When Frank Ocean released his thought-provoking but perpetually baffling visual album "Endless" last Thursday, followed by a music video and several pop-up shops, I was ecstatic. Perhaps it was not the sequel to the unparalleled "Channel Orange" that I had so desperately hoped for, but "Endless" was intriguing enough. Driven by smooth transitions and synesthetic fervor, Ocean's vocals proved to be otherworldly, relying on faint falsettos and pondering lyrics. I was content.
Two days later Frank Ocean surprised us once again by releasing "Blonde," his second studio album, exclusively on Apple Music and the iTunes store. Accrediting a long list of impressive musical influences—everyone from Stevie Wonder to Kendrick Lamar to Jonny Greenwood—"Blonde" immediately established itself as one of the more important albums of the year. Music fans everywhere rejoiced and almost instantaneously, the album rose to the top of the charts.
Blonde is an eclectic culmination of artistic risks, mirroring Ocean's transformation from a singer to a true artist. Drawing inspiration from gospel music and sampling string arrangements from rock melodies, "Blonde" reads as a sort of diary, filled with fragmented and unfinished thoughts. Consistently moody and sad, Frank Ocean's lyrics reflect on his younger self, contemplating his many downfalls in love, his bisexuality, and also the fear of the future and growing old.
And so here, these are 14 song lyrics from "Blonde" that will give you all the feels.
1. "Skyline To”
It begins to blur, we get older
Summer’s not as long as it used to be
Let's face it: we're growing old. As much as we'd like to, we can't stay in summer for the rest of eternity.
2. “Solo”
It’s hell on earth and the city’s on fire
Inhale, in hell there’s heaven
There’s a bull and a matador dueling in the sky
Inhale, in hell there’s heaven
We seek refuge in things that can destroy us. A beautiful and chilling chaos.
3. "Ivy"
I thought that I was dreaming when you said you love me
I don't think anyone forgets the first time they were told 'I love you.' Or the moment they realize they can say it back.
4. “Nikes”
I may be younger but I’ll look after you
We’re not in love but I’ll make love to you
When you’re not here I’ll save some for you
I’m not him but I’ll mean something to you
One of the best lines in the album, this perfectly encapsulates a blurry unconditional love between friends who are really more than just friends.
5. “White Ferrari”
I’m sure we’re taller in another dimension
You say we’re small and not worth the mention
Trying to hold on when the other person has already let go.
6. “Godspeed”
There will be mountains you won’t move
Still I’ll always be there for you
Like a true gospel, these words evoke a sense of spirituality, urging the listener to trust in God's work.
7. “Good Guy”
I know you don’t need me right now
And to you it’s just a late night out
We are disillusioned by the concept of love because nowadays, no one really wants to be in love.
8. “Nights”
Every night fucks every day up
Every day patches the night up
A beautifully poignant lyric alluding to Ocean's own struggles. The day heals the wounds of yesterday night, only for them to be "f-cked" up again when the sun sets.
9. “Solo”
I brought trees to blow through, but it’s just me and no you
Stayed up ‘til my phone died, smoking big, rolling solo
We deal with our loneliness passively, waiting all night for a text or call we're not going to receive instead of making the first move.
10. “Self-Control”
Keep a place for me, for me
I’ll sleep between y’all, it’s nothing
Desperately wanting to be a part of someone's life but they're happy without you.
11. “Ivy”
I broke your heart last week
You’ll probably feel better by the weekend
Not so much as love, but a bitter infatuation.
12. “Close to You”
I will be honest, I wasn’t devastated
But you could’ve held my hand through this, baby
Is it bad to seek comfort from those who have hurt you?
13. “Nights”
Shut the fuck up, I don’t want your conversation
Rolling marijuana, that’s a cheap vacation
Sometimes it's better to numb everything before trying to feel again.
14. “Ivy”
It’s quite alright to hate me now
When we both know that deep down
The feeling still deep down is good
Easy to hate, but easy to fall in love with all over again.
