✦ Batdance — Single US: Jun.1989

Prince fuses pop, funk, samples and chaos into a chart‑topping Batman anthem

— SUMMARY

“Batdance” was released on June 6, 1989 in the US as the lead single from Prince’s Batman soundtrack, created for Tim Burton’s blockbuster film. The track is a frenetic collage of samples, character voices, guitar riffs, and electronic grooves — a sonic patchwork reflecting the duality of Batman and the Joker.

The B‑side, “200 Balloons,” was previously unreleased and did not appear on the album, though elements of it were repurposed into “Batdance.” The single was issued worldwide two weeks before the soundtrack and quickly became a major commercial success.

“Batdance” became Prince’s fourth US No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100, also topping the Hot Black Singles and Dance Club Play charts. On 11 August 1989, it was certified platinum by the RIAA for shipping one million units in the United States.

— HIGHLIGHTS

• Lead single from the Batman soundtrack

• Released 6 June 1989 (US)

• B‑side “200 Balloons” was previously unreleased

• Prince’s fourth US No. 1 single

• Topped the Billboard Hot 100, Black Singles, and Dance Club Play charts

• Certified platinum by the RIAA on 11 August 1989

• Built from samples, film dialogue, and reworked elements of “200 Balloons”

• One of Prince’s most experimental and unconventional hit singles

— TRACKLISTING

7" Single — US: 7‑22924

A. Batdance (Edit) – 4:06

B. 200 Balloons – 5:05

12" Single — US: 0‑21257

A. Batdance (The Batmix) – 7:15

B1. Batdance (Vicky Vale Mix) – 5:55

B2. 200 Balloons – 5:05

Cassette Single

A. Batdance (Edit) (4:06)

B. 200 Balloons (5:05)

Cat #: US/AU: 4-22924

Cassette Maxi

A. Batdance (The Batmix) (7:15)

B1. Batdance (Vicky Vale Mix) (5:55)

B2. 200 Balloons (5:05)

Cat #: US: 4-21257

A1. Batdance (The Batmix) (7:15)

A2. Batdance (The Batmix Radio Edit) (4:09)

B1. Batdance (Vicky Vale Mix) (5:55)

B2. Batdance (Vicky Vale Mix Radio Edit) (4:13

(US: PRO-A-3702)

— CHART PERFORMANCE

United States

Billboard Hot 100: #1

Billboard Hot Black Singles: #1

Billboard Dance Club Play: #1

Weeks on chart:

Hot 100: 18 weeks

Black Singles: 15 weeks

Dance Club Play: 9 weeks

Certifications:

RIAA Platinum (1 million units shipped) — 11 Aug 1989

— SOURCES

Warner Bros. Records single release documentation

Billboard chart archives

Prince discography references and trade publications