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This second half of the track serves as a hungover reflective state. He comes to a realization of what happened and what he did. He will repeat, “wanna see nirvana, but don’t want to die yet” the chaos and search for peace (Frank Ocean). Repeating the first time, his “everyday shit” living day to day.
Solo (Reprise):
André 3000, considered one of the greatest artists of our generation, contributes to the creation of this track. This interesting, fast-paced song falls on a piano beat. In an interview with André 3000, he mentions that he wrote his verse on a different beat than what the final result was. Although this aggressive-sounding beat does not quite fit in with the mellow piano in the rest of the song, it fits in its own unique way. This upbeat song touches on topics of gangs, police brutality, and social insecurity. In Solo (Reprise): “When I hear that another kid is shot by the popo it ain’t an event”, Andre shows a sense of concern for how normalized these kids’ suffering from police brutality has become (Frank Ocean). He states how it is a tragedy that this does not even become newsworthy. He talks about these high fashion superficial brands. He will, “cut the pony off, now there’s a hole that once was a logo” in protest of these brands (Frank Ocean). These superficial brands continue the balance of the fake versus the real. As this short song comes to a close, the stress that Andre puts on this conflict between being genuine and ingenuity seeps into his own morals and regrets. After this point in his life, he was, “Naive” being, “under the impression that everyone wrote they own verses”, which talks about the idea of the trust he once had in others. (Frank Ocean). He falsely assumed that everyone was similar to him, and kept the same moral compass. The track ends with a question: “was I working just way too hard?” (Frank Ocean). He is asking this question wondering whether his method was correct or not. If all these other people cheated to get to the same place he is, why would working this hard his own way be any better? Is this beneficial for him? Was this insecurity about why he worked so hard for nothing?
Pretty Sweet:
The song kicks off with a blurred, scratchy, screaming that you can’t help but turn up to the loudest volume. “To the edge I’ll race/ to the end I’ll make it/ All the risk, I’ll take it” (Frank Ocean). Full of confidence, he is living his life on the edge with hopes of fulfilment through experience. He touches on this confidence by deflecting his former partner's words: “Said you wanna hurt me now/ You can’t end me now” (Frank Ocean). He tries to live his fullest with this confidence, which in this circumstance is taking a drink and a headbang with his closest friends. Nearing the close of the first verse, he references the afterlife through repeating the line “on this side” (Frank Ocean). Does he believe this is Nirvana living with his closest allies? “Mother of us be kind” can take on multiple meanings (Frank Ocean). In the album, his mom spews words of advice, most notably in Be Yourself. By asking for help, Frank shows a sense of appreciation for his mother. Another interpretation of this line could be in reference to “mother” being “Mother nature” instead of Frank’s mother. Previously, in Skyline To he expresses solace in being outside through long drives in the mountains. Later, Seigfried further expresses how he’d rather live outside, for “outside’ is where he finds peace. The calming nature gives him a break from the weight carried upon his shoulders everyday. This interpretation of the lyrics assume that the second voice is his former partner, which also hints at his subconscious being the place where deep suicidal thoughts lie. Ocean progresses both themes of struggling with suicide and the deeper insecurity he experiences between real and fake. Throughout the song, he is arguing with himself about how it feels to be on the “other side” and beating his suicidal thoughts. Though they may be small, they are still surfacing. This theme is constant throughout the album. He hasn’t shown clear, well- thought out plans for suicide but has small moments where he worries he could change his mind. This reflects on the other theme of ingenuity versus genuineness for he confidently screams his lyrics despite his clear underlying worries. The words: “Might be what I need” are opposed to “what I need”, or simply “this is good for me” (Frank Ocean). As the song comes to a close, we hear a children's choir chorus sing: “We know you’re sugar/We know you’re sweet like a sucka” with sugar acting as the real, which is often confused with salt (Frank Ocean). They tell Ocean that he is the sweet one, the real one.
