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.
Disillusioned
Frank Ocean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Disillusioned, ooh ooh
Disillusioned, ooh ooh
What's the solution now?
Don't you see I'm here for ya'
All your best interest are on my heart
I just wanna grow wit'ya
The Well endowed took the
Earth and changed it
A thousand grapes in the middle
Never knew they were…?
Never shared any knowlege for confirmation
Of their relationohh Hallelujah!
Disillusioned!
Disillusioned, (yeah) ooh ooh
Disillusioned, ooh ooh
Disillusioned, ooh ooh
What's the solution now?
Can't you feel a thing child?
Can't you tell she's feeling so used
Said you should make your mind up
Since you know how to feels to be abused
It wasn't the concept of nation
To divide the one consciousness
Young and wild, taking spaceships
Searching for a path out of delusion
Disillusioned!
Disillusioned, ooh ooh
Disillusioned, ooh ooh
Disillusioned, ooh ooh
What's the solution now?
We gon' drink 'til the DJ plays our song
And then turn this mother fucker out
Turn it out right
We gon' drink til the DJ plays your song and
Then turn this block party out right right
Turn it out uh uh
You been waiting in this long ass line girl
Turn this club out right
You been waiting in this long ass line girl
Turn this bitch out, right?
You been waiting in this long ass line girl
Turn this mother fucker out turn it out
Uh!
Disillusioned, ooh ooh
Disillusioned (uh) ooh ooh
Disillusioned, ooh ooh
What's the illusion now?
Badabadamamama
"Disillusioned" by Frank Ocean explores themes of disillusionment, personal growth, and societal divisions. The song starts by expressing a state of disillusionment, which is repeated throughout the lyrics. The repetition of "disillusioned" emphasizes the feeling of being let down or disillusioned by something or someone.
In the first verse, it suggests that the singer is there for someone, showing care and concern for their well-being. The line "never let the nature break us apart" implies a desire to stay together despite the challenges they may face. However, the following lines discuss the impact of those who are wealthy and powerful, negatively influencing the world. The mention of "a thousand grapes in the middle / Never knew they were…" suggests a lack of awareness or acknowledgment of their impact on others. This lack of knowledge or consideration for others is seen as disillusioning and disappointing.
The second verse focuses on an individual who is feeling used and abused by someone. The lyrics suggest that this person should make up their mind and take control of their situation. It hints at the awareness of being manipulated or mistreated and encourages them to assert themselves. Additionally, the mention of dividing consciousness and taking spaceships suggests a search for escape or enlightenment from the confusions and illusions of society.
The third verse takes a different turn and emphasizes the idea of enjoying oneself and letting loose. The lyrics talk about drinking and partying, symbolizing a temporary escape from the disillusionment experienced. The repetition of "turn this mother fucker out" and "turn it out right" amplifies the desire to let go and have a good time. It may imply that through celebration and music, one can temporarily escape or transcend the disillusionment and find joy.
Overall, "Disillusioned" reflects on the feeling of disappointment and a desire for personal growth amidst societal tensions. It explores the contrast between disillusionment and the temporary escape or distraction from it. The lyrics highlight the need to confront illusions and recognize the reality of situations, while also finding moments of joy and release.
Line by Line Meaning
Disillusioned, ooh ooh
Feeling let down and betrayed, feeling a loss of faith or belief
What's the solution now?
Asking what the answer is or how to fix the current situation
Don't you see I'm here for ya'
Acknowledging that the singer is present and supportive
All your best interest are on my heart
Caring deeply about the well-being of the other person
I just wanna grow wit'ya
Expressing a desire to develop and evolve together
And never let the nature break us apart
Promising to stay united despite any challenges or obstacles
The Well endowed took the Earth and changed it
Referring to those with power and resources who have altered the world
A thousand grapes in the middle
Numerous issues or conflicts that remain unresolved
Never knew they were...?
Unaware or oblivious to the consequences of their actions
Never shared any knowledge for confirmation
Withholding information that could provide clarity or validation
Of their relation, ohh Hallelujah!
Discovering the true connection or relationship between things, exclaiming with surprise or realization
Can't you feel a thing child?
Questioning if the person can sense or perceive something
Can't you tell she's feeling so used
Observing that someone is experiencing feeling exploited or manipulated
Said you should make your mind up
Advising someone to come to a decision or choose a stance
Since you know how it feels to be abused
Implying that personal experience with mistreatment should inform their choice
It wasn't the concept of nation
Refuting the idea of dividing people based on geographical or political boundaries
To divide the one consciousness
Believing that unity and shared awareness should prevail
Young and wild, taking spaceships
Youthful and adventurous, exploring new realms or possibilities
Searching for a path out of delusion
Seeking a way to break free from false beliefs or illusions
We gon' drink 'til the DJ plays our song
Intending to celebrate and enjoy oneself until the desired music is played
And then turn this mother fucker out
Energetically and enthusiastically livening up the atmosphere or event
You been waiting in this long ass line girl
Acknowledging the person's patience and endurance
Turn this club out right
Transforming the nightclub into a lively and vibrant place
Turn this bitch out, right?
Enthusiastically suggesting to thoroughly enliven and energize the situation
Turn this mother fucker out, turn it out
Expressing a strong desire to create excitement and enjoyment
Uh!
An exclamation or vocalization of energy and enthusiasm
What's the illusion now?
Questioning what deception or false belief is currently present
Badabadamamama
Non-linguistic vocalization, signifying a rhythm or beat
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@user-le9xm3sz1i
I wish this was on an album! need studio version, although this is pretty great for being recorded live!
@christianingram8023
We’re are you now?
@christianingram8023
D.
@voiceofgod543
I dont know if the sound quality is intentional of just accidentally bad...but I LOVE IT EXACTLY AS IS!! It sounds like something from a block party...a live concert. Too much of studio stuff is overly clean & polished these days
@AshBashSneakers
I was there live.. it was at xoyo in London. Incredible
@elvee7444
I love love ♥️the feel of this record. I forgot the title and was searching for it forever..just found it again!! 😃 has that live energy that’s so different from studio recordings. Shame it’s not on Spotify.
@RETRODOLO
i love frank ocean !!! this man is amazing
@InventedBeauty11
I love this song he definitely has to make a mixtape or something
@prettypuffprincess
Such a gem full of talent
@quikman231
Sounds like a Prince song from the early 80's (which is a huge compliment). Great track.