Party Like It's 1999: A Surprising Lesson in Living from Prince

I was 19, and Y2K was on the horizon.

Headlines warned of digital apocalypse, but I was too busy living to care. Ignorance is bliss.

Back then, "1999" was just another Prince banger in my playlist. I didn't know that he wrote it in 1982 after watching a Nostradamus documentary predicting the world would end in 1999—one night, one documentary, one song that would become a three-decade anthem.

And, I’ll be honest, it took a pandemic for the wisdom to hit.

Remember those early Covid days? When "see you later" stopped being casual goodbyes and became “see you later?”— a massive question mark at the end—and a hope that we could see each other.

Family meetups, friend catchups, and real-life coffee sessions became memories and not habits.

That's when I understood what Prince was saying.

Party when you can. Because one day, you can’t.

Here's what’s fascinating: every generation has its own "1999." That moment when the future feels precarious and forces us to question everything:

• Wars

• Y2K

• Covid

• Everything happening in the world right now (fine, I’m being dramatic)

But look closer, and you'll see something remarkable: these moments of collective uncertainty often lead to our clearest thinking.

Want proof? Watch what happens in crisis:

• We stop postponing joy

• We reach out to old friends

• We take those risks we've been avoiding

• We choose authenticity over appearance

Use this framework to rejig your priorities and align yourself to the things that matter.

The Last Day Test is an absolute forcing function. And the answers are almost always the same:

• Friends

• Family

• That one conversation you've been putting off

• The person you need to forgive

• The risk you need to take

But the test gets interesting here: It's not about dropping everything and going full YOLO. It's about percentages.

If family and friends are your Last Day priority, what percentage of your current life reflects that? If meaningful conversations matter most, why are they getting your leftover time?

Prince understood this in 1982; we recognized it during Y2K and once more in 2020. This song, which made it to the U.S. Top 40 across three decades, illustrates a timeless truth that transcends its catchy rhythms.

Wisdom isn't about preparing for endings. It's in living before they come.

Not in a reckless way.

Not in a panicked way.

But in an alive way.

Your emails can wait. Friends, family, and dinner together can’t.

Party like it's 1999. Not because the world is ending.

But because you're here right now.

How Prince Lived the "Party Like It's 1999" Philosophy

Prince didn't just write about living fully - he embodied this ethos in every aspect of his life and work. Here are a few concrete examples:

1. Fearless Creativity: Prince was known for his prolific output and constant experimentation. He released 39 studio albums over his career, spanning genres from funk to rock to R&B. He wrote, produced, and played most of the instruments on his recordings. This tireless creativity reflected his commitment to maximizing his talents and passions.

2. Electric Performances: Prince's live shows were legendary for their energy, spontaneity, and marathon length. He often played without a set list for hours, feeding off the crowd's energy and following his improvisational instincts. These performances celebrated the present moment and were a testament to the Prince's joy in sharing his gifts.

3. Fan Connection: Prince deeply appreciated his fans and often went out of his way to connect with them. He invited fans to after-show dance parties at his Paisley Park studio, where he would DJ and mingle until dawn. His generosity of spirit and desire to create community reflected his belief in celebrating life together.

4. Philanthropy: Throughout his career, Prince quietly donated millions to charitable causes, including education, environmental protection, and racial justice. He used his platform and resources to make a positive impact, demonstrating his values in action. This commitment to giving back was another way Prince lived his truth and made the most of his time on Earth.

These examples show how Prince aligned his day-to-day choices with his core philosophy. He wasn’t excessive; he was intentional, purposeful.

We can’t all be Prince, but we can all create boldly and make every moment count.

So, as you reflect on your Last Day priorities, consider how you can bring more of that energy into your everyday experience. Channel your inner Prince and ask yourself:

• What creative risks can I take today?

• How can I be more present and generous with others?

• What small act of kindness can I perform?

• How can I use my unique gifts to make a difference?

Create your reason to celebrate - not because the world is ending, but because you're making the most of the time you have.

And that's the kind of party that never has to end.