I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man is the fourth track on the second disc of Prince’s ninth album Sign O’ The Times, and seven months after the album’s release, it became the album’s fourth single. A live version was also included in the concert movie Sign O’ The Times. In 1993, the single edit was included as the tenth track on Prince’s first compilation album The Hits 1 (also included as the first disc of The Hits / The B‑Sides). On July 16, 2020, the 1979 Version was

I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man” was released on December 19, 1987 as the fourth and final commercial single from Sign O’ The Times (with “Hot Thing” also issued as a promo‑only single). Arriving seven months after the album, the single received a worldwide release and became one of the era’s most recognisable tracks.

I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man is one of Prince’s sharpest pop‑rock statements — a story‑driven track with a blistering guitar break and a hook that still hits decades later. The UK single’s tight 3:39 fade made it radio‑ready, while Hot Thing added a dancefloor punch. With multiple label variants and a strong chart run, it remains a favourite among collectors and a testament to the creative fire of the Sign O’ The Times era.