A rare Prince song has finally received a wide release. Titled “United States of Division,” the song originally arrived on July 4th, 2004 as the B-side to the Musicology single “Cinnamon Girl,” and only saw limited release on physical editions in the UK and Europe. Now, for the first time, it’s available on streaming platforms everywhere.
The wide release of “United States of Division” arrives via Sony, and was “sourced from the original master tapes in Prince’s legendary vault.”
Lyrically, as its title suggests, “United States of Division” is a political — albeit non-partisan — song, calling on everyone to “stop fighting,” put down their guns, and “gather round” and “make love.” Echoing the sentiments of its A-side “Cinnamon Girl,” which mourned the innocent loss of life and rise of racism that followed 9/11, the song interjects its dancey, feel-good refrains with pointed questions, like “what is this rush to declare war?” and “what are we fighting for?”
In one poignant and epically campy moment, Prince sings “Why must I say ‘God Bless America’ and not the rest of the world?/ Oh say can you see?/ I love my country but I love God more/ Every man, woman, boy, and girl,” interloping the melody of the national anthem over the lyrical allusion to it. Throughout the whole song, of course, his vocals rest easy in a bed of irresistibly funky R&B; horns, backing vocals, wah-wah guitars, and all. Stream the single below.
The 20th anniversary of Musicology, Prince’s 28th album, will be celebrated on April 20th, and the release of “United States of Division” arrives in honor of the occasion. Additionally, the album itself is available on CD and vinyl along with a line of Musicology-related merch, which can be found on Prince’s website.
Meanwhile, Prince will be the subject of a few upcoming adaptations, including a new biopic produced by Ryan Coogler (Black Panther) with a script by Bryan Edward Hill (Titans, Ash vs. Evil Dead). Additionally, it was announced in January that Purple Rain is being adapted into a stage production.
