"Little Red Corvette" by Prince is about a fleeting, passionate encounter with a woman known for her fast-paced and promiscuous lifestyle, using car metaphors to describe both her character and their brief romantic relationship. The song explores themes of insecurity, desire, and the risks of living life—and love—too fast, ultimately encouraging the woman to slow down and seek something more meaningful.

Song Themes and Metaphors

• Prince uses the imagery of a "Little Red Corvette" to symbolize a woman who pursues fast, casual relationships, likening her approach to love to a powerful, speedy car.

• The lyrics reference "jockeys," "horses," and "gas," all serving as double entendres that reinforce the sense of urgency and sexual confidence.

• While the encounter is fun and seductive, there's a clear warning about burnout and emptiness from living such a fast-paced, uncommitted life.

Song Inspiration

• The idea for the song came to Prince while napping in a backup singer’s car; interestingly, the original inspiration wasn’t even a Corvette or red in color, but a pink and white 1964 Mercury Montclair owned by Lisa Coleman, a member of Prince’s band.

• The song became Prince’s first US top 10 hit and has been described as a turning point in his career, solidifying his reputation for combining irresistible musical hooks with provocative lyrical content.

Cultural Impact

• "Little Red Corvette" has been celebrated as a bold and sensual anthem that broke new ground in both music and popular culture by openly discussing casual sex and its consequences with wit and metaphor.

• The car itself, especially red Corvettes, became iconic in American culture partly due to the song’s influence.

Overall, the song is about the dangers and temptations of a fast lifestyle, urging for intimacy, connection, and slowing down to avoid emotional crash.