The 5th track off of Frank’s visual project "Endless", “Unity” hosts a slow… Read Full Bio ↴The 5th track off of Frank’s visual project "Endless", “Unity” hosts a slow, melodic, chilled out beat and features Ocean rapping for the majority of the track.

The song begins at 8:08 and ends at 10:53. It’s immediately followed by “Ambience One – In A Certain Way,” which serves as a kind of short outro for the track.

Unity
Frank Ocean Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

My hands fatigued and off the opus
Kept it underground, I focus
I feel afterlife, 6 under oath, don't want no hokus pokus
Niggas tryna go pop I draw contact
With my facemask
Nothin' but, nothin' but net
Is you Roger or Novak?
You still are no match, you get no rematch

Boy, you missed your moment
Perusing the MoMA
I'm on on my lonely, burst in tears
On his shoulder and it's so cold 'cause he's sculptured
Where's the shaman ayahuasca
I whatsapp'd him for atonement
I never ever trust a pre-rolled
I never let a random motherfucker shoot the B-roll
I never ask advice from him 'cause what could he know?
Never fuck someone you wouldn't wanna be though
It forever seems like time's up
When we swerved in the Honda
Now forever seems like no time, I mean time flies when you have some
Both nuts weigh two pounds, all on your bitch like futons
My crew saved your crew like niggas came through with the groupons
Hit them with the grease now, couple fries and cholula
Ain't slowin' down, but you holdin' down
Whoever held you down
Whoever propped you up
Built your structures with you switch the buckets with ya, who was fuckin' with ya
Who was your brothers when you needed that?
When you see him now, he's a force black
Hail Mary on a fourth down
Hands to the sky

Yeah, peace to the holy, peace to the people that think they know me
Peace to Moschino, cover your ass, your rectum showing
Peace to the boys that we used to be though
Geto Boy North Face too cold on these hoes
Peace out to Willy B, Bushwick Billy and Face
Piece of steak grillin' in Jesus' name, speakin' his grace

Hands to the sky

U-N-I-T-Y
Neptunes and peace signs
Chiraq, Palestine life
Hyper built 1995, you'd think that was airstrikes on outside
I put refugees in my villa
Play kids the Fu-Gee-La
All this space Atlanta
Place order McMansion and two apple pies
I want the Porsche, a Bugatti design
Silicon Valley new venture is tits up
How do I crop your new bitch out my Vine
Signal lost, pay phone, that white light
Fat Burger, Jackal
El Chapo, defacto
El nacho, shell taco, crunch crackle

Green emerald
Pink diamonds like Apple Jackles

Overall Meaning

In "Unity," Frank Ocean discusses a variety of topics, offering his perspective on fame, trust, and personal growth. The lyrics open with a mention of his hands being fatigued and detached from his artistic work ("My hands fatigued and off the opus"). This could be seen as a metaphor for the pressures and expectations that come with success. He states that he keeps his work underground and stays focused, possibly indicating a desire to maintain authenticity and artistic integrity.

The mention of the afterlife and being "6 under oath" suggests a contemplation of mortality and the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of distractions ("don't want no hokus pokus"). Frank also critiques those who prioritize commercial success over artistic integrity ("Niggas tryna go pop I draw contact"). The mention of a facemask and the question of "Is you Roger or Novak?" could allude to hiding one's true intentions and identity, possibly referencing famous tennis players Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

Frank expresses a sense of isolation, shedding tears on someone's shoulder while feeling cold and sculptured. He references ayahuasca, a powerful hallucinogenic brew used for spiritual purposes, and seeks atonement through communication ("I whatsapp'd him for atonement"). He emphasizes the importance of trust and personal responsibility, advising against relying on pre-rolled opinions and cautioning against engaging with people who don't have your best interests at heart.

The second verse begins with a reflection on the fleeting nature of time and the unpredictability of life's moments. Frank juxtaposes the experience of fleeting moments in a Honda with the feeling of time standing still. He boasts about his crew's loyalty and support, highlighting their ability to save others like a group-buying coupon service ("My crew saved your crew like niggas came through with the groupons").

The lyrics then transition to expressing gratitude and acknowledging the individuals who have played significant roles in his life. He mentions peace to those who claim to know him, as well as a nod to the fashion brand Moschino. He pays homage to his past, peace to the people they used to be, and references Geto Boys and North Face, symbolizing his roots. Frank expresses thanks to figures such as Willoughby Avenue's Bushwick Billy and Face, followed by a humorous mention of grilling steak in Jesus' name.

The chorus brings the song's theme of unity to the forefront, with Frank spelling out "U-N-I-T-Y" and referencing the Neptunes, a production duo composed of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo. He also mentions Chiraq (a term used to refer to the violent reputation of Chicago) and Palestine, highlighting global issues.

To summarize, "Unity" explores Frank Ocean's thoughts on fame, personal growth, and the importance of staying true to oneself. He challenges the notion of chasing popularity and emphasizes the significance of trust, loyalty, and personal responsibility.

