In light of his recent blog 'confession,' I really really think this song is about the relationship he was talking about in it. His first love. Frank said that the guy he was in love with wouldn't admit he had the same feelings when Frank told him how he felt.
I think the verses of this song are fragments of their conversations with each other.
Like, this verse is the guy's response after Frank's confession:
"No, I don't like you, I just thought you were cool enough to kick it"
"Since you think I don't love you, I just thought you were cute
That's why I kiss you"
And this verse is Frank's response to the guy after he admits he feels the same way years later. Or I don't know, could still be from the guy's point of view...once they see each other again. .... I haven't decided:
"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"
Frank is an inspiration. Incredibly talented.... And I now have an even greater respect for him and his courage to say what he said and speak straight from the heart.
This is strictly hypothetical. So I apologize in advance but I'm wondering if there's something more about the line regarding "color to black & white"? Personally speaking for myself (And I am gay). Do you feel it also has to do with racial boundaries possibly preventing the relationship from going further.
This is strictly hypothetical. So I apologize in advance but I'm wondering if there's something more about the line regarding "color to black & white"? Personally speaking for myself (And I am gay). Do you feel it also has to do with racial boundaries possibly preventing the relationship from going further.
I apologize for the hypothetical analogy. I'm just so enamored with this song. I feel like there's a sense of alienation, even a quiet desperation or plea, yet somehow a sad resignation (maybe acceptance?) of the relationship not being able to go further due to some inane...
I apologize for the hypothetical analogy. I'm just so enamored with this song. I feel like there's a sense of alienation, even a quiet desperation or plea, yet somehow a sad resignation (maybe acceptance?) of the relationship not being able to go further due to some inane logic of boundaries. I'm babbling but please comment if you can. Or tell me I'm being an idiot. Thanks and take care.
mwanteroon, you know I've actually also thought about what you said about the line "Til it turns from color to black and white" and whether it was a race thing.
mwanteroon, you know I've actually also thought about what you said about the line "Til it turns from color to black and white" and whether it was a race thing.
It could also be just a way of him saying that he wished things were simpler, that it was more black and white and not the complicated relationship they have.
It could also be just a way of him saying that he wished things were simpler, that it was more black and white and not the complicated relationship they have.
And I don't really know why but I kind of feel like the guy in question is either white or hispanic. Maybe it's that line that planted that thought in my brain, idk. I also have it in...
And I don't really know why but I kind of feel like the guy in question is either white or hispanic. Maybe it's that line that planted that thought in my brain, idk. I also have it in my mind that the guy is/was in the military. There are like 3 different songs that allude to the military in some way, including this one (the fighter jet line).
I don't know, I've just been listening to Channel Orange constantly since it dropped and this is the shit I think about lol
@ Lilybear Thanks. It is an amazing album. The reason I bring it up is the lyric itself has so many meanings behind it. Not only does it construe the dissolving of a relationship but also how the relationship will become a memory. To even the issues that precluded the relationship dissolving and the acceptance that it went as far as it could. To even a standard of social topics that would drive the relationship to never work. Whether from racial standpoints as a whole. Or by the fact the two individuals differ in opinions about certain aspects dealing w/...
@ Lilybear Thanks. It is an amazing album. The reason I bring it up is the lyric itself has so many meanings behind it. Not only does it construe the dissolving of a relationship but also how the relationship will become a memory. To even the issues that precluded the relationship dissolving and the acceptance that it went as far as it could. To even a standard of social topics that would drive the relationship to never work. Whether from racial standpoints as a whole. Or by the fact the two individuals differ in opinions about certain aspects dealing w/ each other. Hence, the "Black and White" reference alluding to going down the same road. Ever and ever.
It is a beautiful, powerful song. And I have to say that Frank Ocean, AKA Christopher Breaux, is an amazing, profound poet who literally opened his heart to everyone. And you can clearly see, hear and feel it in his songs. Brilliant talent IMO.
Agreed! I kinda think he was still in the closet when he wrote about this, and didn't know what to do with his feelings for this mysterious man. The line: "We'll go down this road til it turns from color to black and white" - my interpretation of that is, "colour" (rainbow, gay pride) to black and white ("straight") .. he's still dealing with his feelings and thinks that maybe he can get over what he presumes is a phase of some sort.
