"It’s really interesting that he uses seed ideas or tools to write that really don’t have anything to do with the song. It’s just a way for him to access himself, and then the song comes out, and then the track is built around what he writes."
Rick Rubin in conversation with Jeff Himmelman.
"I was like, ‘I gotta get this song out.’ I always knew the track would have to change."
Frank Ocean in conversation with Jeff Himmelman.
Pilot Jones
Frank Ocean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Now the only thing we share is the refrigerator
Ice cold, baby, I told you, I'm ice cold (ice cold)
You out here flyin' high (high)
Go head, fly that thing
High, high
But fly alone
You always smokin' in the house
What if my mother comes over?
You can't get up and get a job
'Cause this little hustle's getting you by
You're the dealer and the stoner with the sweetest kiss I've ever known
I know what I was on, I had a Pilot Jones (what you know about him?)
She took me high (oh, did she now?)
Then she took me home (you talkin' 'bout?)
Pilot Jones, Pilot Jones
Tonight she came stumblin' across my lawn again
I just don't know why I keep on tryin' to keep a grown woman sober
See there you go reachin' up your blouse and no I don't want a child
But I ain't been touched in a while by the dealer
And the stoner with the sweetest kiss I've ever known
I knew what I was on (ever known), I had a Pilot Jones (we'll fly, fly, fly)
(What you know about love?)
She took me high ('til we can't fly)
(Oh, did she now?)
Then she took me home (talkin' 'bout?)
Pilot Jones, Pilot Jones
In the sky up above, the birds
I saw the sky like I never seen before
You thought I was above you
Above this in so many ways
But if I got a condo on a cloud
Then I guess you can stay at my place
Ooh-ooh, I'ma get one
Mm-hmm, I need ya
I admit it
You're my Pilot Jones
The song Pilot Jones by Frank Ocean is a melancholic yet insightful piece that delves into the experience of a man in a dysfunctional relationship. The opening lines of the song, where Frank Ocean sings about how he and his partner used to share more than just the refrigerator, alludes to the fact that the couple’s bond has slowly but surely eroded over time. He discusses her drug habits and her casual attitude towards life, and how it’s led to strain on their love. Frank tries to make sense of why he is still invested in someone who is not taking responsibility for their lives, indicating how addiction and love can addle one's sense of reason.
The recurring theme of the song is the character of Pilot Jones who is an allusion to the drug supplier and escapism who is enabling the relationship to continue despite the pitfalls of addiction. She is the ‘sweetest kiss I've ever known’ and he knows the danger of being addicted to the high she provides, yet he cannot resist her pull. The song’s message is a commentary on addiction to love and drugs and the manner in which they can consume one's life. It’s about the hollowness of a relationship that is built on addictive vices and how it erodes other aspects of one's life.
Line by Line Meaning
We once had things in common
We used to share interests and similarities
Now the only thing we share is the refrigerator
We have nothing in common except for the shared use of a refrigerator
Ice cold, baby, I told you, I'm ice cold (ice cold!)
I am emotionally detached and distant from you
You out here flyin' high (high!)
You are living life recklessly and irresponsibly
Go head, fly that thing!
Do what you want and take risks regardless of the consequences
But fly alone
I won't be by your side for the journey
You always smokin' in the house
You smoke indoors, which is inconvenient and disrespectful
What if my mother comes over?
Your behavior may cause problems if my mother visits
You can't get up and get a job
You are unmotivated to work
Cause this little hustle's getting you by
Your current lifestyle is being sustained by some shady, probably illegal enterprise
You're the dealer and the stoner with the sweetest kiss around
You are both the provider and consumer of illicit substances, and are physically affectionate with me
I know what I was on, I had a Pilot Jones
I was under the influence of drugs provided by Pilot Jones
She took me high, then she took me home
Pilot Jones gave me drugs and sex
Tonight she came stumblin' across my lawn again
Pilot Jones showed up unannounced and visibly intoxicated
I just don't know why I keep on tryin' to keep a grown woman sober
I am attempting to control Pilot Jones's behavior, which is futile and frustrating
See there you go reachin' up your blouse and no I don't want a child
You are making sexual advances towards me, which I do not want to reciprocate
But I ain't been touched in a while by the dealer
I haven't had any physical affection from Pilot Jones in some time
And the stoner with the sweetest kiss I've ever known
You are both my drug dealer and someone I am romantically attracted to
In the sky up above, the birds
I am looking up at the sky, feeling free and unburdened
I saw the sky like I never seen before
The beauty of the sky is striking and new to me
You thought I was above you
You believed I was superior to you, but that's not true
Above this in so many ways
I have advantages and opportunities that you do not
But if I got a condo on a cloud
If I had unimaginable wealth and power
Then I guess you can stay at my place
I would let you into my world, despite our differences
Ooh I'ma get one
I aspire to great wealth and success
I need ya
Despite our differences, I still have feelings for you
Admit it
Confess that you still have feelings for me too
You're my Pilot Jones
I am emotionally attached to you, even though you provide me with drugs
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Robert Shea Taylor, Christopher Breaux
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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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.