Line by Line Meaning

My hands fatigued and off the opus
I am tired and no longer focused on creating music

Kept it underground, I focus
I have stayed true to my style and have remained dedicated to my craft

I feel afterlife, 6 under oath, don't want no hokus pokus
I am aware of the consequences of my actions and do not want any deception or trickery

Niggas tryna go pop I draw contact
Others are trying to pursue mainstream success, but I prefer to maintain my artistic integrity

With my facemask
I keep my true identity hidden, allowing my work to speak for itself

Nothin' but, nothin' but net
My success is clean and without any flaws

Is you Roger or Novak?
Are you dependable and consistent like Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic?

You still are no match, you get no rematch
You are still inferior and will not have another chance to compete with me

Boy, you missed your moment
You have missed your opportunity for success

Perusing the MoMA
I am exploring my own artistic expression and seeking inspiration at the Museum of Modern Art

I'm on on my lonely, burst in tears
I am feeling isolated and overwhelmed, leading to emotional breakdowns

On his shoulder and it's so cold 'cause he's sculptured
I rely on others for support, but they are emotionally distant and unaffected

Where's the shaman ayahuasca
I am searching for spiritual guidance and healing through the hallucinogenic plant ayahuasca

I whatsapp'd him for atonement
I reached out to the shaman for forgiveness and redemption

I never ever trust a pre-rolled
I do not trust pre-made or predetermined paths in life

I never let a random motherfucker shoot the B-roll
I do not allow just anyone to contribute to my creative process

I never ask advice from him 'cause what could he know?
I do not seek advice from someone who lacks knowledge or understanding

Never fuck someone you wouldn't wanna be though
Do not engage in relationships or encounters that could bring negative consequences or regrets

It forever seems like time's up
I always feel like time is running out or that I am running out of opportunities

When we swerved in the Honda
When we were reckless and carefree in our younger days

Now forever seems like no time, I mean time flies when you have some
Now it feels like time passes quickly because I am enjoying and making the most of it

Both nuts weigh two pounds, all on your bitch like futons
I am confident and dominant, asserting my presence in someone's life

My crew saved your crew like niggas came through with the groupons
My group of friends or associates rescued or helped yours in a significant way

Hit them with the grease now, couple fries and cholula
I am making a swift and successful attack, adding some spicy flavor to the situation

Ain't slowin' down, but you holdin' down
I am not slowing my pace or progress, while you are trying to keep up or hold onto something

Whoever held you down
Whoever provided support and loyalty to you

Whoever propped you up
Whoever gave you encouragement or helped boost your status

Built your structures with you switch the buckets with ya, who was fuckin' with ya
Whoever helped you construct your successes and was truly there for you, even during challenging times

Who was your brothers when you needed that?
Who were your true friends and allies when you were in need?

When you see him now, he's a force black
When you encounter that person now, they are a powerful and influential figure

Hail Mary on a fourth down
A desperate attempt or prayer in a difficult or dire situation

Yeah, peace to the holy, peace to the people that think they know me
I extend my wishes for peace to those who believe they understand and can judge me

Peace to Moschino, cover your ass, your rectum showing
I acknowledge the fashion brand Moschino but also warn people to protect themselves from exposing their vulnerabilities

Peace to the boys that we used to be though
I express peace and nostalgia for the younger version of ourselves

Geto Boy North Face too cold on these hoes
I am confident and intimidating, wearing the coldness of the street brand Geto Boy and North Face clothing

Peace out to Willy B, Bushwick Billy and Face
I bid farewell to my friends from Willy B and Bushwick, including someone known as Billy and another referred to as Face

Piece of steak grillin' in Jesus' name, speakin' his grace
I share a piece of grilled steak, prepared in a way that brings honor to Jesus, and speak about his grace and blessings

U-N-I-T-Y
Unity

Neptunes and peace signs
References to the music production duo The Neptunes and the peace sign

Chiraq, Palestine life
Acknowledgment of the violence and struggle in Chicago (also known as Chiraq) and Palestine

Hyper built 1995, you'd think that was airstrikes on outside
A reference to the intense and chaotic atmosphere during the year 1995, with a comparison to airstrikes happening outside

I put refugees in my villa
I provide shelter and support to those displaced or seeking refuge

Play kids the Fu-Gee-La
I introduce and expose young individuals to the song 'Fu-Gee-La' by the Fugees

All this space Atlanta
Acknowledgment of the expansive and vibrant music scene in Atlanta

Place order McMansion and two apple pies
I humorously mention ordering a large house and some fast food pies

I want the Porsche, a Bugatti design
I desire to own a Porsche car with a design similar to that of a Bugatti

Silicon Valley new venture is tits up
A sarcastic remark about the failure of a new business venture in the Silicon Valley area

How do I crop your new bitch out my Vine
I am trying to remove or erase the presence of your new partner from my social media platform

Signal lost, pay phone, that white light
I have lost connection or communication, reminiscent of a pay phone booth illuminated by a white light

Fat Burger, Jackal
References to the fast food restaurant Fat Burger and the animal jackal, possibly implying cunning or trickery

El Chapo, defacto
Mentions the drug lord El Chapo and someone who holds a position of power or authority

El nacho, shell taco, crunch crackle
Playful references to Mexican cuisine, specifically nachos, shell tacos, and the sound they make when eaten

Green emerald
Mention of a green gemstone, possibly symbolizing wealth or luxury

Pink diamonds like Apple Jackles
Reference to pink diamonds, resembling the color of Apple Jackles cereal

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ADAM KING FEENEY, CHRISTOPHER BREAUX, STEVEN VIDAL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS