Prince (January 23, 1980) Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad? / Bambi – Single 12" Promo US

"Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad?" is the second single from Prince’s self-titled second album Prince. This US 12" promotional sampler features "Bambi" as the B-side.

RELEASE DETAILS

Artist: Prince

Label: Warner Bros. Records

Format: 12" Vinyl Single, Promo

Country: USA

Released: 1980

Genre: Funk, Rock, R&B

A-Side: Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad? (3:49)

B-Side: Bambi (4:22)

Catalogue #: US: PRO-A-848

US Variants (Full Track Listings)

• 12" Promo Single (PRO-A-848)

• A. Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad? (3:49)

• B. Bambi (4:22)

CONTEXT & NOTES

The lyrics explore a relationship with a cruel lover. The song prominently features guitar and bass, with the keyboard in a less prominent role. A highlight is Prince’s soaring guitar solo at the end. It was played live on Prince’s first three tours. On the Dirty Mind tour, extended lyrics were replaced by screaming “bitch!” followed by a blazing guitar solo. This 12" promo was issued as a "Special Radio Sampler" from the album Prince (BSK 3366).

PERSONNEL

• Prince — lead and backing vocals, electric guitars, clavinet, Yamaha CP-70 electric grand piano, Oberheim Four Voice, ARP String Ensemble, bass guitar, drums

• André Cymone — backing vocals

CHARTS (USA) Billboard Hot Soul Singles — Peak: 13

SOURCES

Prince Vault,

Warner Bros.

US 12" Promo label (PRO-A-848),

45cat, Billboard charts,

Benoît Clerc & Guitarcloud.

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