The meaning of Thinkin Bout You by Frank Ocean

Frank Ocean’s track 'Thinkin Bout You' is not just an R&B anthem but a timeless song filled with raw emotion and compelling storytelling. On a surface level, the track could be seen as a simple love song; however, a deeper look would reveal it is much more than that.

When looking at music, it often helps to hear it from the artist's perspective. It helps to understand Frank Ocean and his experiences in order to genuinely comprehend the lyrics and their meaning. With Ocean's acknowledgement of his past romantic relationship with a man, the lyrics of 'Thinkin Bout You' maybe construed as a reflection on his feelings towards this man.

The very first line of the song, “A tornado flew around my room before you came, excuse the mess it made," paints a turbulent mental state before his lover’s arrival. These opening words and proceeding lines effortlessly convey the chaos and turmoil that overwhelms Ocean's thoughts when he is alone. This not only frames the emotional impact of their relationship but also raises questions about what caused the turmoil.

Then, Ocean hits the listener with a poignant question, "Do you not think so far ahead?" He's directly addressing his lover, trying to understand if they ever envision a future as he does. It reflects the insecurity that can come from unbalanced feelings in a relationship, and this sentiment only becomes more pronounced as the song progresses.

As the song evolves, Ocean dives deeper into his emotions towards his past lover. In the bizarre yet touching falsetto chorus, he belts "Cause I've been thinkin' bout forever." While the line might seem like common lyric, in context it implies Ocean’s romantic longing and yearning for permanence that was not fulfilled.

Towards the end of the song, Frank Ocean poignantly reflects, "Yes, of course I remember, how could I forget?". This line emphasizes the lasting impact of the relationship on his consciousness. Ocean is candidly expressing hurt and loss here, he’s insinuating how hard it is to forget someone you deeply cared about but who didn’t care for you the same way.

In conclusion, 'Thinkin Bout You" is not your typical love song. At its core, it is a ballad of unrequited love with a universal resounding theme. Frank Ocean tenderly opens his heart, delivering listeners an honest portrayal of his feelings from a past relationship. The song employs an intriguing mix of imagery, metaphors, and introspective queries that lead listeners on Ocean's personal journey of love, loss, and longing. 'Thinkin Bout You' demonstrates Ocean’s storytelling prowess, leaving a lasting impression and evoking empathy in listeners worldwide.