The song "Nothing Compares 2 U" stands as one of the most powerful expressions of grief and longing in the history of popular music. While most listeners immediately associate the track with the haunting, tear-streaked face of Irish singer Sinéad O'Connor in her 1990 music video, the song's journey began years earlier in the mind of a musical genius: Prince. Understanding the lyrics requires looking past the surface-level breakup narrative and into a complex web of personal loss, creative transformation, and raw vocal performance.

The Complete Lyrics of Nothing Compares 2 U (Sinéad O'Connor Version)

It's been seven hours and fifteen days Since you took your love away I go out every night and sleep all day Since you took your love away Since you been gone I can do whatever I want I can see whomever I choose I can eat my dinner in a fancy restaurant But nothing I said nothing can take away these blues 'Cause nothing compares Nothing compares to you

It's been so lonely without you here Like a bird without a song Nothing can stop these lonely tears from falling Tell me baby where did I go wrong I could put my arms around every boy I see But they'd only remind me of you I went to the doctor and guess what he told me? Guess what he told me? He said girl you better try to have fun No matter what you do, but he's a fool 'Cause nothing compares Nothing compares to you

All the flowers that you planted mama In the back yard All died when you went away I know that living with you baby was sometimes hard But I'm willing to give it another try 'Cause nothing compares Nothing compares to you Nothing compares Nothing compares to you Nothing compares Nothing compares to you

The Origins of the Song: From Prince to The Family

"Nothing Compares 2 U" was originally written and composed by Prince in 1984. At the time, Prince was at the height of his creative powers, churning out hits not just for himself but for various side projects. He initially gave the song to The Family, a funk-pop band he created, for their self-titled 1985 debut album.

In its original iteration, the song was a soulful, synth-heavy ballad, sung by St. Paul Peterson and Susannah Melvoin. While the core emotional structure was present, the 1985 version lacked the cultural impact it would later achieve. It was a deep cut on an album that didn't chart particularly well, and for five years, "Nothing Compares 2 U" remained an obscure piece of the Prince vault.

Prince himself recorded a solo version during the Purple Rain era, which remained unreleased until 2018. When comparing these versions, listeners can notice a subtle difference in the opening line: Prince sang "seven hours and thirteen days," whereas Sinéad O'Connor would famously change it to "fifteen days." These two days of difference, while seemingly minor, highlight the specific, agonizing way each artist chose to measure the passage of time after a loss.

The 1990 Transformation: Sinéad O'Connor’s Emotional Mastery

When Sinéad O'Connor covered the song for her second album, I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got, she stripped away the 80s synth-pop gloss. Under the production of O'Connor and Nellee Hooper, the track became a masterclass in minimalism. The arrangement is sparse—a steady beat, a haunting synth pad, and a few orchestral swells—which forces the listener to focus entirely on her vocal delivery.

O'Connor’s performance is what elevated the lyrics from a standard torch song to a universal lament. She oscillates between a fragile whisper and a primal belt, capturing the erratic stages of grief. This version didn't just top the charts; it became a global phenomenon, reaching number one in over a dozen countries and defining the early 1990s musical landscape.

Lyrical Analysis: A Deep Dive into Grief

The Accuracy of Pain: "Seven Hours and Fifteen Days"

The opening line is perhaps the most famous in the song. Most breakup songs deal in vague generalities, but "Nothing Compares 2 U" starts with a hyper-specific measurement. By counting the hours as well as the days, the narrator reveals the paralyzing nature of their depression. It suggests someone who is constantly checking the clock, unable to move forward.

In our analysis of the vocal track, O'Connor delivers these numbers with a flat, almost numbed affect. It’s the sound of someone who has repeated the calculation a thousand times. The transition from "seven hours" to "fifteen days" establishes a rhythm of obsession that carries through the rest of the song.

The Illusion of Freedom

The first verse explores the attempts at distraction that often follow a loss. "I can do whatever I want / I can see whomever I choose." This is the classic post-breakup bravado. The mention of eating in a "fancy restaurant" serves as a poignant symbol of loneliness; a place designed for celebration and companionship becomes a hollow experience when the one person who matters is missing.

The Inadequacy of Professional Advice

The second verse introduces a cynical moment: "I went to the doctor and guess what he told me? / He said girl you better try to have fun / No matter what you do, but he's a fool." This lyric resonates deeply with anyone who has dealt with clinical depression or profound grief. The doctor’s advice—to simply "have fun"—is viewed as an insult, a superficial fix for a soul-crushing problem. By calling the doctor a "fool," the narrator rejects the outside world's attempts to minimize their pain.

The "Mama" Line: A Shift in Perspective

One of the most debated parts of the lyrics occurs in the bridge: "All the flowers that you planted mama / In the backyard / All died when you went away."

While the song is generally framed as a romantic breakup, this specific line introduces a familial element. Prince's sound engineer, Susan Rogers, has suggested that the song might have been inspired by Prince’s housekeeper, Sandy Scipioni, who left suddenly following her father’s death. However, for Sinéad O'Connor, this line took on a deeply personal meaning.

