“Nothing Compares 2 U,” the iconic ballad made famous by Sinead O’Connor, is a song steeped in raw emotion and vulnerability. But did Prince write it? The answer is a resounding yes, and the story behind its creation is far more surprising than many realize. While O’Connor’s 1990 rendition brought the song global acclaim, its origins lie in Prince’s own creative genius, penned years earlier under vastly different circumstances than the heartbreak many associate with it.
The Unexpected Inspiration Behind a Heartbreak Anthem
Contrary to popular belief, “Nothing Compares 2 U” wasn’t born from a romantic split. Instead, its inspiration stemmed from a rather mundane domestic disruption: the temporary departure of Prince’s housekeeper, Sandy Scipioni. In 1984, Scipioni took leave to attend to a family matter, leaving Prince to grapple with the realities of daily chores and household management at his Paisley Park residence. This seemingly trivial event sparked a wave of longing and dependence that ultimately fueled the song’s creation.
Prince in a thoughtful pose
Susan Rogers, Prince’s long-time sound engineer and collaborator, witnessed the song’s genesis firsthand. She recalled Prince’s repeated inquiries about Scipioni’s return, highlighting his reliance on her and the disruption her absence caused. Overwhelmed by the added responsibilities outside of his music, Prince channeled his frustration and longing into writing. Within an hour, according to Rogers, “Nothing Compares 2 U” was complete.
From Domestic Frustration to Global Phenomenon
The lyrics, initially interpreted as romantic yearning, take on a new meaning when considered in this context. Lines like “All the flowers that you planted in my backyard grew up and died” likely refer to Scipioni’s gardening duties. The song becomes less about a lost love and more about the disruption of a comfortable routine and the appreciation for someone who provided essential support.
“He was a young man writing about domesticity,” Rogers explained in an interview. The song wasn’t a desperate plea for a lover’s return, but rather a lament for a lost sense of order and the inconvenience of self-sufficiency. This realization adds a layer of irony to the song’s global reception as a heartbreak anthem.
Prince’s Intentional Obscurity
Prince initially gave “Nothing Compares 2 U” to The Family, a band he mentored, for their 1985 debut album. The song garnered little attention until Sinead O’Connor’s stripped-down version propelled it to international fame five years later. While Prince acknowledged the song’s brilliance, he seemingly preferred it remain somewhat detached from his own persona. This perhaps explains why he didn’t release his own version as a single until 1993, after O’Connor’s success.
A Legacy Beyond Heartbreak
The story of “Nothing Compares 2 U” reveals a fascinating dichotomy: a song universally embraced as an expression of romantic loss, born from the far less dramatic experience of missing a housekeeper. It underscores Prince’s songwriting prowess, his ability to transform everyday experiences into emotionally resonant art. While the song’s meaning may be recontextualized knowing its true origins, its power and impact remain undeniable, solidifying its place as a timeless classic and a testament to Prince’s enduring legacy. The surprising truth behind its creation only adds to the song’s intrigue and reinforces the complexities of artistic inspiration.