Facebook Story:
This track is an interlude that tells the story of a different man and his girlfriend breaking up over Facebook. Neither of them are necessarily right or wrong. His girlfriend wanted him to accept her on Facebook, and when he didn’t she assumed that he was cheating. She would end it because of this. On his side of the story, he believes that this was irrelevant, telling her “I’m in front of you, I don’t need to accept you on Facebook” believing that a virtual connection was irrelevant because of how much time they spent together in person (Frank Ocean). The reliance on social media today is something that plagues many relationships. It is easy to take a side on who appears to be in the right, but can you really blame either of them? He could have accepted her on Facebook to ease her mind. But on the other hand, she could have easily trusted him and taken his words for what they were. This jealousy birthed out of unrealistic thoughts and worries destroys a 3-year relationship. Ocean included this to highlight the worry and insecurities felt within his own relationships.
Close To You:
This is a short song, highlighting that after the breakup he claims to not be “devastated” yet still wishes for the support of his partner (Frank Ocean). He is dreaming of what could have made the relationship easier, while accepting what really happened. “We’re getting older” and “[they] don’t have much longer” directly relates to the end of childhood (Frank Ocean). This yearning to be a child again forces him to want to capture the joy of what youth he still has left. Begging for this person to show mercy, but she doesn’t believe in the relationship hence “why am I preaching?/ … to this atheist” (Frank Ocean). All of the memories and tokens surround him keeping him close to his partner. We see his revelations here, even if he wants the relationship with all of the aspects pushing him to want this relationship. This song he begins to realize it’s not what they want, it’s not what is for the best.
White Ferrari:
The next four songs are some of the most emotionally and lyrically deep of the entire album. Kicking it off with White Ferrari, the idea of life and relationships is expressed through an analogy of taking a long drive. Trying to differentiate between a real situation and a dream drags the two apart. On this drive, he has “dilated eyes” which poses a double entendre (Frank Ocean). One side being how inebriated he is, while the other is how someone's eyes dilate while looking at a person they love. “Watch the clouds float” is how he relays the drive as he heads through the mountains, playing a role to show that his dreams are in the clouds, where he wants to be (Frank Ocean). A line that resonates with many who have suffered through rough teenage years: “Sweet 16, how was I supposed to know anything?” Which is translated through background vocals (Frank Ocean). This excerpt represents how young and ignorant he was. It makes one think that if he had more experience, he would have dealt with it better. How could someone take advantage of such a young and innocent person? This can relate to in Nikes “I may be younger but I'll look after you” showing an age difference where the more mature person shows potential to hurt the younger, more innocent Ocean. (Frank Ocean). Contrasting this section to the one in Nikes, is intriguing because before he was fully willing to pursue this partner, but is regretful of that decision. This regret is shown through anxiety and angst toward this other person. This conveys how Ocean has grown and gained the ability to recognize where things have gone wrong, making it easier to accept the pain. “I let you out at central” is a metaphor for Ocean letting his partner off the ride of the relationship they have gone on(Frank Ocean). “I didn’t care to state the plain” can be interpreted as not caring to express the pain and the struggle he was working through (Frank Ocean). Looking at the next two lines, “Kept my mouth closed/We’re both so familiar” tells another story (Frank Ocean). Ocean wants to express love and appreciation towards his partner, though he keeps his mouth shut because he felt the love and appreciation shown is obvious. He believes this due to how close they have become. Expanding off of the beginning of Solo, “Forgot to tell you, gotta tell you how much I vibe with you” expresses the importance of telling the people around you that they are appreciated (Frank Ocean). Often we get caught up in the moment, and are led to believe that our loved ones know we love them without having clearly expressed it. It expands much