O'Connor had a famously traumatic relationship with her mother, who died in a car accident in 1985. During the recording and the filming of the music video, O'Connor associated these lines with her mother. This connection is most evident during the music video when two tears roll down her cheeks precisely as she sings about the dying flowers and the difficulty of living together. The "Mama" line transforms the song from a simple love story into a broader meditation on the finality of death and the complex nature of maternal love.

The Technicality of the Song: BPM and Arrangement

From a technical standpoint, the effectiveness of "Nothing Compares 2 U" is rooted in its tempo and vocal space.

  • BPM (Beats Per Minute): The song sits at approximately 60 BPM. This slow, steady pulse mimics a resting heartbeat, creating an intimate, almost claustrophobic atmosphere.
  • Vocal Range: O'Connor utilizes her full range, moving from a low, breathy register in the verses to a powerful, belting C5 in the chorus.
  • Instrumentation: The lack of a traditional bass guitar for much of the song creates a "rootless" feeling, mirroring the narrator’s lack of emotional grounding.

Who Wrote Nothing Compares 2 U? The Prince vs. O'Connor Dynamic

Although Prince wrote the song, his relationship with O'Connor’s version was notoriously strained. In her memoir, O'Connor detailed a tense meeting with Prince at his Paisley Park estate, where the two reportedly did not get along. Prince was known for his protective nature over his music, yet even he could not deny the impact of O'Connor’s rendition.

After O'Connor’s version became a hit, Prince began performing the song live frequently, often as a duet with Rosie Gaines. His live versions were typically more bombastic and soulful, reclaiming the song as a power ballad rather than the stark, minimalist piece O'Connor created. This tension between the writer and the performer adds another layer of intrigue to the song’s history.

What is the Difference Between Sinéad O'Connor and The Weeknd's Songs?

It is important for listeners searching for these lyrics to distinguish between the 1990 classic and The Weeknd’s track titled "Nothing Compares," released on the deluxe edition of his 2020 album After Hours.

  • Sinéad O'Connor/Prince: A ballad about the irreplaceable nature of a lost love, characterized by the line "Nothing compares to you." It focuses on the passage of time and the failure of distractions.
  • The Weeknd: A dark, synth-heavy R&B track that explores the "emptiness we both share." While it deals with similar themes of addiction and filling a void, the lyrical structure and melody are entirely different. The Weeknd’s version is a modern take on toxic dynamics and the inability to change, whereas the Prince-penned song is a pure expression of yearning.

The Iconic Music Video and Its Influence

No discussion of the "Nothing Compares 2 U" lyrics is complete without mentioning the music video directed by John Maybury. The video consists almost entirely of a close-up shot of Sinéad O'Connor’s face.

This visual choice was revolutionary at the time. In an era of high-budget, flashy MTV videos, O'Connor’s raw emotion—captured in a single take—forced viewers to confront the lyrics directly. The moment she cries was not scripted; it was a genuine reaction to the words she was singing. This authenticity bridged the gap between the written lyric and the listener's heart, cementing the song's place in the cultural canon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the meaning behind the lyrics of Nothing Compares 2 U?

The lyrics describe the overwhelming grief and emptiness felt after a significant person leaves the narrator's life. While it is often interpreted as a breakup song, the mention of "Mama" and the specific circumstances of its performers suggest it also covers themes of parental loss and the general inability to move on from a profound connection.

Did Prince write Nothing Compares 2 U for Sinéad O'Connor?

No. Prince wrote the song in 1984 for his own band, The Family. Sinéad O'Connor covered it five years later at the suggestion of her manager, Fachtna O'Ceallaigh.

Why did Sinéad O'Connor cry in the music video?

O'Connor stated that she cried because the lyrics about "all the flowers that you planted mama" reminded her of her own mother, who had passed away years earlier. The tears were real and unscripted.

What is the significance of "seven hours and fifteen days"?

This specific time frame highlights the obsessive nature of the narrator's grief. Instead of generalities like "a few weeks," the narrator is tracking the exact duration of their loneliness, showing that every hour without the loved one is felt acutely.

How many versions of Nothing Compares 2 U are there?

There are three main versions: the original 1985 version by The Family, Sinéad O'Connor’s 1990 global hit, and Prince’s own version (recorded in 1984 but released posthumously). Other notable covers include versions by Chris Cornell, Aretha Franklin, and Stereophonics.

Summary of the Song's Legacy

"Nothing Compares 2 U" is more than just a successful cover song; it is a rare instance where a performer’s interpretation perfectly aligns with a writer’s brilliance to create something transcendent. The lyrics, though simple, tap into a universal human experience: the realization that some people are truly irreplaceable. Whether it is the precision of the time-keeping in the first verse or the raw vulnerability of the bridge, the song continues to resonate with new generations of listeners. It remains a definitive statement on the weight of absence and the enduring power of a broken heart.