We All Try

Ok, this song pisses me off. I think Rolling Stone magazine says that Frank Ocean writes lyrics that are subtly intellectual, separating him from the pack. This is supposed to be subtle? Come on. This isn't even a social statement. It's a string of unrelated moral mumbo jumbo which is brought together by a chorus that attempts to salvage the song by claiming that it is about the importance of faith, be it in something spiritual or in something secular (which I think is a very good message). The verse, however, has nothing to do with that message. It's stubborn, pointed, and self-righteous. Example 1: "I believe a woman's temple gives her the right to chose, but baby don't abort." Translation: "I suppose I can't argue with a woman's natural right, but let it be known that if you do decide to exercise that right, I'm going to be an ass about it and judge you as morally inferior."

The other lines, although not as appalling to me as the one above, are merely isolated opinions, aimed perhaps at attracting a wide fan-base of people who agree with most, or at least some, of the statements he makes. To "I believe in heaven," "I don't believe in time travel," "I don't believe our nation's flag is on the moon," etc all I can think of in response is "cool story bro." Enough of this self-centered movement in rap lyrics.

Then there are lines like "I believe in war." Well then, Mr. Ocean, start disbelieving in Heaven, cause those two are not compatible. To say that you believe in war is... beyond abominable. Sadistic. Perhaps you believe that war is inevitable, but that is different. I sincerely hope that this was a mis-worded line.