Venting about his decision to drop the record his own way, he took to Twitter on March 1, 2011:
"i. did. this. not ISLAND DEF JAM. that's why you see no label logo on the artwork that I DID. guess its my fault for trusting my dumbass lawyer and signing my career over to a failing company. fuck Def Jam & any company that goes the length of signing a kid with dreams & talent w/ no intention of following through. fuck em. now back to my day. i want some oatmeal and toast. brunch swag."
As a member of the Odd Future (OFWGKTA) collective, his sound is distinctively soulful/r&b influenced, yet done in a way that could pass for something totally different. As Tyler, the Creator states, “It’s Smooth Ass Music About Bitches, Relationships And Being A Rich Young Nigga…But In A Swagged Out Way.”
Ocean was evacuated from the University of New Orleans to Los Angeles, California just as Hurricane Katrina hit in August 2005, and stayed in Los Angeles to pursue a music career. Ocean joined Los Angeles based collective OFWGKTA, who he met through mutual friends, at the end of 2009. In the end of 2009, he met Tricky Stewart, who helped Ocean sign a contract with Def Jam Recordings as an artist, however, he was initially unable to build a relationship with the company. In 2010, he changed his name from Christopher "Lonny" Breaux to Christopher Francis Ocean via a legal website. In an April 2011 interview, Ocean intimated that his relationship with Def Jam has strengthened since the release of his mixtape. On April 28, 2011, Ocean was arrested on unspecified charges by the LAPD, and was released on the morning after on April 29, 2011. Ocean joined his OFWGKTA bandmates for the first time on tour from May 12 to May 19, 2011. On May 31, 2011, Def Jam released the single Novacane on iTunes soon followed by Swim Good Taken from his mixtape Nostalgia, ULTRA. His first 'proper' album, Channel Orange was released on July 17, 2012.
In 2016, He released the visual album Endless alongside his second studio album Blonde, following several years of delays. Blonde debuted at number one in the United States and United Kingdom.
In 2017, Ocean released several singles, including Chanel and Lens, through his Blonded Radio show, and made several appearances on other songs by artists like Calvin Harris, A$AP Mob, and Tyler, the Creator.
Dear April
Frank Ocean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The only face in the crowd that I knew
Dear April
Are you watchin' him?
Are you watchin' him dance?
Dear April
We were safe for a while
We were safe as the years flew by
If you could take two strangers
Leanin' them left and right
At a certain place and time
Like you took these strangers
And our two strange lives
And made us new
And took us through
And woke us up
I believe that no matter
What it makes us new
Take us through it
And wake us up again
What we had won't be the same (same) now (now)
But you will make something new
And it'll take you through this
You can take two strangers
Leaning left and right
At a certain place and time
Like you took these strangers
And our two strange lives
And made us new
And took us through
And woke us up
I believe no matter what
Take us through it
And wake us up again
And what we had can't be the same now (now)
But you will make something
It'll take you through
It'll wake you up again
Just like you made me new (you made me new)
Just like you took me through (took me through)
Just like you woke me up (woke me up, yeah)
You made me new
You took me through
You woke me up (woke me up)
Dear April, are you watchin' him dance?
Dear April, are you watchin' him dance?
The lyrics to Frank Ocean's song Dear April are emotionally charged and veiled in ambiguity. It is unclear who April refers to in the context of the song, but it could be interpreted as a lost love or a dear friend who has passed away. The song appears to be a reflection on the past, present and future, exploring the possibility of new beginnings and the inevitability of change.
The opening lines of the song "Dear April, the only face in the crowd that I knew" suggests a sense of longing and nostalgia for a connection that was once present but has since been lost. It is unclear whether the reference to "watching him dance" is a literal or metaphorical reference, but it adds an additional layer of complexity to the song. The chorus suggests that no matter what trials and tribulations we may face in life, we have the ability to emerge stronger and changed for the better. The repetition of the phrase "you made me new, took me through, woke me up" emphasizes the transformative power of experience and how it can shape and mold us into someone different.
Overall, Dear April is a hauntingly beautiful song that captures the fleeting nature of time and how connections can be lost, but the memories and the lessons we learn along the way endure. Frank Ocean's powerful lyrics and dreamy melodies make this song a standout track in his discography.
