✦ The Arms Of Orion – Single: Nov. 1989

A celestial duet from Prince’s Batman era, pairing romance with Gotham‑sized drama

✦ Summary

The Arms Of Orion (Edit) was released in the UK on November 6, 1989 as a 7-inch vinyl single on Warner Bros. Records (W 2757), backed with the previously unreleased B‑side I Love U In Me. As the third single from Prince’s Batman soundtrack, the track is a tender R&B ballad performed as a duet with Sheena Easton, blending soft synths, star‑crossed imagery, and Prince’s soaring falsetto.

The single peaked at No. 27 on the UK Singles Chart, remaining for five weeks before re‑entering for an additional two‑week run from December 24–30. Issued across 7-inch, cassette, 3-inch CD, 12-inch vinyl, picture discs, and white‑label promos, it stands as one of the most romantic and collectible releases from Prince’s cinematic 1989 era.

✦ Highlights

• Released November 6, 1989 in the UK on Warner Bros. Records

• Third single from the Batman soundtrack

• Duet with Sheena Easton

• B‑side: I Love U In Me (previously unreleased)

• Peaked at No. 27 on the UK Singles Chart (7 weeks across two runs)

• Multiple UK formats including 7-inch, cassette, 3-inch CD, 12-inch, picture disc, and white‑label promo

• Strong chart performance across Europe, US, and Oceania

✦ Track Details

7-inch Vinyl (W 2757 / 759 922 757‑7)

A: The Arms Of Orion (Edit) — Prince with Sheena Easton

B: I Love U In Me — Prince

Cassette Single (W 2757C / 759 922 757‑4)

A1: The Arms Of Orion

A2: I Love U In Me

B1: The Arms Of Orion

B2: I Love U In Me

3-inch Mini CD (W 2757CDX)

1: The Arms Of Orion (LP Version) — 5:03

2: I Love U In Me — 4:12

3: The Arms Of Orion (Edit) — 3:52

12-inch Vinyl (W 2757T)

A: The Arms Of Orion — 5:03

B1: I Love U In Me — 4:12

B2: The Arms Of Orion (Edit) — 3:52

12-inch Vinyl – P.R. Records (W 2757T)

Same tracklist as above

12-inch Picture Disc – Clear Plastic Sleeve (W 2757TP)

A: The Arms Of Orion — 5:03

B1: I Love U In Me — 4:12

B2: The Arms Of Orion (Edit) — 3:52

12-inch Picture Disc – Clear Rim in Picture Sleeve (W 2757TP)

Same tracklist as above

12-inch White Label Promo (W 2757T)

A: The Arms Of Orion

B1: I Love U In Me

B2: The Arms Of Orion

Label: Warner Bros. Records

Published by Warner Chappell Music Ltd. / Skye Heart Music

Produced, arranged, composed, and performed by Prince

✦ Chart Performance

United Kingdom: No. 27 (7 weeks across two runs)

United States: No. 36 — Billboard Hot 100

Netherlands: No. 13

Belgium (Flanders): No. 33

New Zealand: No. 44

Australia: No. 108

✦ Discography

Batman Era Singles:

Batdance — Single: 1989

Partyman — Single: 1989

The Arms Of Orion — Single: Nov. 1989

Scandalous — Single: 1989

Batman — Album: 1989

✦ Prince Era Mini‑Timeline

June 1989 — Batman soundtrack released

July–Oct 1989 — Batdance and Partyman dominate charts

Nov. 6, 1989 — The Arms Of Orion single released

Dec. 1989 — Single re-enters UK chart for two additional weeks

1990 — Graffiti Bridge era begins

✦ Glam Flashback

The Arms Of Orion is one of the most romantic jewels of Prince’s Batman era — a dreamy, star‑lit duet that softened the album’s darker edges. Its lush synths, Sheena Easton’s velvet harmonies, and the cosmic longing of its lyrics made it a standout moment in Prince’s late‑’80s catalogue. With multiple collectible UK formats, picture discs, and a strong chart run, the single remains a fan‑favourite snapshot of Prince at his cinematic, collaborative best.

✦ Sources

Prince Vault, Discogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia, Official Charts Company, Billboard Chart History, YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lFa75IUfuc

✦ Sources

Prince Vault, Discogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia, Official Charts Company, Billboard Chart History, YouTube