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.
Lights
Frank Ocean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(uh) buying an apartment with ya
Greenspan said the rate was good
My pastor says that your faith is major
Best friend said I ought to wife you today
Like jumping over the broom
The white dress and all, yup the rice and all
You need that girl but don’t you let her go
Not ever, not ever, no who going solo baby?
I know, you told 'em baby
Watch you, you tell 'em baby
It’s cool, it’s cool
But the lights is gonna be on us
That’s the reason why I kept
This love in the dark
Cause the lights are gonna be on us
Let 'em know them lights will never turn off
But it's cool
Cause this love will keep us cool
This love will keep us cool
This love will keep us cool
Your father really likes me he calls me son
Your brother, I think he hates me
But you say thats how you know it's right
Your mother invites me to dinner
All of the time
Only thing she’s been grilling is me
Keep telling her I love that girl
I need that girl i won’t let her go
Not ever, not ever, no who goin' solo baby?
I know, you told em baby
Watch you, you tell em baby
It’s cool, it’s cool
But the lights is gonna be on us
That’s the reason why I kept
This love in the dark
Cause the lights are gonna be on us
Let 'em know, them lights will never turn off
But the lights is gonna be on us
That’s the reason why I kept
This love in the dark
Cause the lights are gonna be on us
Let 'em know, them lights will never turn off
It’s strobing, baby, and they burning baby
But don’t worry baby, just stay close to me
They flashing, it’s like dynamite
This love will keep us about 55 degrees
Don’t mind the lights don’t mind the lights
The love is gonna keep us cool
The love is gonna keep us cool
But the lights is gonna be on us
That’s the reason why I kept
This love in the dark
Cause the lights are gonna be on us
Let 'em know, them lights will never turn off
But the lights is gonna be on us
That’s the reason why I kept
This love in the dark
Cause the lights are gonna be on us
Let 'em know, them lights will never turn off
But it's cool
Cause this love will keep us cool
This love will keep us cool
This love will keep us cool
In Frank Ocean's song "Lights," the lyrics revolve around the idea of love and how it can withstand external pressures and scrutiny. The song begins by referencing Donald Trump's advice to buy an apartment with someone, highlighting the materialistic aspects of relationships. However, the singer acknowledges that the true value lies in the faith and connection they have with their partner, as advised by their pastor.
The verses continue with the singer addressing the opinions of others, who insist on the importance of holding onto this relationship. Despite external doubts and challenges, the chorus emphasizes the decision to keep their love hidden in the dark until they are ready to face the public eye. The lights symbolize the spotlight and attention that comes with being together, and the singer wants to protect their love until they're ready to handle the scrutiny.
The second verse highlights the approval from the partner's family, but also acknowledges the potential tension from the brother. Despite any hardships, the singer expresses their commitment and determination to hold onto this love, emphasizing that they will not let go. The bridge of the song further speaks about the intensity of the attention they will face, likening it to flashing lights and dynamite, but also reassures their partner that they will stay close and that their love will keep them grounded and cool amidst the chaos.
Overall, "Lights" captures the complexities of love, navigating outside opinions, and the desire to protect a relationship until the right time to reveal it.
Line by Line Meaning
Donald Trump said buy an apartment with her
Donald Trump, a wealthy and influential figure, advises investing in a committed relationship by purchasing property together
(uh) buying an apartment with ya
Expressing agreement with the idea of investing in a shared living space, emphasizing commitment and closeness
Greenspan said the rate was good
Referring to Alan Greenspan, a former chairman of the Federal Reserve, who approves the current interest rate as favorable for financial decisions
My pastor says that your faith is major
Acknowledging the significance of your faith according to the words of a respected religious leader
Best friend said I ought to wife you today
Your closest friend suggests taking the step of marrying you immediately, indicating strong support and confidence in the relationship
Like jumping over the broom
Comparing getting married to an old tradition of jumping over a broom, highlighting the excitement and significance of the commitment
The white dress and all, yup the rice and all
A reference to the traditional elements of a wedding, including the bride's white dress and the colorful celebration with rice, symbolizing the joyous union
They said you love that girl
Others recognize and acknowledge your deep affection for that special person
You need that girl but don’t you let her go
Emphasizing the importance of not losing the person you cherish, as they are essential to your happiness and well-being
Not ever, not ever, no who going solo baby?
