“Impietas + Deathwish (ASR)” is the fifteenth track on Ocean’s "Endless" pr… Read Full Bio ↴“Impietas + Deathwish (ASR)” is the fifteenth track on Ocean’s "Endless" project.

The latter section of this track, Deathwish, finds Frank questioning his trust in a relationship. Can he trust this person? Is he ready to? He specifically uses the helplessness of unconsciousness as a means to address this – be it in the passenger’s seat of a car or simply in bed, falling asleep means leaving himself in both the care and mercy of another.

This concept is further extended with an automotive metaphor – something Frank is no stranger to. ‘ASR’ may be a reference to an assistive control system in cars designed to maintain steering and stability in cases of traction loss. Just as the other person is responsible for Frank as he’s helpless, ASR is responsible for the driver’s safety as they begin to lose control of the vehicle. It would also lend some credence to the interpretation that Frank is dozing off in the passenger seat of a car.

Frank’s vocals are reminiscent of English artist James Blake, who Frank had worked with throughout the production of his second studio album, "Blonde".

“Deathwish (ASR)” starts around 25:50 on the visual album. It ends at 27:09.

Impietas + Deathwish
Frank Ocean Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Are you against– you against me, me?
Or are you with me? Are you with me?
Are you with me?

Is it a deathwish to doze off helpless?
Leave myself at the mercy of you
At the mercy of you
And I be needing my sleep in peace

Need to trust you at the mercy of you

You, at the at the, at the, of you

You, at the at the, at the, of you
You, at the

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Frank Ocean's song "Impietas + Deathwish" delve into the themes of trust, vulnerability, and the inherent fear of being manipulated or taken advantage of by someone close. The repetition of the question "Are you against me, me? Or are you with me?" highlights the singer's uncertainty about the intentions and loyalty of the person they are addressing. The repeated inquiry reflects a sense of internal conflict and a desire for reassurance.

The phrase "Is it a deathwish to doze off helpless? Leave myself at the mercy of you" suggests a fear of surrendering oneself completely to someone else, as it may lead to a destructive outcome. The singer acknowledges the need for sleep and peace, but also recognizes the risk involved in trusting someone implicitly. This vulnerability is marked by the phrase "And I be needing my sleep in peace, need to trust you at the mercy of you." Here, the singer acknowledges their dependence on the other person while simultaneously questioning whether it is wise to be so vulnerable.

Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of unease and trepidation in navigating relationships and the fear of being taken advantage of or betrayed by someone close.

Line by Line Meaning

Are you against– you against me, me?
Do you hold any animosity towards me?

Or are you with me? Are you with me?
Do you support and stand by me?

Are you with me?
Are you on my side?

Is it a deathwish to doze off helpless?
Could it be dangerous to fall asleep defenseless?

Leave myself at the mercy of you
Put myself entirely in your hands

At the mercy of you
Subject to your whims or control

And I be needing my sleep in peace
I require undisturbed rest

Need to trust you at the mercy of you
I must have faith in you despite being vulnerable

You, at the at the, at the, of you
You, at the mercy, at the mercy, of you

You, at the
You, subject to

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