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.
Got The Keys
Frank Ocean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In the middle of the show.
I had to go, I had to see her, see her.
I must be nuts, that's what they asked me
I may be but oh I need her, need her.
I need her yeah, she got my air,
And I'm running, I'm running low.
I got the keys, so I'm driving alone uh.
And try to be ready when I get there,
In front of your door, oh baby get in.
I'm ready to breathe in that good air,
I'm dropping the top, I'm lettin it in
Ohhh ohh ohh... Ohhh ohh ohh... ohh ohh.
Got the keys so we're gone uh
I'm burning out, I'm showing off.
my heartbeat loud as my sixers, sixers...
Guys pull me over and then they ask me
If I know I'm breaking the law.
I said yeah she got my air,
And I'm running, I'm running low.
Where my driver go? Men I don't care.
I got the keys, so I'm driving alone uh.
And try to be ready when I get there,
In front of your door, oh baby get in.
I'm ready to breathe in that good air,
I'm dropping the top, I'm lettin it in
Ohhh ohh ohh... ohh ohh.
Got the keys so we're gone uh
On my way, I'm coming,
Stick shift won't get in the groove but Im coming
Traffic killing me, barely can groove but I coming. yeah Im coming
Phone dead can't talk to you right now
but I'm coming to get you, coming.
I'm coming to get you, coming.
I'm rushing cause I'm missing my boo, my my baby.
You got what I what I, I, needed... Oh my baby...
And try to be ready when I get there,
In front of your door, oh baby get in.
I'm ready to breathe in that good air,
I'm dropping the top, I'm lettin it in
Ohhh ohh ohh... ohh ohh.
Got the keys so we're gone uh
The lyrics to Frank Ocean’s song Got The Keys speak about being deeply in love and the lengths one is willing to go through to be with their lover. The first verse starts with the artist leaving the stage to go see his lover, whom he needs to be with. He knows he might be nuts, but his love for her is stronger than anything else. He gets into his car and drives to see her, and we can feel the urgency in his voice as he sings about needing her in his life. He is ready to do anything to be with her, even if it means driving alone and risking getting into trouble with the authorities.
The chorus of the song emphasizes how much the artist needs his lover and how he is willing to break the law just to be with her. He wants to be with her and breathe in the good air, and nothing else matters but that moment. He is willing to pick her up and take her away, driving off into the distance with the keys to the car. The second verse of the song talks about how the artist is missing his lover and wants to rush to be with her. He is driving in traffic, struggling to keep his groove, but nothing will stop him from getting to her. His phone is dead, but he keeps pushing to reach her.
Overall, the lyrics to Frank Ocean’s song Got The Keys are a moving tribute to love and the power it can have over us. Ocean sings with a sense of urgency and longing, showing that when you love someone, you will do whatever it takes to be with them.
Line by Line Meaning
Walked off the stage,
I left the stage during my performance.
In the middle of the show.
During the show, in between the performance.
I had to go, I had to see her, see her.
I had to leave the show to see a woman I care deeply about.
I must be nuts, that's what they asked me
Others questioned my sanity and decision to leave the show for this woman.
I may be but oh I need her, need her.
I might be seen as crazy, but my desire to see this woman is strong and necessary for me.
I need her yeah, she got my air,
I need her in my life, she is essential to me.
And I'm running, I'm running low.
My energy and motivation are low without her.
Where my driver go? Men I don't care.
I don't care about my driver's whereabouts, I am focused on reaching this woman.
I got the keys, so I'm driving alone uh.
I have the keys to a vehicle, so I am driving by myself.
And try to be ready when I get there,
Be prepared for my arrival when I get to your location.
In front of your door, oh baby get in.
I will be outside your door and I want you to come with me.
I'm ready to breathe in that good air,
I am excited and eager to be with this woman because she brings positivity into my life.
I'm dropping the top, I'm lettin it in
I am opening the vehicle's roof to feel free and to be more fully present with her.
Got the keys so we're gone uh
We are departing right now because I am in control of the transportation.
I'm burning out, I'm showing off.
I am driving fast and recklessly, recklessly demonstrating my attraction to this woman.
my heartbeat loud as my sixers, sixers...
My heart is beating fast and loudly, much like a sports fan cheering for their team.
Guys pull me over and then they ask me
Police officers stopped me to question my driving behavior.
If I know I'm breaking the law.
The officer suspect I am breaking driving laws.
On my way, I'm coming,
I am driving to the woman's location.
Stick shift won't get in the groove but Im coming
My vehicle is not running smoothly, but I am still making progress.
Traffic killing me, barely can groove but I coming. yeah Im coming
Traffic is slowing me down, but I am still on my way to her.
Phone dead can't talk to you right now
My phone battery is dead, so I cannot communicate with her.
but I'm coming to get you, coming.
I am still on my way to her, despite the communication setback.
I'm rushing cause I'm missing my boo, my my baby.
I am in a hurry to reach her because I miss her so much.
You got what I what I, I, needed... Oh my baby...
This woman is exactly what I need in my life and I am grateful for her.
Contributed by Isabella Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
2321638-23413|
on Pink + White
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
2321638-23413|
on Pink + White
900533356.+6
++6
5.33.*9
2321638-23413|
on Pink + White
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.