsequently, Zeus allowed Adonis to be restored to life for part of each year because he was loved and adored by Aphrodite. The story is reminiscent of the love affair between Prince and Vanity. Both were extremely attractive young people who found love for a short time. The track Adonis & Bathsheba captures the beautiful moment in time when young love blossoms into an eternal story of beauty, passion, and love that repeats if only in a memory.
Adonis & Bathsheba Lyrics
To an orgy in a garden of flowers Adonis and Bathsheba flew
All of creation awaits them, a flowing dance by the crystal blue.
A stream of desire & erotic rebellion parades thru their hearts and minds.
They look at one another as much as they don’t. To touch is their need, to love they are blind
To love they are blind
An abandoned gazebo houses what looks to be a perfect place.
They undress as they’re running, Bathsheba crying
Adonis sweat upon his face
For them there is no morning, only night decisions so grand.
There is no bed, how will they ever love?
They decide to stand
No bed, they decide to stand
Adonis & Bathsheba in a garden of flowers, in a garden of love.
Click here for a free mp3 download of the track “Adonis & Bathsheba”
