Meaning of "Prince" by Deftones

The lyrics of "Prince" delve into the complex psyche of someone who is drawn to a dangerous mindset and the destructive behavior that comes with it. The song opens by expressing a sense of relating to others who share a similar mindset and a fascination with the unknown ("I relate to your kind, your design / Your devotion to wave"). The lyric "Get your brain on the prize / Then dive inside" suggests the pursuit of a goal with an intense focus that borders on obsession.

The repeated line "The mindset of a killer" highlights the self-destructive nature of this mindset. It suggests a detachment from empathy, compassion, and traditional societal norms ("With your mind out of phase"). The mention of a game that is both craved and never won reinforces the futile nature of this mindset.

The imagery of painting the room blood red with tears and pouring from the stage signifies the emotional toll that this mindset takes on the individual. It showcases the inner turmoil and the performer's desire to express their pain in a dramatic and artistic fashion. The repetition of "And you can't stop now" emphasizes the addictive nature of this destructive behavior, where the individual becomes trapped in a cycle they can't break free from.

The lyrics imply a sense of isolation and detachment from society. The line "Covered in black and gold / No one cares, no one knows" suggests a feeling of being unnoticed and overlooked by others, despite the external appearance of success ("My gift to the world outside"). The narrator seems to find comfort in their solitude and darkness, expressing a sense of acceptance and resilience ("It's okay, I'm alright").

The song closes with the lines "Now open your empty hand / Here comes the fun, here comes the end." This can be interpreted as a final act of defiance, perhaps a realization that the pursuit of this dangerous mindset ultimately leads to destruction. The "fun" that is promised is ultimately the end, suggesting a fatalistic view of the consequences that come with embracing this self-destructive path.