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Be Yourself
Frank Ocean Lyrics


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Many college students have gone to college
And gotten hooked on drugs, marijuana, and alcohol
Listen, stop trying to be somebody else
Don't try to be someone else
Be yourself and know that that's good enough
Don't try to be someone else
Don't try to be like someone else
Don't try to act like someone else, be yourself
Be secure with yourself
Rely and trust upon your own decisions
On your own beliefs
You understand the things that I've taught you
Not to drink alcohol, not to use drugs
Don't use that cocaine or marijuana because that stuff is highly addictive
When people become weed-heads they become sluggish, lazy, stupid and unconcerned
Sluggish, lazy, stupid and unconcerned
That's all marijuana does to you, okay? This is mom
Unless you're taking it under doctor's umm control
Then it's regulated. Do not smoke marijuana, do not consume alcohol
Do not get in the car with someone who is inebriated
This is mom, call me, bye

Overall Meaning

The song "Be Yourself" by Frank Ocean begins with a woman's voice imparting advice to the listeners. She advises the audience against indulging in drugs such as marijuana and alcohol while in college. However, she emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and not trying to be someone else. The advice is straightforward and relatable, encouraging people to be secure in their own decisions and beliefs. The woman advises against becoming hooked on drugs and explains how drugs like marijuana can make individuals sluggish, lazy, and unconcerned.


The theme of the song is essentially acceptance and being comfortable with oneself, as opposed to external influences that try to change one's views or beliefs. The overall message emphasizes the importance of being authentic and true to oneself, rather than trying to fit in with societal expectations. The idea of self-love is highlighted as an essential component of one's self-worth.


Overall, "Be Yourself" is a reminder that it is okay to be who you are, and embracing one's uniqueness is essential. The song encourages listeners to avoid negative influences that may hinder a person's growth.


Line by Line Meaning

Many college students have gone to college
A lot of college students have gone to college, this is a statement.


And gotten hooked on drugs, marijuana, and alcohol
Some of the college students have developed dependence on drugs like marijuana and alcohol, this is a warning.


Listen, stop trying to be somebody else
Pay attention and stop pretending to be someone else.


Don't try to be someone else
Don't try to imitate someone else's personality, be yourself.


Be yourself and know that that's good enough
It's enough to be yourself, accept who you are.


Don't try to be someone else
Do not attempt to be someone else.


Don't try to be like someone else
Don't change yourself to be like someone else.


Don't try to act like someone else, be yourself
Don't try to behave like someone else, act naturally.


Be secure with yourself
Be confident in your own abilities and qualities.


Rely and trust upon your own decisions
Believe and depend on your own choices.


On your own beliefs
Depend on your own beliefs and principles.


You understand the things that I've taught you
You comprehend and remember the lessons that I taught you.


Not to drink alcohol, not to use drugs
I instructed you to abstain from alcohol and drugs.


Don't use that cocaine or marijuana because that stuff is highly addictive
Do not consume cocaine or marijuana, as these substances are highly addictive.


When people become weed-heads they become sluggish, lazy, stupid and unconcerned
People who use marijuana frequently become slow, indolent, unintelligent and careless.


Sluggish, lazy, stupid and unconcerned
When people use marijuana frequently, they become slow, indolent, unintelligent and careless.


That's all marijuana does to you, okay? This is mom
These are the only known effects of marijuana, and this is advice from a mother.


Unless you're taking it under doctor's umm control
Unless it's under a doctor's management, it's not recommended.


Then it's regulated. Do not smoke marijuana, do not consume alcohol
It is acceptable only when authorized by a doctor, do not drink alcohol or consume marijuana otherwise.


Do not get in the car with someone who is inebriated
Don't ride with someone who is drunk.


