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.
I Need It
Frank Ocean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I stopped somewhere between June & July
I love these warmer days
But maybe I can't see that
The snow's still falling
I only see the gift my heart just brought me
(Merry Christmas babe) that's what she said
She didn't have to do much
December in Manhattan feels like
South Beach now i love my baby, oh yes I do
It ain't about you givin' anything
As long as you're my everything
'Cause lady what could you give to me
Better than what you've been givin' me?
Just keep talkin' in my ear, 'cause I need it
And tell me you'll be right here
If I need you
Girl the greatest present you could
Give is the present (Oh)
I need it
It's just a regular morning
I'm a regular guy
Takin' the train to my 9 to 9
But something's different today
I had an envelope sittin' right
Next to my breakfast and it's from my baby
Not the bill collectors
(Happy Birthday baby) then it said
I know we don't got much, but baby we got us
And after you get off
We gon' make sweet love
Now go and get that cake (Oh, yeah)
It ain't about you givin' anything
(It ain't about that no) as long as
You're my everything (As long as you're)
'Cause lady what could you give to me
Better than what you've been givin' me?
Just keep talkin' in my ear, 'cause I need it
And tell me you'll be right here
If I need you
Girl the greatest present you could
Give is the present (Oh)
I need it
One day the whole world will hear me sing
Then I'ma run and buy you those things
But right now, three months pay
Barely gets me a diamond, baby
But one day I'ma buy you that ring (Oh)
Just keep talkin' in my ear, 'cause I need it
And tell me you'll be right there
If I need you
Girl the greatest present you could
Give is the present (Oh)
I need it
Oh, oh nothing but everything you
(Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah)
I don't need anything
Long as you're my everything
As long as you're my everything
Oh, oh, oh, oh yeah, yeah
In "I Need It," Frank Ocean reflects on two separate moments in his life where he receives unexpected gestures of love and kindness from someone special. The first verse depicts a winter morning drive, where he finds himself caught between the seasons of June and July. Despite enjoying the warmer days, he realizes that he may have overlooked the beauty of the snowfall. However, his lover's thoughtful gift brings him immense joy, as she simply says "Merry Christmas babe" and makes him smile. The contrast between the December setting in Manhattan and the warmth of his relationship with his baby portrays a sense of contentment and happiness.
The second verse takes place on a regular morning as Frank Ocean commutes to work. Surprisingly, he finds an envelope next to his breakfast, which is a heartfelt gesture from his partner on his birthday. The message inside reminds him that although they may not possess much materially, they have each other. The anticipation of their intimate time together after his work shift is also highlighted. This verse emphasizes the significance of love and companionship over material possessions.
The chorus expresses how it isn't about what his partner can give him materially, but rather the emotional support and presence she provides. Her words spoken softly in his ear, assuring him of her constant presence, mean everything to him. Frank Ocean acknowledges that the greatest gift she could give him is the present, indicating the importance of living in the moment and cherishing what they have together.
Overall, "I Need It" encapsulates the theme of love, appreciation, and finding happiness in the simple gestures of affection from a loved one. It encourages the listener to recognize the value of emotional connection over material possessions.
Line by Line Meaning
One winter morning I went for a drive
On a cold and melancholic day, I decided to go out for a ride.
I stopped somewhere between June & July
I found myself in a timeless and blissful moment, transcending the boundaries of time.
I love these warmer days
I cherish the moments of warmth and joy that life brings.
But maybe I can't see that
However, perhaps I am not fully appreciating these blessings.
The snow's still falling
Though it may seem like the cold and hardships haven't completely disappeared.
I only see the gift my heart just brought me
My focus is solely on the precious present that my loved one has given me.
(Merry Christmas babe) that's what she said
She expressed her love and holiday wishes, making the season even more special.
She didn't have to do much
Her actions were not extravagant or grandiose.
But she made me smile
Yet, her simple gestures brought genuine happiness to my heart.
December in Manhattan feels like South Beach now
The atmosphere of December in Manhattan feels as warm and vibrant as a beach in South Beach.
I love my baby, oh yes I do
I have a deep and profound love for my significant other.
It ain't about you givin' anything
The value of our relationship does not rely on material gifts you may offer.
As long as you're my everything
As long as you remain the center of my world and my greatest source of happiness.
'Cause lady what could you give to me
Because, my dear, what else could you possibly provide that is more valuable to me?
Better than what you've been givin' me?
What more could you offer that surpasses the love and care you have shown me?
Just keep talkin' in my ear, 'cause I need it
Continue to whisper sweet words in my ear, for they bring me comfort and solace.
And tell me you'll be right here
Assure me that you will always be by my side, no matter what.
If I need you
In moments when I require your presence or support.
Girl the greatest present you could give is the present
My dearest, the most precious gift you can offer is your presence and love in this moment.
