Written and composed by Prince, also known as Prince Rogers Nelson, “Nothing Compares 2 U” was released on January 8, 1990, by Sinead O’Connor. The song is part of her album I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got.

Fun Facts:

“Nothing Compares 2 U” was originally composed for Prince’s personal side project, titled The Family.
Originally, “Nothing Compares 2 U” was released by Prince in 1985 but received little recognition from fans because it was used as filler for the album. But when Sinead O’Connor released her second album, I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got; the song got the recognition it deserved.
Critics loved O’Connor’s deep emotion, with many noting her sad and soulful voice perfectly matched the lyrics.
Sinead O’Connor credits her ability to channel her emotions with the “bel canto” singing style.
Once it was released, the song quickly scaled the Billboard Music Award to reach first place as the #1 world single in the same year.
“Nothing Compares 2 U” reached the #10 spot in the 2007 VH1 list of the 100 Greatest Songs of the 90s.
Billboard also ranked the song #77 on the Greatest Songs of All Time.
In the music video, Sinead O’Connor has tears rolling down her cheeks. Although the tears weren’t part of the video, she was overcome with emotion thinking about her mom, who died when she was 18, and she let the tears fall.
Three years after 1990, Prince released his version of the song with Rosie Gaines.
Sinead O’Connor went on to produce nine more albums during her career.

It’s been seven hours and 15 days

Since you took your love away

I go out every night and sleep all day

Since you took your love away

Since you been gone, I can do whatever I want

I can see whomever I choose

I can eat my dinner in a fancy restaurant

But nothing

I said nothing can take away these blues

‘Cause nothing compares

Nothing compares to you

It’s been so lonely without you here

Like a bird without a song

Nothing can stop these lonely tears from falling

Tell me baby, where did I go wrong?

I could put my arms around every boy I see

But they’d only remind me of you

I went to the doctor, guess what he told me

Guess what he told me

He said, “Girl you better try to have fun, no matter what you do”

But he’s a fool

‘Cause nothing compares, nothing compares to you

All the flowers that you planted mama

In the backyard

All died when you went away

I know that living with you baby was sometimes hard

But I’m willing to give it another try

Nothing compares

Nothing compares to you

Nothing compares

Nothing compares to you

Nothing compares

Nothing compares to you