This is mom, call me, bye
Closing statement from the mother, asking for a phone call, bye.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Ommas Keith-Graham, Charles Christopher Breaux

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@rramos2402

[Skit: Rosie Watson]
Many college students have gone to college
And gotten hooked on drugs, marijuana, and alcohol
Listen, stop trying to be somebody else
Don't try to be someone else
Be yourself and know that that's good enough
Don't try to be someone else
Don't try to be like someone else
Don't try to act like someone else
Be yourself, be secure with yourself
Rely and trust upon your own decisions
On your own beliefs
You understand the things that I've taught you
Not to drink alcohol, not to use drugs
Don't use that cocaine or marijuana
Because that stuff is highly addictive
When people become weed-heads
They become sluggish, lazy, stupid and unconcerned
Sluggish, lazy, stupid and unconcerned
That's all marijuana does to you, okay? This is mom
Unless you're taking it under doctor's, um, control
Then it's regulated
Do not smoke marijuana, do not consume alcohol
Do not get in the car with someone who is inebriated
This is mom, call me, bye



@nataliarose1598

Many college students have gone to college
And gotten hooked on drugs, marijuana, and alcohol
Listen, stop trying to be somebody else
Don't try to be someone else
Be yourself and know that that's good enough
Don't try to be someone else
Don't try to be like someone else
Don't try to act like someone else, be yourself
Be secure with yourself
Rely and trust upon your own decisions
On your own beliefs
You understand the things that I've taught you
Not to drink alcohol, not to use drugs
Don't use that cocaine or marijuana because that stuff is highly addictive
When people become weed-heads they become sluggish, lazy, stupid and unconcerned
Sluggish, lazy, stupid and unconcerned
That's all marijuana does to you, okay? This is mom
Unless you're taking it under doctor's umm control
Then it's regulated. Do not smoke marijuana, do not consume alcohol
Do not get in the car with someone who is inebriated
This is mom, call me, bye.



@dimmie5240

I think this voicemail perfectly sums up any strong-willed and truly loving mother’s relationship with her child.

First it’s the words of affirmation, reassurance and care. The words that come from her mouth that fill you up with this amazing sense of fulfilment and joy. There’s almost nothing like it. She makes you feel like you are worth it, makes you feel like all the pain has disappeared, makes you feel like YOU are everything that you have ever needed and will ever need.

Then slowly comes the lecturing. Where there once were heartwarming sentences and fulfilling sentiments, there are now critical comments. Every interaction between the two of you becomes what seems to be a constant evaluation of every decision you make. Being forbidden to partake in certain activities and pastimes before you’ve even given them a chance. The feeling that anything you do that doesn’t align with her beliefs will be judged.

Yeah, growing up with this mother can be tough. Because she’s tough. But the reality is that once upon a time she was just like you and although her judgements can be harsh and sometimes misguided, her love for you never falters.
She’ll do anything to ensure that you are safe, even if that means being the overbearing mother that her child complains about to their friends when they ask him/her why they couldn’t go to that party.

Whether you want to believe it or not, she truly loves you more than anything in this world and all she wants is the best for you because she knows that you deserve it. And deep down you know it too.



All comments from YouTube:

@l.ellison3542

yall please do not take what this woman said personally. Think of it as a parent/adult wanting better for their child. I think it's sweet how she is taking the time out of her day to leave a voicemail to show her love for her child. BE YOURSELF! that's all she is trying to get across.

@ZeranZeran

and this isn't even Frank's mom! That's his friend's mom leaving this voicemail.
That's a special woman right there. What a good soul. Frank knew it. That's why we hear it here.

@axuevs5590

@@ZeranZeran frl

@LuisGuepo

19s to 35s is all we need in this interlude and all she’s trying tell us

@franciscojaviersantos9239

Ellison trynna defend his weed adicction

@michelle2314

I used to listen to this everyday when I was in addiction trying to quit and no one knew. Glad to say I’ve been clean for a year never again.

@chrishamrick5105

congrats dog, happy to hear about being clean it isnt an easy thing to do at all

@Bobba7

Proud of you brobro

@l.ellison3542

that’s so sweet. Congratulations.

@sandusky_skaii3485

Good shit, proud of you.

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