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Prince Does Rare TV Interview, Talks Obama, Chemtrails On PBS

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April 28, 2009 5:39 PM ET

Prince made a rare television appearance yesterday, sitting down with Tavis Smiley for his PBS talk show to discuss misinterpreted lyrics, why he doesn't vote and other insights that could only come from the mind of the man who brought you Purple Rain. As Jezebel points out, one of the strangest moments in the interview comes when Prince is talking about "Dreamer," an ode to comedian Dick Gregory that features on LOtUSFLOW3R, and brings up "chemtrails," the conspiracy theory that argues jets drop chemicals through their smoky exhaust.

Other Prince pearls of wisdom: "When I found out that there was eight Presidents before George Washington, I wanted to smack somebody." On the historic election of President Barack Obama, Prince said, "I don't vote and I got nothing to do with it. I have no dog in that race." Prince went on to explain that he doesn't vote because he is a Jehovah's Witness, and that "prophecy is what we all have to go by now."

Prince also related some personal, intimate stuff, including his childhood bout with epilepsy that made him an outcast. "I tried to compensate for that by being as noisy as I could and be as flashy as I could," he said. Prince also shared his two favorite misinterpreted lyrics: "Dig if you will a picture/Of me, Marvin Gaye and the kids" for "When Doves Cry" and a woman who heard "Pay the rent collect" instead of "Little Red Corvette." Part two of Prince's interview with Tavis Smiley will air tonight on PBS, so if you can peel yourself away from Deadliest Catch and American Idol, we recommend you tune in.

Related Stories:

• Prince Pulls Out Three Different Sets for L.A. Triple-Gig Marathon
• Prince Launches "Lotusflow3r" Website With New Albums, Riddle
• Prince Breaks Out Beatles, Rolling Stones at Oscar Party

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