Private Show
Frank Ocean Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Yeah, bring an amp up here
Let me plug my guitar in
I wanna play for you baby can you hear me?
Oh, it's a sold out crowd
I'm kind of nervous
And they yellin' my name out
Can you hear 'em?
Oh, oh, oh
Oh, I would cancel if I could (woah, oh, oh)
Oh, oh, oh
You said if I loved you then I would

Make it a private show, intimate affair
Sitting in the front row, only ones here
Said you want a private show
Said you want a private show
If you want a private show
Doors are closin', doors are closin'
Doors are closin'
Private show, intimate affair
Dancing in the front row, only one here
Said you want a private show
Said you want a private show and you want a
VIP, backstage pass and all that
VIP, backstage pass and all that

I really love my fans
So we gotta move quickly
And once I finish here
Don't shout out encore
You can sing along to my songs, and then
Then I'll applaud you, and then




Oh, oh, oh
Oh, I would cancel if I could (woah, oh, oh)
Oh, oh, oh
You said if I loved you then I would

Make it a private show, intimate affair
Sitting in the front row, only ones here
Said you want a private show
Said you want a private show
If you want a private show
Doors are closin', doors are closin'
Doors are closin'
Private show, intimate affair
Dancing in the front row, only one here
Said you want a private show
Said you want a private show and you want a
VIP, backstage pass and all that
VIP, backstage pass and all that

Live so much better than the radio
Bet-bet-better than the radio
Live so much better than the radio
Bet-bet-better than the radio
Live so much better than the radio
Bet-bet-better than the radio
Live so much better, live so much better

Private show, intimate affair
Sitting in the front row, only ones here
Said you want a private show
Said you want a private show
If you want a private show
Doors are closin', doors are closin'
Doors are closin'
Private show, intimate affair
Dancing in the front row, only one here
Said you want a private show
Said you want a private show and you want a
VIP, backstage pass and all that
VIP, backstage pass and all that

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Frank Ocean's song "Private Show" depict a desire for intimacy and exclusivity in a relationship. The song begins with Frank expressing his desire to play his guitar for his partner, creating a private and personal moment between them. He acknowledges the nervousness he feels as he performs in front of a sold-out crowd, but his partner's presence gives him the confidence to continue.


The chorus emphasizes the idea of a private show, indicating that the couple wants to focus solely on each other without any distractions. They want to be the only ones present, sitting in the front row, and experiencing an intimate affair. The repetition of "Doors are closin'" suggests that they want to shut out the outside world and revel in their exclusive connection.


The second verse reveals Frank's genuine love for his fans but emphasizes the importance of his partner within that context. He acknowledges the need to move quickly, still valuing his fans' support, but prioritizing his partner's desire for a private experience. The mention of not shouting out an encore showcases his dedication to his partner and the private moment they are sharing.


In the bridge, Frank highlights the superiority of experiencing a live performance over listening to recordings on the radio. He emphasizes that being present in the moment, experiencing the energy of a live show, is far better than any mediated experience.


Line by Line Meaning

Yeah, bring an amp up here
I need to set up my equipment to perform


Let me plug my guitar in
I want to connect my guitar to the amplifier


I wanna play for you baby can you hear me?
I want to perform a song for you, hoping you can hear and enjoy it


Oh, it's a sold out crowd
There are no more tickets available for this performance, the venue is full


I'm kind of nervous
I feel anxious and worried about the upcoming performance


And they yellin' my name out
The audience is loudly calling my name in excitement and anticipation


Can you hear 'em?
Can you listen to the enthusiastic screams and shouts from the crowd?


Oh, oh, oh
Expressing a sense of frustration or distress


Oh, I would cancel if I could (woah, oh, oh)
I wish I could cancel this performance


You said if I loved you then I would
You are implying that my love for you is measured by my willingness to perform


Make it a private show, intimate affair
I want this performance to be exclusive and personal


Sitting in the front row, only ones here
We would be the only ones present, enjoying the performance from the best seats


Said you want a private show
You expressed your desire for an exclusive performance


Doors are closin', doors are closin'
The opportunity for a private show is coming to an end


Private show, intimate affair
An exclusive performance, focused on creating a personal connection


Dancing in the front row, only one here
We would be the only ones dancing in the front row, creating a special moment


Said you want a private show and you want a
You reiterated your desire for a private show and added another request


VIP, backstage pass and all that
You want a VIP experience, including access to backstage areas and additional perks


I really love my fans
I have a deep affection for my supporters


So we gotta move quickly
We need to proceed at a fast pace


And once I finish here
Once this performance concludes


Don't shout out encore
Please don't request an additional performance


You can sing along to my songs, and then
Feel free to join and sing along with me during my songs, and then...


Then I'll applaud you, and then
I will show my appreciation for your participation by applauding you


Live so much better than the radio
The live experience of my music is far superior to what you hear on the radio


Bet-bet-better than the radio
Definitely better than what you hear on the radio


VIP, backstage pass and all that
You still want the VIP treatment and access to backstage areas




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@sincereflowers3218

Dropped some of the best sounding R&B we’ve heard in years and then dipped. Legend.

@nunyabidness1401

His brother died. But yes you are right. Hopefully he returns

@peterhiggins9832

It’s not r and b

@princessleech999

honestly as much as i’d love some new music from him, he can never drop again and i would never get tired of his current discography

@A_RatherSillyCarspotter2

@@peterhiggins9832pretty sure it is but Alr

@jesusluna2428

Bro lost his lil bro he don’t wanna deal with fans and I don’t blame him, may his brothers soul rest in peace

@massivemastiff9

@@deadheaduderbro, I totally agree bro

@jamest1334

@@deadheaduder BRO IKR BRO! THAT SHITS CRAZY BRO!

@IAmLeutrimTopalli

@@deadheaduderbro, you don’t even get it bro ski, when’s the last time you talked to your bros? Do you even brother? Ttyl broseph

@UltraInstinctLuffy

@@deadheaduder Bro, you took the words right out of my mouth bro

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