further, and hearing that reassurance is helpful in relationships, both platonic and romantic. It cements a solid ground for each friendship to be built upon. In an attempt to reason with this person, he tries to claim that they “were fine here” chalking it up to just being a “slow body”, even though the two are clearly drifting apart, Ocean holds out hope for them to make it. Ocean states, “You left when I forgot to speak” stressing the importance of communication and appreciation in a well-functioning relationship (Frank Ocean). This expands on what he established in the last verse, however this time he will: “I text to speech, [at] lesser speeds” (Frank Ocean). In the context of this metaphor, during this long drive he is taking, he slows down and adjusts himself to use Siri to text his feelings and emotions. Slowing down for this person lays groundwork that shows the tension between the two in the following verses and the next songs. He prefers the faster life or the “texas speeds” saying that the “basic takes its toll” on him (Frank Ocean). Desiring a more exciting life is a probable reason why the two end up drifting apart. Ocean's core belief is to stand by what he believes in; stating “I care for you still and I will forever” because that was his “part of the deal” (Frank Ocean). Again, they “got so familiar” and Ocean reflects on the time they spent together (Frank Ocean). Holding on to the memories even with the person gone, allows him to love the person without being in love. To care for the person without caring for them. Though he seems to have suffered a great deal of pain through the relationship, he will not confess to regretting it, as he says: “Good times/ in this life” (Frank Ocean). The next verse is powerful, “One too many years/Some tattooed eyelids on a facelift” (Frank Ocean). One can assign multiple meanings to this line, the “one too many years” as the length of the relationship, feeling that it had gone farther than it should have. The age gap between him and his partner is what the line “old enough to get these tattoos, and the facelift” could be referring to. Looking further, it shows how some will get a facelift, attempting to reverse the effects of aging. Ocean argues that this is irrelevant because he believes aging changes your mind and your thoughts reflected in the idea of “Mind over matter” (Frank Ocean). The memories and experiences behind his thoughts and “eyelids” are permanent, while aging physically is inevitable. In Ocean’s words, “It’ll be over in no time/ And that’s life” (Frank Ocean). This refers to death and how this present hurt will eventually wash away. In “Mind over matter is magic, I do magic” it brings back the recurring theme of how the sex never mattered, but rather, the connection between their souls and minds. The physical connection made no difference. Ocean often carries this theme of prioritizing emotions over physical attraction, such as in Pink Matter off his Channel Orange album, in a drawn-out scream, he states Pleasure over matter. The thoughts, emotions, and passions of it all are what made it enjoyable, since pleasure lies in the mind. Humans’ perceptions will directly change the world around them. Kanye West has a little-known feature after this verse saying “Love” though it gets washed out by the beat (Frank Ocean). This final verse shows how they grow apart and their dreams start to differ. Ocean’s consciousness and hopes are shown by believing that they are “Taller in another dimension” suggesting that they could be something more in another life (Frank Ocean). As previously stated, he hopes to be away, live outside, and experience his dreams first-hand. Wishing that they could work out, he bargains that they “could vacay, there’s places to go” later saying “we’re doing fine” even though they are not (Frank Ocean). The possibilities open to him, and they are “free to roam” but his partner is “tired of movin’ “ as they will “dream of walls that hold us in prison” referring to the conforming boundaries on the relationship (Frank Ocean). Contrasting this with the idea of Ocean wanting to be “free to roam” shows how they want to settle down. This difference tears them apart even if Ocean hopes that his partner can come along on adventures, it just isn’t what they want. Through some interesting wordplay, he claims his partners dreams are conformed to the skull, not dreaming outside of the box. “It’s just a skull, [at] least that’s what they call it” This can be interpreted as the limited dreams, the conspiracies, and the insecurities all being a creation of the mind and not real (Frank Ocean).
