✦ Let’s Pretend We’re Married – Single US: Nov. 1983
- Escape
- Nov 23, 1983
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 11
A synth‑funk seduction paired with one of Prince’s fiercest B‑sides of the early ’80s
✦ Summary
Let’s Pretend We’re Married was released in the United States on November 23, 1983 as a 7-inch single on Warner Bros. Records (9‑29548‑7 / 7‑29548). Drawn from 1999, the A‑side delivered Prince’s most playful, hyper‑charged synth‑funk plea, while the B‑side Irresistible Bitch — recorded with Wendy & Lisa — became one of the most celebrated non‑album tracks of the era. Issued both with and without a picture sleeve, the single peaked at No. 52 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained on the chart for ten weeks. Multiple US pressings exist, including Jacksonville, Specialty (SRC), and Winchester variants, along with several promotional mono/stereo editions. International releases in Canada, Ireland, and Japan added further label, sleeve, and runout distinctions, making this one of the most collectible singles of the 1999 era.
✦ Highlights
• Released November 23, 1983 in the US
• A‑side from 1999 (1982)
• B‑side: Irresistible Bitch — non‑album track
• Peaked at No. 52 on the Billboard Hot 100 (10 weeks)
• Issued with and without picture sleeve
• Multiple US pressings: Jacksonville, SRC, Winchester, Allied promos
• International variants in Canada, Ireland, and Japan
✦ Track Details
7-inch Vinyl – US (9‑29548‑7 / 7‑29548)
A: Let’s Pretend We’re Married — 3:40
B: Irresistible Bitch — 4:11
Backing vocals: Wendy & Lisa
Published by Controversy Music
Pressed by Capitol Records Pressing Plant, Jacksonville
Labels: 7‑29548
Picture sleeve: 9‑29548‑7
Side A label note: From the Warner Bros. two‑record 1999 (1‑23720)
✦ US Variants
Commercial – Jacksonville Pressing
• Paper labels, large centre, picture sleeve
Commercial – SRC Pressing
• SRC logo in runouts, issued with picture sleeve
Commercial – Winchester Pressing
• No picture sleeve
Promotional – Allied Pressing
• Mono/Stereo edits (3:40)
• Styrene, “PROMOTION NOT FOR SALE”
• Some copies issued with picture sleeve
Promotional – SRC Pressing
• Mono/Stereo edits, SRC runouts
Promotional – Allied (alt. logo variant)
• Smaller WB logo than other promo editions
✦ Country Variations
Canada – Warner Bros. 92 95487
• Promo and commercial editions
• Paper labels, company sleeve
• Same tracklist as US
• Manufactured/Distributed by WEA Music of Canada
Ireland – Warner Bros. W 9613 / 929613‑7
• A: Let’s Pretend We’re Married (Edit)
• B: All The Critics Love U In New York
• Pressed by Carlton Productions
• “The Robot” etched in runouts
Japan – Warner Bros. P‑1836 (Feb. 22, 1984)
• Series: Dance Contemporary
• Cream paper labels, insert + picture sleeve
• Promo and commercial editions
• Japanese titles for both tracks
✦ Production and Context
Written, arranged, composed, produced, and performed by Prince.
A‑side: Synth‑funk seduction from 1999, driven by drum machines, stacked vocals, and Minneapolis minimalism.
B‑side: Irresistible Bitch — a darker, funkier outtake featuring Wendy & Lisa, later re‑recorded for The Hits/The B‑Sides.
Promoted via MTV rotation and US radio.
✦ Chart Performance
United States: No. 52 — Billboard Hot 100
Debut: Dec. 17, 1983
Peak: Jan. 28, 1984
Weeks on chart: 10
✦ Discography
1999 Era Singles:
1999 — Single: 1982
Little Red Corvette — Single: 1983
Delirious — Single: 1983
Let’s Pretend We’re Married — US Single: Nov. 1983
✦ Prince Era Mini‑Timeline
Oct. 1982 — 1999 released
1983 — Three singles chart from the album
Nov. 23, 1983 — Let’s Pretend We’re Married released
1984 — Purple Rain era begins
✦ Glam Flashback
Let’s Pretend We’re Married captures Prince at his most mischievous — a breathless, synth‑driven sprint that pushed the boundaries of early ’80s pop. Paired with the snarling Irresistible Bitch, the single showcased both sides of his Minneapolis genius: playful seduction and razor‑sharp funk minimalism. Its multiple pressings and international variants make it a treasure for collectors and a key chapter in the evolution from 1999 to Purple Rain.
✦ Image & Artwork Copyright Notice
All images, photographs, and artwork referenced or displayed in this post remain the property of their respective copyright holders. They are included strictly for historical, educational, and archival purposes under fair‑use principles. No ownership is claimed, and all rights belong to the original creators, photographers, designers, and publishers.
✦ Sources
Prince Vault, Discogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia, Billboard Chart History, Official Charts Company, YouTube
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