I Would Die 4 U Maxi-Single US: 1984

A Purple Rain Extended Christmas Miracle

Released as a 12-inch maxi-single in the US on December 19, 1984, on Warner Bros. Records (catalogue: 9 20291-0 A / 0-20291), Prince And The Revolution’s “I Would Die 4 U (Extended Version)” — backed with the Christmas classic “Another Lonely Christmas” — was the fifth single from Purple Rain. The A-side stretched to 10:00, B-side 6:47. Peaked at No. 8 on Billboard Hot 100, No. 11 Hot Black Singles. Issued with oversized 5.9" labels, some with gold promo stamp. A festive Revolution peak.

Single Overview

Release Details

Label: Warner Bros. Records.

Formats: Vinyl 12" 45 RPM Maxi-Single, Vinyl 12" 33 ⅓ RPM Promo.

Full Track Listing

12" Maxi-Single (9 20291-0 A)

Side A

I Would Die 4 U (Extended Version) (10:00)

Side B

Another Lonely Christmas (6:47)

12" Promo (PRO-A-2233)

Side A/B

I Would Die 4 U (2:57) – Same track both sides

Reissues & Global Variants

1- EU US Remix

2- 2017 RSD reproduction of the original US large center

Production and Context

Produced/Arranged/Composed/Performed by Prince And The Revolution. From Purple Rain soundtrack (1984). “Another Lonely Christmas” — a non-album Christmas B-side.

Chart Performance

- USA (Billboard Hot 100): 8 (15 weeks) – entry December 15, 1984

- USA (Hot Black Singles): 11 (11 weeks)

- USA (Hot Dance/Disco): 50 (6 weeks)

Legacy and Collectibility

“I Would Die 4 U” extended maxi is Prince’s Christmas Revolution classic — 10-minute dance mix + “Another Lonely Christmas.” Original US 12" with oversized labels fetch £20–£60 on eBay/Discogs, promo £40–£100. Verify catalogue 9 20291-0 A.

Do you have I Would Die 4 U maxi in your vinyl stack? Would you die 4 it? Share in the comments!

Sources

Information is drawn from personal knowledge and supplemented by web sources, including Prince Vault, Discogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts Company, Billboard Chart History and YouTube

Whilst every effort is made to provide accurate information, mistakes do happen. Simply leave a comment and the post will be updated. Thank you.

MORE RELEASE VARIANT BELOW

7"

A. I Would Die 4 U (Single Version) (2:57)

B. Another Lonely Christmas (4:51)

UK/EI: W9121

December 1, 1984 New Musical Express

UK music newspaper full page advert

A. I Would Die 4 U (Single Version) (2:57)

B1. Another Lonely Christmas (4:51)

B2. Free (5:00)

Cat #: UK: W9121T

7"

A. I Would Die 4 U (Single Version) (2:57)

B. Another Lonely Christmas (4:51)

Cat #: US: 7-29121

7"

A. I Would Die 4 U (Single Version) (2:57)

B. Another Lonely Christmas (4:51)

Cat #: JP: P-1929

12"

A. I Would Die 4 U (Extended Version) (10:15)

B. Another Lonely Christmas (Extended Version) (6:47)

Cat #: US: 9 20291-0

12"

A. I Would Die 4 U (Extended Version) (10:15)

B. Another Lonely Christmas (Extended Version) (6:47)

UK: W9121TE