Agreed! I kinda think he was still in the closet when he wrote about this, and didn't know what to do with his feelings for this mysterious man. The line: "We'll go down this road til it turns from color to black and white" - my interpretation of that is, "colour" (rainbow, gay pride) to black and white ("straight") .. he's still dealing with his feelings and thinks that maybe he can get over what he presumes is a phase of some sort.
Damn, I love reading everyone's thoughts on these lyrics. It's really interesting.
Damn, I love reading everyone's thoughts on these lyrics. It's really interesting.
Oh, and btw mwantero, you asked in your first response if you think that the 'black and white' line has to do with racial boundaries preventing the relationship from going further. I don't think that's the kind of thing that would stop either of them from being together if being together is what they both wanted. Bigotry against bi-racial relationships is sooo last century... an OF member wouldn't care about that :P
Oh, and btw mwantero, you asked in your first response if you think that the 'black and white' line has to do with racial boundaries preventing the relationship from going further. I don't think that's the kind of thing that would stop either of them from being together if being together is what they both wanted. Bigotry against bi-racial relationships is sooo last century... an OF member wouldn't care about that :P
It's about us still not being able to reach a point in history where people can...
It's about us still not being able to reach a point in history where people can just love whoever they want without any social repercussions. Two men can't love each other openly because it's not socially acceptable, ESPECIALLY in the hip hop community.... It sucks.
mwantero in response to your question about the color to black and white line, it seems to me that he's saying that his memory of what he felt for his first love is never going to leave him, it's just going to become a more and more distant memory until it's so far away it seems "black and white." But it will always remain an inseparable part of him, all of those emotions that he felt have left their mark, all the highs and the lows.
mwantero in response to your question about the color to black and white line, it seems to me that he's saying that his memory of what he felt for his first love is never going to leave him, it's just going to become a more and more distant memory until it's so far away it seems "black and white." But it will always remain an inseparable part of him, all of those emotions that he felt have left their mark, all the highs and the lows.
In light of his recent blog 'confession,' I really really think this song is about the relationship he was talking about in it. His first love. Frank said that the guy he was in love with wouldn't admit he had the same feelings when Frank told him how he felt.
I think the verses of this song are fragments of their conversations with each other.
Like, this verse is the guy's response after Frank's confession: "No, I don't like you, I just thought you were cool enough to kick it" "Since you think I don't love you, I just thought you were cute That's why I kiss you"
And this verse is Frank's response to the guy after he admits he feels the same way years later. Or I don't know, could still be from the guy's point of view...once they see each other again. .... I haven't decided: "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"
Frank is an inspiration. Incredibly talented.... And I now have an even greater respect for him and his courage to say what he said and speak straight from the heart.
What I'm talking about: http://frankocean.tumblr.com/post/26473798723
I agree! When he came out, the song finally made sense to me. It definitely felt like it was about a man vs. a woman that he's talking about.
I agree! When he came out, the song finally made sense to me. It definitely felt like it was about a man vs. a woman that he's talking about.
This is strictly hypothetical. So I apologize in advance but I'm wondering if there's something more about the line regarding "color to black & white"? Personally speaking for myself (And I am gay). Do you feel it also has to do with racial boundaries possibly preventing the relationship from going further.
This is strictly hypothetical. So I apologize in advance but I'm wondering if there's something more about the line regarding "color to black & white"? Personally speaking for myself (And I am gay). Do you feel it also has to do with racial boundaries possibly preventing the relationship from going further.
I apologize for the hypothetical analogy. I'm just so enamored with this song. I feel like there's a sense of alienation, even a quiet desperation or plea, yet somehow a sad resignation (maybe acceptance?) of the relationship not being able to go further due to some inane...
I apologize for the hypothetical analogy. I'm just so enamored with this song. I feel like there's a sense of alienation, even a quiet desperation or plea, yet somehow a sad resignation (maybe acceptance?) of the relationship not being able to go further due to some inane logic of boundaries. I'm babbling but please comment if you can. Or tell me I'm being an idiot. Thanks and take care.
mwanteroon, you know I've actually also thought about what you said about the line "Til it turns from color to black and white" and whether it was a race thing.
mwanteroon, you know I've actually also thought about what you said about the line "Til it turns from color to black and white" and whether it was a race thing.
It could also be just a way of him saying that he wished things were simpler, that it was more black and white and not the complicated relationship they have.