(Oh) I need it
It is something that I deeply yearn for and crave.
It's just a regular morning
The day started just like any other ordinary morning.
I'm a regular guy
I consider myself an average individual without any extraordinary qualities.
Takin' the train to my 9 to 9
Commencing my usual routine, heading to work from nine in the morning till nine in the evening.
But something's different today
However, today feels distinct and special in some way.
I had an envelope sittin' right next to my breakfast
To my surprise, there was an envelope placed beside my breakfast meal.
And it's from my baby
To my delight, it was a gift from my beloved.
Not the bill collectors
Unlike anticipated bills or financial burdens, it wasn't related to debt collections.
(Happy Birthday baby) then it said
The message conveyed birthday wishes, injecting joy into the day.
I know we don't got much, but baby we got us
Acknowledging that we may not possess abundant material wealth, but we possess each other's love and companionship.
And after you get off, we gon' make sweet love
Exploring the promise of intimate moments together once your workday is over.
Now go and get that cake (Oh, yeah)
Now, go and procure a celebratory cake to heighten the festivity.
One day the whole world will hear me sing
Someday, my voice and music will reach a global audience and resonate with people worldwide.
Then I'ma run and buy you those things
At that time, I will enthusiastically purchase all the material possessions you deserve.
But right now, three months pay barely gets me a diamond, baby
However, in the present, my financial means are limited, and even three months' worth of earnings can hardly afford me a diamond for you, my love.
But one day I'ma buy you that ring (Oh)
Nonetheless, there will be a day when I will proudly purchase that engagement ring for you, dear.
Oh, oh nothing but everything you (Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Oh, you are everything to me, and I desire nothing else but your love and presence (Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah)
I don't need anything
I truly do not require any material possessions.
Long as you're my everything
As long as you remain the embodiment of everything I desire and need.
As long as you're my everything
As long as you hold the most significant place in my heart and life.
Oh, oh, oh, oh yeah, yeah
Oh, yes, indeed, you are the essence of my happiness and contentment. Yeah, yeah.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@anna-sui7743
One winter morning I went for a drive
I stopped somewhere between June & July
I love these warmer days
But maybe I can't see that
The snow's still falling
I only see the gift my heart just brought me
(Merry Christmas babe) that's what she said
She didn't have to do much
But she made me smile
December in Manhattan feels like
South Beach now i love my baby, oh yes I do
It ain't about you givin' anything
As long as you're my everything
'Cause lady what could you give to me
Better than what you've been givin' me?
Just keep talkin' in my ear, 'cause I need it
And tell me you'll be right here
If I need you
Girl the greatest present you could
Give is the present (Oh)
I need it
It's just a regular morning
I'm a regular guy
Takin' the train to my 9 to 9
But something's different today
I had an envelope sittin' right
Next to my breakfast and it's from my baby
Not the bill collectors
(Happy Birthday baby) then it said
I know we don't got much, but baby we got us
And after you get off
We gon' make sweet love
Now go and get that cake (Oh, yeah)
It ain't about you givin' anything
(It ain't about that no) as long as
You're my everything (As long as you're)
'Cause lady what could you give to me
Better than what you've been givin' me?
Just keep talkin' in my ear, 'cause I need it
And tell me you'll be right here
If I need you
Girl the greatest present you could
Give is the present (Oh)
I need it
One day the whole world will hear me sing
Then I'ma run and buy you those things
But right now, three months pay
Barely gets me a diamond, baby
But one day I'ma buy you that ring (Oh)
Just keep talkin' in my ear, 'cause I need it
And tell me you'll be right there
If I need you
Girl the greatest present you could
Give is the present (Oh)
I need it
Oh, oh nothing but everything you
(Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah)
I don't need anything
Long as you're my everything
As long as you're my everything
Oh, oh, oh, oh yeah, yeah
@mubarakabdelkarim3213
Yeah yeah yeah
One winter morning I went for a drive
I stopped somewhere between June and July
I love these warmer days
But maybe I can't see that the snow's still falling
I only see the gift my heart just brought me
Merry Christmas babe... that's what she said
Oh she didn't have to do much, but she made me smile
December in Manhattan feels like South Beach now
I love my bab-y, oh yes I do
[Chorus]
It ain't about you givin anything, as long as you're my everything
Cause lady what could you give to me better than what you've been givin me
Just keep talkin in my ear, cause I need it
And tell me you'll be right here, if I need ya
Cause the greatest present you could give is the present
Ohhh, I need it
It's just a regular morning, I'm a regular guy
Takin the train to my nine to nine
But something's different today, hey
I had an envelope sittin right next to my breakfast
And it's from my baby, not the bill collectors
Happy birthday bay-bay... then it sai
I know we don't got much but baby we got us
And after you get off, we gon make sweet love
Now go and get that cake - ohhh yeah
[Chorus]
One day the whole world will hear me sing
Then I'ma run and buy you those things
But right now, three months pay barely gets me a diamond baby
But one day I'ma buy you that ring, ohhhhhh
Just keep talkin in my ear, cause I need it
And tell me you'll be right there, if I need ya
Cause the greatest present you could give is the present
Ohhh, I need it
[Outro]
Ohhhh, ohhhh
Nothing but, everything
Ohh yeah yeah
I don't need anything
Long as you're my everything
Long as you're my everything
Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh
Yeah yeah, yeah
@spiritualcalmingnature
[Intro]
Yeah, yeah, yeah
[Verse 1]
One winter morning I went for a drive
I stopped somewhere between June & July
I love these warmer days
But maybe I can't see that the snow's still falling
I only see the gift my heart just brought me (Merry Christmas, babe)
That's what she said
No, she didn't have to do much, but she made me smile
December in Manhattan feels like South Beach now
I love my baby, oh yes, I do
[Chorus]
It ain't about you givin' anything, as long as you're my everything (Love)
'Cause, baby, what could you give to me
Better than what you've been givin' me?
