Meaning of "Tangerine" by Prince

The lyrics of "Tangerine" by Prince delve into the complex emotions that come with a past relationship. The singer expresses a mix of feelings towards their former lover, vacillating between fond memories and resentment. The color symbolism of tangerine and blue serves to represent the contrasting emotions associated with the relationship. The singer admits to feeling drawn to the individual, evident in carrying their picture everywhere, but also acknowledges moments of wanting to distance themselves, even using the picture as a coaster. The references to money and giving it away could suggest attempts to distract oneself from memories of the relationship. The inclusion of the line "Beggers can't be choosey if they don't know how to serve" hints at feelings of powerlessness and a lack of control in the situation. Overall, the lyrics of "Tangerine" paint a vivid picture of the internal conflict and mixed emotions that can linger after a relationship ends.