Siegfried:
One of the most prominent examples of Ocean’s desire to “live outside”, Siegfried immerses the listener into a place feeling the same passions and emotions as Ocean to live away from the societal standards often placed upon us. This song is beautiful, as the different sections blend together into an intricate harmony. The more listens I have given this album, the more it has etched its way into my heart. The title Seigfried, relates to the Germanic story, Siegfried. This is a story of a brave prince, who killed a dragon who gave him magical powers. He falls deeply in love with Kriemhild, a beautiful princess, and helps the king defeat the warrior-queen Brunhild, However, Brunhild felt betrayed, seeking revenge that ultimately ended in the murder of Siegfried. This is just one version of Siegfried, although the various versions all follow one similar theme: A prince falling in love, being betrayed, and meeting his demise. In the song Seigfried, Ocean will explore how he doesn’t feel like he belongs, similar to the outlandish prince. Furthering this theme of uncertainty in identity, Frank Ocean’s version is spelled differently than the Germanic story. “Flawed crystals hang from your ears” reinforces the drug induced theme (Frank Ocean). While crystals are often considered valuable, their flaws change them significantly. This will enhance the balance between fake and real that Ocean has created thus far. His insecurities will show how he doesn’t feel like he belongs by stating “I couldn’t gauge your fears/ I can’t relate to my peers” (Frank Ocean). Once again, he’d “rather live outside” for even he thinks of himself as crazy and “a fool” for wanting to do this (Frank Ocean). He is weighing his options, wondering if “move and settle” would work better with the dreams and hopes of his former partner (Frank Ocean). He reasons that he would “rather chip my pride than lose my mind out here” because he prefers to look like a fool rather than go insane (Frank Ocean). He’s scared and “not brave” in stark contrast with the hero Siegfried who was brave (Frank Ocean). Ocean is scared and in a place of insecurity, fully knowing what he wants/needs to do but not possessing the strength to enforce it. He will reference again the endless-summer idea that they are just “Two kids and a swimming pool” (Frank Ocean). Even in adulthood, the conforms of the pool edge surround him, he’s drowning, wishing to be out in the sun to “live outside” He claims to be “living over city” being detached from where he is, the alienation that he protrudes (Frank Ocean). The way he is living in this city is the “Idea from another man’s mind” referring to the literal meaning of staying within the city (Frank Ocean). This “idea” could also be the societal norms Ocean fights through his sexuality, feelings, and insecurities with his success. He isn’t living for himself, but rather for others. He repeats how he feels like he's a fool, expands upon his dreams hoping to “settle for a place with some nice views” the nice views can be a hope and optimism pointed towards the future (Frank Ocean). Claiming to rather live outside than lose his mind, he expands saying he’d “Rather go to jail” going as far as he “tried hell” multiple times (Frank Ocean). With this loss, he feels unsure of where or who he is. Being so lost to ask for help on what he should do. He will wonder if this is how “molly must feel” (Frank Ocean). According to the DEA Molly can promote feelings of “Euphoria, feelings of closeness, empathy, and sexuality.” This feeling close to his partner is intriguing given how lost he is. According to the same website, the crash following molly is an immense depressive state. The highs and lows Ocean has experienced through the album are comparable to Molly. “This is not my life/ It’s just a fond farewell to a friend” how it will be good, Ocean finally shows hope for life outside of his former partner (Frank Ocean). The “fond farewell” can also be referred to his former thought processes. As he grows into adulthood, he says goodbye to a portion of his upbringing and his younger self. The specialness of the love he had being “rare as the feathers on my dash from a phoenix” in “speaking of nirvana” (Frank Ocean). This thought and possibilities being beyond a dream, in this next verse, the Ocean is “dreaming a thought that could dream about a thought” (Frank Ocean). The dream inception shows the creative, and advancement that could be made. The depth of his thoughts and the connections are so deep that they could create another thought. How impossible it was to have. The next verse is what he has done and does, which contrasting with “the everyday shit” explored in Nights (Frank Ocean). Now being “less morose and more present” slowly easing back into reality (Frank Ocean). Ocean reflects on his memories spinning “this flammable paper on the film” and will “dwell on my gifts for a second” (Frank Ocean). Realizing the insignificance and how in “a moment one solar flare would consume” making his life cease to exist (Frank Ocean). No regret in this reflection, the thoughts. Taking these high thoughts “exhale once and think twice” even the marijuana isn’t good enough needing to “eat some shrooms” putting him in a state to “have a good cry, about you” (Frank Ocean). The close of this song stating he’d do “anything for you” but “in the dark” (Frank Ocean). Carrying multiple meanings to being in the dark, one relating to fear. Similar to how in the beginning he exclaimed he wasn't brave, scared to live outside, and follow his dreams. Another being the sex implication of the song, putting sex first, although in comparison with what Ocean has shown in his other lyrics doesn’t make sense from his perspective. The third and most intriguing of which doesn’t necessarily come from Ocean but rather his partner. Speculated to be about Will Cartier, a male model with “speckled face” aligning similarly with the long hair often depicted with the hero Siegfried (Frank Ocean). While never confirmed, it was speculated they dated in late 2012 and early 2013. If this is Cartier's point of view, he is willing to do anything within the confines of the closet, "the dark". Doubling the meaning of Ocean “living in the idea of another man” (Frank Ocean). Exploring his own sexuality, and the difference between his dreams and his partners. Accepting and reflecting on the insignificance of all of it.
