Analysis of 'Self Control' by Frank Ocean

Study Notes

"Self Control" by Frank Ocean is a song exploring themes of lost love, longing, and the struggle with self-control.
The lyrics present a narrative of two individuals who once shared a bond but have drifted apart.

The speaker pleads for their lost love to "keep a place for [them]"
"I'll sleep between y'all, it's nothing" suggests the speaker is willing to endure discomfort to be close to their love interest.

"Noses on a rail" is a metaphor suggesting a voyeuristic or intrusive observation of the past.
"Little virgin wears the white" alludes to innocence and purity, possibly referencing a past image of the loved one.
"You cut your hair but you used to live a blonded life" contrasts the present with the past, highlighting a change in the loved one—the "blonded life" likely symbolizes a happier time together.
"Wish I was there, wish we'd grown up on the same advice" expresses a desire for shared experiences and parallel paths.
"Our time was right" is a nostalgic reminder of a moment that has passed.
"Now and then you miss it, sounds make you cry" depicts the lasting impact of the lost connection.
"Some nights you dance with tears in your eyes" portrays the painful emotions experienced due to the separation.
"I came to visit, 'cause you see me like a UFO" emphasizes the speaker's alien-like presence in the loved one's life, suggesting a sense of estrangement.
"That's like never" underscores the rarity of the connection between the speaker and the loved one.

Tone: The song's tone shifts between longing, regret, and a touch of desperation.
Mood: The overall mood is melancholic and reflective, hinting at a sense of loss and the lingering impact of its consequences.
Shift: The shift occurs as the speaker moves from reminiscing about the past and expressing their yearning in the earlier verses to acknowledging their impact on the other person's actions in the later verses.

The theme of "Self Control" centers around the complexities of relationships, loss, and the struggle to regain control after experiencing a change in dynamics.
The song explores the power of memories, the lingering impact of the past, and the delicate balance between yearning for what was and accepting the present.