He uses the extended metaphor of Sierra Leone’s “pink skies” to refer to his the girl’s vagina and womb, all the while discussing maturing in the face of impending parenthood. Whilst he’s an aloof and irresponsible “teenager” at the start of the track, he’s a seemingly responsible father figure by the close.
Though the story is fictional, this kind of emotional maturity holds special weight for Frank – his own father left his family when he was five years old, leaving him without this kind of upbringing.
The spoken and sung call-and-response may be a homage to Marvin Gaye’s 1971 track “Save the Children.”
Sierra Leone
Frank Ocean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Spendin' too much time alone
(And I just ran outta Trojans)
Horses gallop to her throne
(We were behaving like teenagers)
Yes, we're behaving like teenagers
(Makin' less than minimum wage)
Still inside our parents' homes
(No I don't live in Denver)
No I don't live in Denver
(I grew up in Sierra Leone)
And her pink skies will keep me warm
Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone
Tid bits of intuition that I be gettin' abandon admission
Abandon mission, you must be kiddin', this shit feelin' different
Shit feelin' too good to me
Glistening, shimmerin' underneath the sunlight, the sunlight
And a new day will bring about the dawn
And a new day will bring another cryin' babe into the world
(Girl now)
Our daughter's reachin' for the nipple cause it's time for her to eat
Tonight I'll lay her in the cradle if it's time for go to sleep
I sing a Lennon lullaby, she can have a pretty dream
Baby girl if you knew what I know, knew what I know
Na, na na, na na, na
Na, na na, na na, na
The opening lyrics of Frank Ocean's 'Sierra Leone', "I was spending too much time alone/And I just ran out of Trojans" depicts a situation where two people, who behave like teenagers, are experiencing an intimate moment. They have found themselves in a situation where they are running out of condoms, which expresses their impulsiveness and lack of control. In the following lines "Horses gallop to her throne/Yes, we're behaving like teenagers/Making less than minimum wage/Still inside our parents' homes", the song refers to the two people being young and not in stable economic positions that are not self-sufficient. These lines are a commentary on the struggles of young people who are expected to be independent, yet have to live in their parents' homes and earn minimum wage.
The chorus of the song "Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone/And her pink skies will keep me warm" is an ode to the West African country, Sierra Leone, where Frank Ocean's father was born. The pink skies describe the warmth and comfort he experiences in his thoughts while thinking about Sierra Leone. The second verse of the song, "Tidbits of intuition that I be getting abandon admission/Abandon mission, you must be kidding, this shit feeling different/Shit feeling too good to me/Glistening, shimmering underneath the sunlight, the sunlight", talks about Frank's realization taking over his senses. He evokes serenity and blissfulness he’s experiencing through his relationship, and the excitement he feels creates this "glistening, shimmering" sensation in his body.
Line by Line Meaning
Spendin' too much time alone
I was isolating myself from others for too long.
Horses gallop to her throne
She has a powerful presence that demands respect.
Yes, we're behaving like teenagers
We are acting impulsively and irresponsibly like teenagers.
Still inside our parents' homes
We haven't moved out of our childhood homes yet.
No I don't live in Denver
I don't live in Denver.
And her pink skies will keep me warm
Her bright and colorful outlook on life will bring me comfort.
Sierra Leone
A place that holds significant meaning to me.
Tid bits of intuition that I be gettin' abandon admission
I have a strong sense of intuition that I ignore.
Abandon mission, you must be kiddin', this shit feelin' different
I can't give up on this mission because it feels too important and different.
Shit feelin' too good to me
I'm experiencing something that feels too good to be true.
Glistening, shimmerin' underneath the sunlight, the sunlight
She shines and glows in the sunlight and makes me happy.
And a new day will bring another cryin' babe into the world
A new day represents the birth of a new life and new beginnings.
Our daughter's reachin' for the nipple cause it's time for her to eat
Our child is hungry and needs to be fed.
Tonight I'll lay her in the cradle if it's time for go to sleep
I'll put our child to bed if she's tired.
I sing a Lennon lullaby, she can have a pretty dream
I sing a peaceful song to help our child fall asleep and dream happily.
Baby girl if you knew what I know, knew what I know
Our child would be even happier if she knew what I know.
Na, na na, na na, na
Repeating rhyme with no specific meaning.
Na, na na, na na, na
Repeating rhyme with no specific meaning.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: James Ryan Wuihun Ho, 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.