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.
Orion
Frank Ocean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I thought that I was
I wanted to conquer the world
Before I could drive
I remember when you were born
Ohhh, how happy I was
Cause If it didn't go as I planned itAt least you'd double my chances
And it's no pressure, man
Cause you're special
I know you wanna get big and strong quick
But don't skip one second (Orion)
If I could buy back the years o-O-Orion
I would empty my pockets here (On everything)
O-Orion make my regrets disappear
O-O-Orion
Boy I'm jealous of you I’ll admit it
But promise big bro one thing
That you won't go wasting time
(O) won't go wasting time
(no) that you won't go wasting time
(o) Won't go wasting time
Don't go wasting it
You gotta know you hit the lotto (lotto)
Cause they don't make em like mamma no more
Hug her and tell her that you love her
That's good time spent
And when your outside running
It's ok to ask where you're going
So you're never back where you started
And it's no pressure, man
Cause you're special
I know you wanna get big and strong quick
But don't skip one second (Orion)
If I could buy back the years o-O-Orion
I would empty my pockets here (On everything)
O-Orion make my regrets disappear
O-O-Orion
Boy, I'm jealous of you i’ll admit it
But promise big bro one thing
That you won't go wasting time X2
(O) won't go wasting time
(no) that you won't go wasting time
Won't go wasting time don't go wasting it
The lyrics to Frank Ocean's song "Orion" delve into themes of time, regret, and the desire to protect and guide a younger sibling or loved one. In the first verse, Ocean reflects on his own youth and the feeling of invincibility he once had. He talks about wanting to conquer the world even before he could drive, emphasizing the youthful ambition and limitless possibilities that were once within his grasp. However, as time passes, he realizes that immortality is just an illusion.
The second verse shifts focus to the younger sibling, named Orion. Ocean expresses the joy and happiness he felt when Orion was born, seeing the opportunity for him to achieve the things that may have eluded Ocean himself. He recognizes Orion's potential and encourages him not to waste any time, to make the most of every second. The repetition of "Won't go wasting time" in the chorus emphasizes this plea and serves as a reminder to cherish and make the most of every moment.
Throughout the song, Ocean also acknowledges his own sense of jealousy towards Orion, admitting that he envies the opportunities and potential that lie ahead for him. However, he simultaneously urges Orion to promise him that he won't squander his time, expressing a desire for his younger sibling to avoid the same regrets and missed opportunities that Ocean may have experienced.
Line by Line Meaning
I remember being immortal
I have a vivid memory of feeling invincible and untouchable.
I thought that I was
I genuinely believed that I possessed immortality.
I wanted to conquer the world
My ambition was to achieve great success and influence globally.
Before I could drive
This desire existed even before I had the ability to operate a vehicle.
I remember when you were born
The memory of your birth is deeply etched in my mind.
Ohhh, how happy I was
The joy and elation I experienced during that moment were overwhelming.
Cause If it didn't go as I planned it
In the event that things didn't go according to my expectations and aspirations
At least you'd double my chances
Your presence would provide an additional opportunity for success and fulfillment.
And it's no pressure, man
There should be no burden or expectation placed upon you, my dear.
Cause you're special
You possess unique qualities and potential.
I know you wanna get big and strong quick
You have a strong desire to grow and develop rapidly.
But don't skip one second (Orion)
However, it is important not to overlook or neglect any moments of your journey.
If I could buy back the years o-O-Orion
If I had the power, I would retrieve and relive my past experiences, Orion.
I would empty my pockets here (On everything)
I would willingly give up all my possessions and resources for this opportunity.
O-Orion make my regrets disappear
Orion, please help me eliminate the burden of my past mistakes and regrets.
Boy I'm jealous of you I’ll admit it
I must confess, I feel envious of the opportunities and possibilities that lie ahead for you, my dear boy.
But promise big bro one thing
In exchange, I ask for your promise, as your older brother.
That you won't go wasting time
Please, ensure that you do not squander or misuse your precious time.
(O) won't go wasting time
I implore you to not waste any moment of your life, my dear Orion.
