My Computer

“My Computer” is a song written and recorded by the musician Prince. The song appears on the third disc of the Emancipation album, which was released in November 1996. The song features the background vocals of British singer Kate Bush. “My Computer” may be a callback to Bush’s 1989 song “Deeper Understanding.” The theme of both songs is the search for companionship using computer communication. On “My Computer” Prince also expresses feelings of loneliness, isolation, and escapism. For the track, Prince sampled voice actor Elwood Edward’s “You’ve Got Mail” and “Goodbye” messages from internet service provider America Online’s email service. Prince’s interest in computers is explored on other songs, notably “Computer Blue” from the 1984 album Purple Rain, and “Emale” also from the Emancipation album.