Godspeed:
Rounds out his feelings for a former partner, finishing the thoughts started within White Ferrari and the idea to love a person without being in love. The thought of thinking of a former person, without angst and in high regard. Ocean will state how he will “always love you/how I do” and to love realizing he needs to “Let go of a prayer for you” (Frank Ocean). While they may not of worked, he can still hold them in a high regard. The best thing Ocean can do is make sure the “table is prepared” and to give them a “sweet word” (Frank Ocean). Loving them without angst, or hatred. Ocean will wish them Godspeed, and Good luck on their journey through life. Acknowledging the struggles to be made in life with the possibility of “mountains you won’t move” (Frank Ocean). Even through the struggles, he will “always be there for you” commonly taken as Ocean still holding out hope that they could make it(Frank Ocean). Ocean is a person who wears his heart on his sleeve, in listening to the album, we have experienced Ocean yearning for his former partner. This is different than shown previously. Through death or through, “blinding of the eyes/ silence in the ears, darkness of the mind” he will always love them (Frank Ocean). Loving without being in love.
Futura free:
As Godspeed would finish off the feelings he had for the person, Futura free will show his growth as a person. Accepting a "free to roam" life finally making it. Rounding out all the other themes, the drive is over, summers ended, and Adulthood is quickly approaching. It isn’t a sad song, he's finally making it. Talking to his momma he saying that he used to dream to be in the place that as “long as I could fuck three times a day/ and not skip a meal, I’m good” and how he used to “work on his feet for seven dollars a hour” (Frank Ocean). Fast forward to the present, he’s making it calling his mom that he's “makin’ 400, 600, 800K," and living his life (Frank Ocean). Enjoying the creative process, enjoying these songs. We have seen the progress and the struggles in the album Ocean has made it through. “Play these songs, it’s therapy” it has helped him grow so much believing that he “should be payin’” his listeners and fans (Frank Ocean). It’s comforting to know that the album that has helped me and many others with personal struggles helps him. “Fuck these lames, they don’t want none” fuck the people who don’t strive to be anything even himself “fuck me if I hated on you” again realizing the error in his former ways (Frank Ocean). “Tech company, please gimme immortality” is a cool line asking to be remembered through his music (Frank Ocean). Believing that his immense success and creativity has granted him to live forever through the music, the only thing stopping him is the record label or tech company. This correlates with his disputes with his record label, Def Jam Records finessing away 20 million dollars. First signing in 09, disliking his relationship with the record label. Frank demanded 1 million dollars and full creative control, dropping channel Orange. He waits 4 years before he will proceed to create immense hype for a new album. He would release a visual album called endless dubbed “the final move in a seven year chess game” with Def Jam, including returning a 2 million dollar advance to keep his music and releasing members of his team. This would be the last album required in his contract. Meanwhile, Def Jam thought he was creating an album for them, he created the label Boys don’t cry, and released blonde a day later. The head of the universal music group has banned exclusives as a direct result of Frank Ocean. In terms of Immortality, Ocean hasn’t released an album since, with his last single being in 202,0 approaching 5 years. He has etched his way into history, with many wishing on his return. Returning back to the song, he will relate his success to that of 2Pac, “They tryna find 2Pac/ Don’t let ‘em find 2pac” held with the belief that 2pac is living in peace (Frank Ocean). Attributing the peace to his evasion of "the press/ He escape the stress”(Frank Ocean). Believing that 2Pac has found the Nirvana that Ocean continually wonders about. Love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life is a common phrase one might hear. Embodying this sentiment Ocean