Line by Line Meaning
Dear April
Addressing the month April and what it signifies.
The only face in the crowd that I knew
Finding comfort in recognizing a familiar face in a crowd of strangers.
Are you watchin' him?
Asking if April is observing him, possibly referring to a past lover or acquaintance.
We were safe for a while
Feeling secure and protected for a prolonged period of time.
We were safe as the years flew by
Despite the passage of time, feeling safe and content with one's circumstances.
If you could take two strangers
Hypothetically considering the transformative power of chance encounters between strangers.
Leanin' them left and right
Placing the strangers on either side of oneself.
At a certain place and time
Emphasizing the significance of the particular moment and location where the meeting occurs.
Like you took these strangers
Drawing a parallel between the hypothetical situation and the singer's own experiences.
And our two strange lives
Acknowledging that both parties involved lead unique and distinct lives.
And made us new
Suggesting that the chance encounter fundamentally altered their perspectives and identities.
And took us through
Imagining a journey or process of transformation that the encounter facilitated.
And woke us up
Imparting a sense of awakening or enlightenment.
I believe that no matter
Expressing the singer's faith in the transformative power of chance encounters.
What it makes us new
Reiterating the notion that the encounter fundamentally changes those involved.
Take us through it
Encouraging the listener to embrace their own transformative experiences, rather than resist or avoid them.
And wake us up again
Reaffirming the sense of awakening or enlightenment that such experiences can inspire.
What we had won't be the same (same) now (now)
Acknowledging that past experiences cannot be replicated or duplicated in the present moment.
But you will make something new
Suggesting that the transformative power of chance encounters can yield something novel and valuable.
And it'll take you through this
Implying that the listener can find strength and resilience in the face of difficult situations.
Just like you made me new
Reflecting on the personal growth and transformation that the singer has experienced.
Just like you took me through
Acknowledging the journey of self-discovery and realization that has taken place.
Just like you woke me up (woke me up, yeah)
Reiterating the theme of awakening and enlightenment that runs throughout the song.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Christopher Breaux, Daniel Mckay
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Introductory line, no real meaning behind it.
Every day is unpredictable, and we have no control over it.
No matter how hard we try, the future is always uncertain and out of our control.
The environment is always changing, and we can only adapt to the changes.
No matter the circumstances, life will always be what it is.
Our experiences in life shape us and influence how we react to certain situations.
Stay alert, be aware of your surroundings, and face your adversity head-on.
Life can be slow and monotonous, but it's important to keep moving forward.
Sometimes we wish things were different, but we have to work with what we have.
Change is constant and inevitable, and we must adapt accordingly.
We are confined to our natural surroundings and must find ways to thrive within them.
I will be there for you and remain reliable through thick and thin.
Stay calm and composed when things are going well.
I will not abandon you when things fall apart.
I learned how to remain dependable and support others from your example.
My upbringing and past taught me how to love and connect with others.
There is a power or higher force that we cannot control but can find solace in.
I have respect and admiration for the person who has influenced me so deeply.
Things will become easier once we've overcome certain obstacles.
In the aftermath of a disaster or tragedy.
Referring to the black community and the beauty of darker skin tones.
Going underwater.
Represents makeshift arrangements that still offer a sense of stability.
Taking risks and enjoying life, despite the danger.
The inspiration and influence of those older and more experienced than us.
An allusion to reincarnation, a second chance starting over.
Coming back to the surface after experiencing hardship.
Showing gratitude for the world that has allowed us to survive and thrive.
Being thankful for everything that we have and acknowledging our place in the universe.
Our environment and experiences offer an opportunity to learn and grow in order to survive.
We must persevere even when things get tough.
Reflecting on our lives and past experiences.
Referring to the end of childhood and the beginning of adulthood.
Giving a shout-out to friends or individuals who have impacted their life.
Acknowledging people they love or admire.
Showing appreciation for the promise of eternal life or a legacy that will live on after death.
Preparing to take action, possibly to run or escape.
Trying to escape the pain and hardship of life through various vices or addictions.
Engaging in reckless behavior or coping through unhealthy means.
Looking for comfort or pleasure in the face of adversity.
Jokingly considering the benefits of eternal life or a lasting legacy.
Accepting that life, with all its joys and hardships, is finite and will eventually end.