Almost everyone knows Frank Ocean, as he is widely considered one of the greatest artists of our time, specifically his track “Self Control” from his famous album “Blonde,” released in 2016. The song explores a variety of themes, from love to loss and a deep self-reflection. So, let’s take a deep dive into the song and see what makes this song stand out.
Lyrics: Listeners are brought to a place of vulnerability by the lyrics, allowing them to feel their emotions on a deeper level. Whether you just went through a breakup or have loved or are still in-love, there are relatable lyrics in this song. The storytelling in this song is poetic and makes the listener want to explore their inner feelings. In the lyrics, Ocean explores the complexities of a previous relationship and the desire for self-control in light of lingering feelings.
“Wish I was there, wish we’d grown up on the same advice, and our time was right”
Frank Ocean
In my opinion, these lyrics are the most memorable. It explains how, although you might love someone, childhood trauma or morals you learned growing up might differ. Wishing that both of you received similar guidance in your upbringing and that shared perspectives might have led to a positive outcome in their relationship.
“Our time was right” suggests a missed opportunity or regret regarding the timing of your connection. As a result, a lasting relationship was not made possible by the circumstances or the timing. There are many themes in the song “Self Control” that can be found in this line, including reflection, yearning, and the desire for a different outcome.
Emotions: The song captures what it feels like to let go of someone you love. The feeling of heartache and the struggle to not reach out. Frank Ocean produced raw and emotional lyrics, which allowed the listener to have a genuine connection with the song. His lyrics “its nothing, its nothing” near the end of the song convey how you try to convince yourself you do not care anymore about someone even when you are hurting. It is hard not to reminisce about past lovers when listening to this song.
Vocals: The haunting vocals that Frank Ocean uses in this song draw the listener into the song’s emotional landscape. The layered vocals at the end of the song singing, “I know you gotta leave,” creates the sensation that you are immersed in the song as if the listener is surrounded by a chorus of voices echoing the same feeling. The sensation of voices in your head surrounding you and convincing you to leave captures the inner turmoil that often accompanies difficult decisions in matters of the heart.
Melody: The melody is almost like you are dreaming and creates a sense of nostalgia and melancholy. The slowness of the melody allows you to relax and reflect on emotions you may be feeling. There are not many instruments in this song, which allows Ocean’s voice to be the main focus and take the spotlight in the song.
In summary, the lyrical depth, emotional resonance, and artistic innovation of Frank Ocean’s “Self Control” make it a beautifully crafted song. Music like this is a testament to Frank Ocean’s artistry and his ability to leave a lasting impression on listeners.