(no) that you won't go wasting time
It is crucial that you understand the significance of utilizing time wisely and not letting it go to waste.
Don't go wasting it
Therefore, I advise you not to fritter away this invaluable resource.
You gotta know you hit the lotto (lotto)
Realize that you have struck jackpot, Orion.
Cause they don't make em like mamma no more
The caliber and quality of individuals like our mother is scarce these days.
Hug her and tell her that you love her
Embrace her tightly and express your affection towards her verbally.
That's good time spent
Such moments are considered valuable and worthwhile investments of your time.
And when your outside running
While you are engaged in outdoor activities, like running, Orion.
It's ok to ask where you're going
It is absolutely acceptable for you to inquire about the destination or purpose of your journey.
So you're never back where you started
This ensures that you make progress and do not end up in the same position you began.
Wondering where time went
Preventing situations where you ponder about the passage of time and where it has gone.
Boy, I'm jealous of you, i’ll admit it
I must confess, envy fills my heart when I think of the opportunities that await you, my dear boy.
But promise big bro one thing
In return, I expect you to make a commitment to me as your older brother.
That you won't go wasting time X2
Ensure with utmost determination that you never misuse or squander valuable time, Orion.
(O) won't go wasting time
Promising me that you will never waste a single moment of your life, Orion.
(no) that you won't go wasting time
Vowing to yourself that you will not allow time to be wasted or lost without purpose or productivity.
Won't go wasting time don't go wasting it
You must firmly resolve to never let time slip away unused or without making the most of it, my dear boy.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TreySongzLyricsonScreen
[Verse 1]
I remember being immortal
I thought that I was
I wanted to conquer the world
Before I could drive
I remember when you were born
Oh, how happy I was
‘Cause if it didn’t go as I planned it
At least you’d double my chances
[Bridge]
And it’s no pressure, man
‘Cause you’re special
I know you wanna get big and strong quick
But don’t skip one second (Orion)
[Hook]
If I could buy back the years
O-O-Orion
I would empty my pockets here (On everything)
O-Orion
Make my regrets disappear
O-O-Orion
Boy, I’m jealous of you I’ll admit it
But promise big bro one thing
That you won’t go wasting time
(O) won’t go wasting time
(no) that you won’t go wasting time
(o) Won’t go wasting time
Don’t go wasting it
[Verse 2]
You gotta know you hit the lotto (lotto)
‘Cause they don’t make ‘em like mamma no more
Hug her and tell her that you love her
That’s good time spent
And when you’re outside running
It’s ok to ask where you’re going
So that you’re never back where you started
Wondering where time went
[Bridge]
And it’s no pressure, man
‘Cause you’re special
I know you wanna get big and strong quick
But don’t skip one second (Orion)
[Hook]
If I could buy back the years
O-O-Orion
I would empty my pockets here (On everything)
O-Orion
Make my regrets disappear
O-O-Orion
Boy, I’m jealous of you I’ll admit it
But promise big bro one thing
That you won’t go wasting time x2
(O) won’t go wasting time
(no) that you won’t go wasting time
Won’t go wasting time
Don’t go wasting it
Rip Ryan❤️🕊
@kevinusih
this song is mysteriously sad.... even without the context of ryan's passing.
@tahjingram3765
😭 this so heartbreaking
@kevinusih
@@tahjingram3765 its heart-dropping and eerie cuz its like the perfect funeral/mourning song..... he even talks about if he could buy back the years.
@willcarroll9762
supremeallah Its brutal man. He must be going crazy mentally
@lilachie
In futura free Ryan says 'I wish I could sleep without being dead but sleep forever at the same time' heavy😭😭
@nia-re5wm
I can’t even imagine how he’s feeling :((
@markdavidson1498
Frank Ocean’s little brother, the inspiration for this song, died this morning in a car crash. Thoughts and prayers to his family right now. This song will make me cry always now.
@r.i.p.myhomie.hediedabout365
no shit dummy
@JCCarter1150
I think the one thing with Frank is that his music creates this nostalgic feeling. When you hear his music you instantly connect the song to moments in your life, like a visual painting in your mind.
@cnonya6581
Exactly