The phrase "when the elevator tries to bring you down" from Prince's song "Let's Go Crazy" is a metaphorical line. In the context of the song, it generally means not letting negativity or evil forces bring you down. The term "de-elevator" has been interpreted as a play on words for "devil," symbolizing forces that try to pull you down or bring you down to a lower, negative state. The song encourages punching "a higher floor," meaning aiming to rise above the negativity or evil influences rather than succumbing to them. It could be seen as a message to resist negative influences, stay positive, and strive for a higher, better state of being rather than letting oneself be dragged down.