Stevie Nicks Turned Down Writing Lyrics for Prince’s Iconic ‘Purple Rain’ Song

Stevie Nicks and Prince were both known for their individuality, mystique, and uncompromising artistic instincts. Despite coming from different corners of the musical world, they found a creative spark that allowed them to collaborate without losing their unique identities. Their connection carried a subtle, flirtatious energy, yet they managed to protect their working relationship from the volatility that can come with romance.

Their musical chemistry showed up in small but powerful ways. Prince’s synth work on Nicks’ 1983 hit “Stand Back” came from her writing the song over the groove of “Little Red Corvette,” and he stepped in to help bring the track to life. Prince also drew inspiration from “Edge of Seventeen” when creating “When Doves Cry,” which led Nicks to weave pieces of Prince’s lyrics into her live performances as a tribute.

That mutual respect built the foundation for what could have become one of the most fascinating collaborations in pop and rock history. But when Prince approached Nicks with a bold request involving one of his most legendary songs, she felt she couldn’t step into the role he envisioned for her.

Why Stevie Nicks Turned Down the Chance to Co-Write ‘Purple Rain’

After their work together on “Stand Back,” Prince reached out again—this time with a far more ambitious offer. He sent Nicks a sprawling, ten-minute instrumental track and asked her to write lyrics for it. What she heard was overwhelming in scale, cinematic in scope, and unlike anything she felt capable of shaping at that moment.

Nicks later recalled listening to the track repeatedly, trying to find a way in, but ultimately realizing she couldn’t match the epic vision unfolding in front of her. She told Prince she was honored, but the piece felt like a movie—too grand, too emotional, too boundless for her to approach with confidence. That instrumental would go on to become “Purple Rain,” one of the defining songs of Prince’s career.

Looking back, she admitted she always sensed a personal undertone in Prince’s request. She believed he would have welcomed a deeper relationship, but she knew crossing that line might have jeopardized the creative trust they shared. Turning down “Purple Rain” wasn’t just a musical decision—it was a boundary that preserved their connection.

A Collaboration That Never Happened, and a Friendship That Endured

Even though Nicks didn’t contribute lyrics to “Purple Rain,” she always felt a small connection to the song. She had been part of the creative orbit that inspired it, and she remained grateful that Prince saw something in her writing that made him want to bring her into such a monumental project.

The two kept a respectful, friendly relationship for decades. Their collaboration on “Stand Back” remained one of Nicks’ most cherished moments, especially because Prince arrived at the studio unannounced, laid down his parts with ease, and left just as quietly. It was a reminder of the unspoken bond they shared—creative, intuitive, and completely effortless.

As years passed, Nicks often expressed regret that they never performed “Stand Back” together onstage. It became one of the lingering heartbreaks of her career, especially after Prince’s death in 2016. She told Rolling Stone that she still talks to him in moments of fear or uncertainty, a small ritual that keeps his presence alive in her performances and her life.

How Stevie Nicks Keeps Prince Close in Spirit

Nicks has said that losing Prince felt like losing a rare creative ally—someone who understood her instincts without explanation. That sense of loss pushed her to keep honoring him in subtle ways during her solo shows. Whenever she performs “Moonlight,” she slips into a white wolf-like coat and channels a different presence, almost like she’s borrowing strength from somewhere beyond the stage.

Before stepping into the spotlight, she often finds herself whispering, “Walk with me, Prince.” It’s a quiet reminder that the artists who shaped her journey continue to influence her long after they’re gone. That confidence, that courage, and that sense of connection are pieces of Prince she chooses to keep alive.

Even though Nicks didn’t write the lyrics for “Purple Rain,” the story behind her decision revealed something deeper about both artists. It showed how mutual respect can matter more than a headline-worthy collaboration, and how two icons can remain intertwined creatively—even when the biggest opportunity between them never fully materialized.