Reiterating that you should never let go of this person and questioning why one would want to be alone when they have someone so special
I know, you told 'em baby
Acknowledging that you have communicated your feelings to others, reaffirming the bond you share with your loved one
Watch you, you tell 'em baby
Encouraging your partner to confidently express their love and commitment to those who doubt or question your relationship
It’s cool, it’s cool
Assuring your partner that everything is fine and reassuring them of your unwavering support
But the lights is gonna be on us
Anticipating the attention and scrutiny that will come with the spotlight on your relationship
That’s the reason why I kept this love in the dark
Choosing to keep your love hidden or private to protect it from external influences or judgments
Cause the lights are gonna be on us
Reiterating the expectation of intense public attention on your relationship
Let 'em know them lights will never turn off
Asserting that the attention and interest in your relationship will never fade or diminish
But it's cool
Reassuring your partner that despite the attention, everything will be fine and under control
Cause this love will keep us cool
Believing that the strength of your love will help you navigate and overcome any challenges that arise
Your father really likes me he calls me son
Highlighting the approval and acceptance you have received from your partner's father, who treats you as his own
Your brother, I think he hates me
Acknowledging some animosity or disapproval from your partner's brother, highlighting a potential obstacle in your relationship
But you say thats how you know it's right
Taking comfort in the fact that your partner assures you that the challenges and disagreements only strengthen the bond between you
Your mother invites me to dinner
Expressing the acceptance and warmth received from your partner's mother, who welcomes you into the family
All of the time
Emphasizing the frequency and regularity of being included in family gatherings or meals
Only thing she’s been grilling is me
Playfully suggesting that the mother's attention and curiosity are directed towards getting to know you better, asking many questions
It’s strobing, baby, and they burning baby
Describing the flashing lights and intense attention that accompany fame or public scrutiny, comparing it to a flickering strobe light
But don’t worry baby, just stay close to me
Assuring your partner that despite the overwhelming attention, as long as you remain together, everything will be alright
They flashing, it’s like dynamite
Highlighting the intensity and impact of the constant media attention, comparing it to an explosive force
This love will keep us about 55 degrees
Asserting that your love will provide the necessary balance and stability amidst the chaos, ensuring a comfortable and manageable situation
Don’t mind the lights don’t mind the lights
Encouraging your partner to not be affected or influenced by the attention and scrutiny surrounding your relationship
The love is gonna keep us cool
Believing that the strength and depth of your love will help you remain calm and composed in the face of challenges
But the lights is gonna be on us
Reiterating that the public attention and scrutiny will be focused on your relationship
Let 'em know, them lights will never turn off
Asserting that the spotlight and interest in your relationship will never fade or disappear
But it's cool
Reassuring your partner that despite the attention, everything will be fine and under control
Cause this love will keep us cool
Believing that the strength of your love will help you navigate and overcome any challenges that arise
This love will keep us cool
Emphasizing that the love you share will provide the necessary calmness and stability in your relationship
This love will keep us cool
Repeatedly asserting that the love you have for each other will ensure a harmonious and balanced relationship
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@valtontony826
When he said
"Round your city, round the clock
Everybody needs you
No, you can't make everybody equal
Although you got beaucoup family
You don't even got nobody being honest with you
Breathe 'til I evaporated
My whole body see through
Transportation, handmade (G)
And I know it better than most people
I don't trust 'em anyways
You can't break the law with them
Get some gushy, have a calm night
Shooters killing left and right
Working through your worst night
If I get my money right
You know I won't need you
And I tell you, (bitch)
I hope the sack is full up
I'm fuckin', no I'm fucked up
Spend it when I get that
I ain't tryna keep you
Can't keep up a conversation
Can't nobody reach you
Why your eyes well up?
Did you call me from a séance?
You are from my past life
Hope you're doing well bruh
I been out here head first
Always like the head first
Signal coming in and out
Hope you're doing well bruh
Everybody needs you, everybody needs you
Oooh nani nani
This feel like a quaalude
No sleep in my body
Ain't no bitch in my body
New beginnings, ahh
New beginnings, wake up akh
The sun's going down
Time to start your day bruh
Can't keep being laid off
Know you need the money if you gon' survive
The every night shit, every day shit
Dropping baby off at home before my night shift
You know I can't hear none of that spend the night shit
That kumbaya shit
Wanna see nirvana, but don't want to die yet
Wanna feel that na na though, could you come by?
Fuck with me after my shift
Know them boys wanna see me broke down and shit
Bummed out and shit, stressed out and shit
That's every day shit
Shut the fuck up I don’t want your conversation
Rolling marijuana that's a cheap vacation
My every day shit, every night shit, my every day shit
(Every night shit, night shit, night shit, night shit)
All my night, been ready for you all my night
Been waiting on you all my night
I'll buzz you in just let me know when you outside
All my night, you been missing all my night
Still got some good nights memorized
And the look back's getting me right
wet wet
Every night fucks every day up
Every day patches the night up
On God you should match it, it's that KO
No white lighters 'til I fuck my 28th up
1998 my family had that Acura
Oh, the Legend
Kept at least six discs in the changer
Back when Boswell and Percy had it active
Couple bishops in the city building mansions
All the reverends
Preaching self made millionaire status
When we could only eat at Shoney's on occasion
After 'trina hit I had to transfer campus
Your apartment out in Houston's where I waited
Stayin' with you when I didn't have a address
Fuckin' on you when I didn't own a mattress
Working on a way to make it outta Texas, every
Droppin' baby off at home before my night shift, yeah
You know I can't hear none of that spend the night shit
That kumbaya shit
Want to see nirvana, but don't want to die yet
Wanna feel that na na though, could you come by
Fuck with me after my shift
Know them boys wanna see me broke down
See me bummed out, stressed out
That's just everyday shit
Shut the fuck up, I don't want your conversation
Rolling marijuana, that's a cheap vacation
My every day shit, my every day shit
My every day shit, my every day shit
My every day shit, my every day shit
My every day shit, my every night shit"
I felt that
@Rashad88
This is how frank made this master piece
00:01 to 1:39 - Morning
1:40 to 2:39 - Midday
2:40 to 3:29 - Sunset
3:30 to 5:07 - Night
Comment your favorite or like if all parts are fire🔥
@CheeksOfButt
Middays my favorite the synth is so nice and warm like the setting sun at that time of day
@xanificia
That’s how I thought he made it lol
@GloryBoyOshun
Evening go brrrr🙂😌
@aaronperkins9605
This is perfect
@sohood4life
Thank you for this
@TheKidJimi
THAT BEAT SWITCH GETS ME EVERY TIME
@samanthamills3792
Kid Jimi I love you!!!! ❤️😄
@alixthefunk
beautiful
@j.m.992
Sameee