Lyrically, the track is about a relationship just out of his reach and the turmoil that ensues. The track also explores feelings of regret and heartbreak. The song received highly positive reviews from music critics, who praised the atmospheric production, Ocean's falsetto and writing ability. Some critics noted the possible bisexual undertones featured on the track (as stated above, however, the song was initially intended as a demo version of a song for a female singer, Bridget Kelly). Complex magazine named it the fourth best track of 2011.
In September 2012, the song peaked at position 32 on the Billboard Hot 100, 117 on the UK Singles Chart, and 13 on the Heatseekers Songs chart. In 2011, the song received a music video directed by visual art group High5Collective released on September 15. Ocean appears in the violent clip revolving around an inter-dimensional love story and zombies. Ocean performed the track during his seven-show tour through North America and Europe in November 2011, at the April 2012 Coachella Musical Festival, and his supporting tour for Channel Orange. "Thinkin Bout You" has been certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America, for shipments of 500,000 copies in the United States.
Thinking About You
Frank Ocean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Excuse the mess it made, it usually doesn't rain
In Southern California, much like Arizona
My eyes don't shed tears, but, boy, they bawl
When I'm thinkin' 'bout you
(Ooh, no, no, no)
I've been thinkin' 'bout you
I've been thinkin' 'bout you
Do you think about me still?
Do ya, do ya?
Or do you not think so far ahead? (Ahead)
'Cause I been thinkin' 'bout forever (Oooh, oooh)
Or do you not think so far ahead? (Ahead)
'Cause I been thinkin' 'bout forever (Oooh, oooh)
No, I don't like you, I just thought you were cool
Enough to kick it
Got a beach house I could sell you in Idaho
Since you think I don't love you, I just thought you were cute
That's why I kiss you
Got a fighter jet, I don't get fly it, though
I'm lyin' down thinkin' 'bout you
(Ooh, no, no, no)
I've been thinkin' 'bout you
(You know, know, know)
I've been thinkin' 'bout you
Do you think about me still?
Do ya, do ya?
Or do you not think so far ahead? (Ahead)
'Cause I been thinkin' 'bout forever (Oooh, oooh)
Or do you not think so far ahead? (Ahead)
'Cause I been thinkin' 'bout forever (Oooh, oooh)
Yes, of course
I remember, how could I forget?
How you feel?
And though you were my first time
A new feel
It won't ever get old, not in my soul
Not in my spirit, keep it alive
We'll go down this road
'Til it turns from color to black and white
Or do you not think so far ahead? (Ahead)
'Cause I been thinkin' 'bout forever (Oooh, oooh)
Or do you not think so far ahead? (Ahead)
'Cause I been thinkin' 'bout forever (Oooh, oooh)
The first part of the song talks about how the singer's room was in chaos before the arrival of someone special to him. He apologizes for the mess in his room and explains that it doesn't usually rain where he comes from. Then he mentions that his eyes do not shed tears, but instead they bawl, which is an interesting contradiction. He is trying to convey that he is not vulnerable and that he is not the kind of person who is easily moved to tears. However, the second part of the song reveals his true feelings towards the person he's thinking about. He confesses that he thinks about them all the time and questions if they think about him too. He wonders if this person can see a future with him, and if they can't, he wants to know why.
The bridge of the song seems to be a conversation between the two people involved. The singer mentions how he will always remember his first time with this person and how the feeling of being with them will never grow old. His love for them will always be alive and will never fade away. The song ends with the singer questioning again if the person he's thinking about thinks of him too and if they can see a future with him.
Line by Line Meaning
A tornado flew around my room before you came
My life was full of chaos and destruction before you came into it.
Excuse the mess it made, it usually doesn't rain
Sorry for the mess, my life is not usually this way.
In Southern California, much like Arizona
I live in Southern California which is similar to Arizona.
My eyes don't shed tears, but, boy, they bawl
I don't cry often, but when I do, I cry a lot.
When I'm thinkin' 'bout you
I constantly think about you.
(Ooh, no, no, no)
Expressing the intensity of the thought by using interjection.
I've been thinkin' 'bout you
I've been thinking of you all the time.
(You know, know, know)
Stressing the fact that the person knows about it already.
Do you think about me still?
Do you also think about me like I do about you?
Do ya, do ya?
Asking the question again for emphasis.
Or do you not think so far ahead? (Ahead)
Do you not think about long-term commitment like I do?
'Cause I been thinkin' 'bout forever (Oooh, oooh)
I have been thinking about being with you forever.
No, I don't like you, I just thought you were cool
I don't have a crush on you, but I found you interesting.
Enough to kick it
Enough to spend time with you.
Got a beach house I could sell you in Idaho
I am well-off financially and I can offer to sell you a house.
Since you think I don't love you, I just thought you were cute
I don't think you love me, but I found you physically attractive.
That's why I kiss you
That's why I initiate physical intimacy with you.
Got a fighter jet, I don't get fly it, though
I am affluent enough to own a fighter jet, but I can't fly it.
I'm lyin' down thinkin' 'bout you
I am currently lying down, and still thinking about you.
Yes, of course
Affirming agreement to something.
I remember, how could I forget?
Recollecting something and acknowledging its importance, indicating the thing is unforgettable.
How you feel?
Asking the person about their feelings.
And though you were my first time
Even though you were my first intimate encounter.
A new feel
A different and unique experience, different from anything experienced before.
It won't ever get old, not in my soul
The feeling won't lose its charm, it will stay fresh forever.
Not in my spirit, keep it alive
The feeling won't fade away, it will stay alive within me.
We'll go down this road
We will together continue on this path.
'Til it turns from color to black and white
Until the vibrancy of our relationship fades away into something dull and lifeless.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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.