“Annie Christian” by Prince

Prince uses the lyrics of “Annie Christian” to highlight some criminal incidents that took place in the city of Atlanta, Georgia, between 1979 and 1981. During this period over 20 African-American were reported dead while several others were injured. The singer further makes reference to the attempted murder of former President of the United States, Ronald Reagan, and the murder of singer, John Lennon. Other sources have also explained that the Annie Christian character that the singer uses in the song is in reference to the Anti-Christ or Lucifer which according to him “wanted to be number one”.

The song continues by saying that, because Annie wanted to be famous, she killed innocent people which is in line with the biblical prophecy which states that the Anti-Christ will destroy lots of souls that don’t bow to him.

Prince ends by saying that until Annie is crucified, he’s not ready to come out of his hiding place.

Notable Crimes Lyrics Suggest Annie Christian Committed

Below are some of the most notable crimes the lyrics of this song suggest were masterminded by Annie Christian:

The Atlanta Child Murders

It came as a mystery to the people of Atlanta when it was announced that over 28 children have been killed between 1979 and 1981. This created fear in the state and parents had to withdraw their kids from school. In order to find a solution to the problem, authorities in the city imposed some restriction in movements. After series of investigations, the police picked up Wayne Bertram Williams, who was then said to be 23 years old. During their investigation, Williams was stopped while driving and after interrogation he explained that he was on his way to audition a lady since he works as a music promoter. A couple of days later, a dead body was found at the exact area where the police had stopped the car of the suspect. After picking up a number of evidence, the law enforcers concluded that the killer was Williams.

In 1981, the suspect was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. The trial, which began a year later, was presided over by a twelve-member jury made of three men and six women. In February 1982, he was sentenced to two separate life imprisonments. Later development further suggested that the white racist group known as the Klan might have played a role in the killings of these children.

Keisha Lance Bottoms, mayor of Atlanta in 2019, asked for the reopening of the case. The police then announced that they will continue to test evidence in order to discover more truth about the incidence.

The Attempted Assassination of President Ronald Reagan

Ronald Reagan, who served as the President of the United States between 1981 and 1989, was shot in the chest by an American assassin, John Hinckley Jr, in 1981. The incident happened at the forecourt of Washington Hilton Hotel when the then President was about to board his vehicle after a short meeting in the aforementioned hotel.

Hinckley got the opportunity to carry out his action when the President was walking to his car in the presence of a huge crowd. President Regan, unknowingly, walked passed Hinckley who was standing within a touching distance. Before hitting the President, the assassin shot at some members of the presidential team including James Brady, who was the Press Secretary at the White House, and Thomas Delahanty, a police officer.

After his arrest and trial in 1982, Hickley was cleared from all charges with information indicating that he wasn’t in a right state of mind. A psychiatric reports further confirmed that he was insane.

The Murder of John Lennon

English singer, John Lennon, who made a name for himself whiles performing with the music group known as ‘The Beatles’, was shot and killed in December 1980. His assassin was a guy known as Mark David Chapman. The reason behind the killing, according to the killer, was due to some public utterances and lifestyle of the singer. He made mention of Lennon’s comment that his band was “more popular than Jesus” which fueled his anger and led to his action. Reports indicated that, the culprit had planned for the murder for several months.

During the early hours of the day that the incidence took place, Chapman met Lennon where the latter signed a copy of his fifth album, “Double Fantasy”, for the former. The singer then left the scene with his partner, Yoko Ono. After staying out for some hours, the couple returned to their residence at Dakota Apartment where the killer was still seated and waiting. Lennon, who had no idea what Chapman had in mind, headed towards the entrance of his apartment and it was at this time the murderer fired five bullets of which four hit the singer at the back. When police arrived at the scene, they saw Chapman seated and reading a book titled “The Catcher in the Rye”. Though Lennon was rushed to the hospital, he could not survive.

After pleading guilty, the killer was sentenced to 20 years which could rise to life imprisonment.

When did Prince release “Annie Christian”?

Prince released this in October 1981 from his album dubbed “Controversy”.