hasn’t had “a job since 2009” his music is his passion (Frank Ocean). “Murder me like Selena” referencing the Tejano pop star Selena, who was murdered by her manager Yolanda Saldivar (Frank Ocean). Selena found out that Yolanda was stealing money from her merchandise. This reference is to highlight the consequences and dangers that being famous can bring, why it was so keen for Ocean and 2Pac to reach Nirvana and evade the press. Reminiscing back on the good friendships he has kept, even with the loss of the most current friend. “Remember when I had that Lexus” he takes value away from the relationship saying “our friendship don’t go back that far” quickly followed by “Tyler slept on my sofa” (Frank Ocean). This Alludes to the strong friendship he has built with fellow rapper Tyler, The Creator. Ocean is slowly moving past the reliance on drugs he demonstrated throughout the album, now hasn’t “smoked all year” (Frank Ocean). “Ménage on my birthday” but he, “taps out on the first stroke” all this talk of his experiences as of late [A Ménage used in this context means a threesome](Frank Ocean). “N***** want fight in the streets” likely referring to his feud with Chris Brown in 2013, Ocean claimed he was jumped by Brown and a few other guys (Frank Ocean). This fight would also be the reasoning for Ocean wearing a bandage in the album cover for blonde. This is also why his, “hands hurt” (Frank Ocean). Ocean will use metaphors like chess, and track meets to show his distance and more mature outlook on things. “This is chess now” and he, “ain’t runnin’ for a n****” similar to the way he faced and avoided his Def Jam (Frank Ocean). Following this section, he talks about personal experiences that are difficult to pinpoint what he is referring to as it fades away and “tucks til 24'” comes into the limelight, referencing his use of tucks at 24 to get rid of hemorrhoids. In one of the most beautiful parts of the album between 4:45 and 5:15 is complete silence. Leaves you alone with your own thoughts, forcing you to relate your own experiences across. After the silence, multiple interviews are recorded containing multiple perspectives. They talk about “What’s your first memory” and “what’s the most amazing thing you’ve ever witnessed” I would recommend one to answer these questions for yourself (Frank Ocean). What the interviewee will answer is “Friendship and how it controls the world” the connection with others is what is valued above all else (Frank Ocean). This fan promotes the mind over matter ideal, I love these interviews and how it isn’t Frank Ocean. It’s his fans, it’s the everyday people in the streets. We are all people with our memories, experiences, and traumas. Ocean isn’t the only one going through any of this, it is simply just life. The song will end with, “How far is a light year” being 9.4 trillion kilometers long (Frank Ocean). The song is 9.4 minutes long, it will show his vastness in life. We have explored the creative lengths, differing experiences, and projects Ocean has gone through. What life is, the crazy expansiveness of it all. It can be over in a millisecond, how far is a light year? “A second” all of this is over in the blink of an eye and that is what makes it special (Frank Ocean).
Going through the ups and downs of this album, his experiences and life. How difficult it can be growing out of childhood, growing apart from people once so familiar, and collecting your identity and who you are. How often do we take people and life for granted? Eyeing the difference for what's fake and genuine. Loving someone without being in love. Taking advantage of what life has to offer, for Ocean that was making music, launching a luxury designer brand, and is set to make his directorial debut. Live so the last night feels like a past life. How far can one go, what are the possibilities? How far is a light year?
Turtle Modesitt is a junior here at Poudre High. Outside of school, his interests include skiing, rafting, and being outdoors. Post-graduation he plans on traveling the world and taking a gap year before eventually going back to school. Taking a large interest in school his column will dive into the meaning and influence of albums, focusing heavily on the HipHop and RnB genres
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