It could also be just a way of him saying that he wished things were simpler, that it was more black and white and not the complicated relationship they have.
And I don't really know why but I kind of feel like the guy in question is either white or hispanic. Maybe it's that line that planted that thought in my brain, idk. I also have it in...
And I don't really know why but I kind of feel like the guy in question is either white or hispanic. Maybe it's that line that planted that thought in my brain, idk. I also have it in my mind that the guy is/was in the military. There are like 3 different songs that allude to the military in some way, including this one (the fighter jet line).
I don't know, I've just been listening to Channel Orange constantly since it dropped and this is the shit I think about lol
@ Lilybear Thanks. It is an amazing album. The reason I bring it up is the lyric itself has so many meanings behind it. Not only does it construe the dissolving of a relationship but also how the relationship will become a memory. To even the issues that precluded the relationship dissolving and the acceptance that it went as far as it could. To even a standard of social topics that would drive the relationship to never work. Whether from racial standpoints as a whole. Or by the fact the two individuals differ in opinions about certain aspects dealing w/...
@ Lilybear Thanks. It is an amazing album. The reason I bring it up is the lyric itself has so many meanings behind it. Not only does it construe the dissolving of a relationship but also how the relationship will become a memory. To even the issues that precluded the relationship dissolving and the acceptance that it went as far as it could. To even a standard of social topics that would drive the relationship to never work. Whether from racial standpoints as a whole. Or by the fact the two individuals differ in opinions about certain aspects dealing w/ each other. Hence, the "Black and White" reference alluding to going down the same road. Ever and ever.
It is a beautiful, powerful song. And I have to say that Frank Ocean, AKA Christopher Breaux, is an amazing, profound poet who literally opened his heart to everyone. And you can clearly see, hear and feel it in his songs. Brilliant talent IMO.
Agreed! I kinda think he was still in the closet when he wrote about this, and didn't know what to do with his feelings for this mysterious man. The line: "We'll go down this road til it turns from color to black and white" - my interpretation of that is, "colour" (rainbow, gay pride) to black and white ("straight") .. he's still dealing with his feelings and thinks that maybe he can get over what he presumes is a phase of some sort.
Agreed! I kinda think he was still in the closet when he wrote about this, and didn't know what to do with his feelings for this mysterious man. The line: "We'll go down this road til it turns from color to black and white" - my interpretation of that is, "colour" (rainbow, gay pride) to black and white ("straight") .. he's still dealing with his feelings and thinks that maybe he can get over what he presumes is a phase of some sort.
Damn, I love reading everyone's thoughts on these lyrics. It's really interesting.
Damn, I love reading everyone's thoughts on these lyrics. It's really interesting.
Oh, and btw mwantero, you asked in your first response if you think that the 'black and white' line has to do with racial boundaries preventing the relationship from going further. I don't think that's the kind of thing that would stop either of them from being together if being together is what they both wanted. Bigotry against bi-racial relationships is sooo last century... an OF member wouldn't care about that :P
Oh, and btw mwantero, you asked in your first response if you think that the 'black and white' line has to do with racial boundaries preventing the relationship from going further. I don't think that's the kind of thing that would stop either of them from being together if being together is what they both wanted. Bigotry against bi-racial relationships is sooo last century... an OF member wouldn't care about that :P
It's about us still not being able to reach a point in history where people can...
It's about us still not being able to reach a point in history where people can just love whoever they want without any social repercussions. Two men can't love each other openly because it's not socially acceptable, ESPECIALLY in the hip hop community.... It sucks.
This is why what he's saying is so important.
mwantero in response to your question about the color to black and white line, it seems to me that he's saying that his memory of what he felt for his first love is never going to leave him, it's just going to become a more and more distant memory until it's so far away it seems "black and white." But it will always remain an inseparable part of him, all of those emotions that he felt have left their mark, all the highs and the lows.
mwantero in response to your question about the color to black and white line, it seems to me that he's saying that his memory of what he felt for his first love is never going to leave him, it's just going to become a more and more distant memory until it's so far away it seems "black and white." But it will always remain an inseparable part of him, all of those emotions that he felt have left their mark, all the highs and the lows.
Excellent post, I never thought of parts of the lyrics being from the opposite side!
Excellent post, I never thought of parts of the lyrics being from the opposite side!