Just keep talkin' in my ear, 'cause I need it
And tell me you'll be right here if I need you
Girl, the greatest present you could give is the present
Oh, I need it
[Verse 2]
It's just a regular morning, I'm a regular guy
Takin' the train to my 9 to 9
But something's different today
I had an envelope sittin' right next to my breakfast
And it's from my baby, not the bill collectors
(Happy Birthday, baby)
Then it said
I know we don't got much, but baby, we got us
And after you get off, we gon' make sweet love
Now go and get that cake (Oh, yeah)
[Chorus]
It ain't about you givin' anything (It ain't about that, no)
As long as you're my everything (As long as you're)
'Cause, baby, what could you give to me
Better than what you've been givin' me?
Just keep talkin' in my ear, 'cause I need it
And tell me you'll be right here if I need you
Girl, the greatest present you could give is the present
Oh, I need it
[Verse 3]
One day the whole world will hear me sing (Hmm)
Then I'ma run and buy you those things
But right now, three months pay barely gets me a diamond, baby
But one day I'ma buy you that ring (Oh)
[Chorus]
Just keep talkin' in my ear, 'cause I need it
And tell me you'll be right there if I need you
Girl, the greatest present you could give is the present
Oh, I need it
[Outro]
Oh, oh
Nothing but every pic of you (Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah)
I don't need anything, 'long as you're my everything
As long as you're my everything
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Yeah, yeah
@anna-sui7743
One winter morning I went for a drive
I stopped somewhere between June & July
I love these warmer days
But maybe I can't see that
The snow's still falling
I only see the gift my heart just brought me
(Merry Christmas babe) that's what she said
She didn't have to do much
But she made me smile
December in Manhattan feels like
South Beach now i love my baby, oh yes I do
It ain't about you givin' anything
As long as you're my everything
'Cause lady what could you give to me
Better than what you've been givin' me?
Just keep talkin' in my ear, 'cause I need it
And tell me you'll be right here
If I need you
Girl the greatest present you could
Give is the present (Oh)
I need it
It's just a regular morning
I'm a regular guy
Takin' the train to my 9 to 9
But something's different today
I had an envelope sittin' right
Next to my breakfast and it's from my baby
Not the bill collectors
(Happy Birthday baby) then it said
I know we don't got much, but baby we got us
And after you get off
We gon' make sweet love
Now go and get that cake (Oh, yeah)
It ain't about you givin' anything
(It ain't about that no) as long as
You're my everything (As long as you're)
'Cause lady what could you give to me
Better than what you've been givin' me?
Just keep talkin' in my ear, 'cause I need it
And tell me you'll be right here
If I need you
Girl the greatest present you could
Give is the present (Oh)
I need it
One day the whole world will hear me sing
Then I'ma run and buy you those things
But right now, three months pay
Barely gets me a diamond, baby
But one day I'ma buy you that ring (Oh)
Just keep talkin' in my ear, 'cause I need it
And tell me you'll be right there
If I need you
Girl the greatest present you could
Give is the present (Oh)
I need it
Oh, oh nothing but everything you
(Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah)
I don't need anything
Long as you're my everything
As long as you're my everything
Oh, oh, oh, oh yeah, yeah
@gio7624
I love people like you
@melodychristine3200
🫶🏼🫶🏼
@jacquelinemachado4249
Tysmmmmmm
@Fatima_muhh
Fr
@spectre001_6
Yeah I think my life would be 1000x easier if this song was on Spotify
@lawrencephanor20
It is. Search up “I need it” it’s by a artist named soohie
@joshwilliams2437
@@lawrencephanor20 didn’t see it
@madeleinevo8556
@@joshwilliams2437 its listed as podcast
@ivannabeltran7305
I can upload it just give me till tn