FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE IN FRANK OCEAN ALBUM BLONDE

Gilang Restu Ramadhan

[email protected]
Lecturer :
Hj. Ida Zuraida, S.S., M.Pd
[email protected]
English Department, Faculty of Languages, Universitas Widyatama, Indonesia

Abstract
This research paper focuses on analyzing the usage of figurative language in Frank Ocean's
album “Blonde.” It presents comprehensive data, definitions, and information pertaining to the
figurative language used in the album. The paper explores the literal meanings conveyed by the
figurative language and elucidates its significance in the context of the album's thematic
elements. Methodologically, this paper outlines the steps used in conducting the analysis,
utilizing descriptive analysis and qualitative methods. By comparing the figurative and literal
meanings, the study highlights the distinctions between them, providing readers with a deeper
understanding of Frank's artistic expression. The findings reveal that figurative language
permeates the album, enabling Frank to convey complex emotions, introspection, and personal
experiences. The research further demonstrates that Frank uses various figurative devices,
including metaphors, similes, personification, and symbolism, to create a rich and layered lyrical
landscape. This analysis underscores the importance of figurative language in shaping the
album's poetic depth and artistic impact. By unraveling the intricacies of the figurative language
in “Blonde,” this research sheds light on Frank Ocean's mastery as a wordsmith and invites
further exploration of the album's profound artistic merits.

Keywords : figurative language, blonde, expression, lyrical landscape, wordsmith, artistic

I. INTRODUCTION
Figurative language, whether encountered in written works, spoken word, or melodic
compositions, serves as a bridge between the artist's intention and the recipient's understanding.
By using metaphors and other figurative devices, Frank deftly navigates the realm of poetic
expression, inviting his audience to explore and interpret his music in a myriad of ways. Through
this nuanced approach, he elevates the album “Blonde” beyond mere words and melodies,
transforming it into an immersive experience that resonates deeply with his listeners. In
exploring the captivating world of Frank Ocean's album “Blonde,” we are immersed in a realm
where figurative language reigns supreme. Just as in scientific works or any paper, the choice of
diction and words holds great significance. While some words possess a literal meaning that can
be grasped straightforwardly, others require an understanding of the context or expression being
used. In the realm of poetic artistry, such as in the works of Frank Ocean, figurative language
becomes a powerful tool for breathing life and expression into the lyrics, enabling readers and
listeners to truly feel the essence of the album.
Within the poetic landscape of “Blonde,” metaphors and other forms of figurative language
abound, working harmoniously to convey messages indirectly. Through the intricate interplay of
words, Frank crafts a tapestry of emotions and ideas, inviting his audience to engage with the
music on a deeper, more intimate level. From the ebb and flow of his verses to the evocative
imagery woven into his songs, figurative language becomes the vessel through which Frank
shares his narrative, allowing listeners to perceive and interpret his lyrics in unique and profound
ways. Figurative language, synonymous with metaphorical expressions, permeates various forms
of writing and oratory, encompassing speeches, songs, and, of course, poetry. Writers and
speakers often harness the power of figurative language to communicate messages indirectly,
providing an alternative perspective for interpretation. This creative approach enables the
audience to grasp the intended meaning in a manner that transcends traditional modes of
comprehension, fostering a deeper connection between the creator and the recipient.

II. METHODS

Descriptive qualitative method is used to examine the types of figurative language present in
Frank Ocean's album “Blonde.” The research involves a detailed description and analysis of the
figurative language used throughout the album's songs. The selected data source for this research
is Frank Ocean's album “Blonde.” The album consists of various tracks, including “Pink +
White,” “White Ferrari,” “Self Control,” “Seigfried,” “Godspeed,” “Skyline To,” “Solo.” The
researcher listens to the songs and closely examines the lyrics to identify instances of figurative
language. The data collection process involves listening to the songs, transcribing the lyrics, and
classifying each instance of figurative language found. After identifying the occurrences of
figurative language in the data source, the research proceeds to analyze and categorize the types
of figurative language present. McArthur's theory of figurative language (1992) is utilized for
this purpose.
III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Table 1. Types of Figurative Language and Occurrences Found in studio album by Frank Ocean
- Blonde (2016) with 7 selected songs
No. Figurative Language Number of occurrences Percentage
1 Alliterarion 1
2 Anaphora 1
3 Hyperbole 5
4 Imaginary 3
5 Irony 3
6 Metaphor 21
7 Personification 11
8 Repetition 4
9 Simile 3
10 Symbolism 7
Total 59

After analyzed the data, for the first research question it was answered that there were
found 59 (fifty nine). McArthur (1992) proposed fourteen types of figurative language;
Alliteration, Anaphora, Hyperbole, Imaginary, Irony, Metaphor, Personification, Repetition,
Simile and Symbolism. In the selected songs from studio album by Frank Ocean – Blonde
(2016), it was found ten types of figurative languages.

Data 1
In “Pink + White” adds depth to the lyrics and allows for subjective interpretation. It explores
themes of love, transcendence, and the complexity of emotions. The figurative language invites
listeners to engage with the imagery and symbolism, evoking their own emotions and
interpretations. “Pink” and “white” symbolize different aspects or emotions. Pink may represent
tenderness, affection, or youthfulness, while white may symbolize purity, innocence, or
transcendence.
“You showed me love, glory from above, regard my dear it’s all downhill from here”
This line uses the phrase “glory from above” as a metaphor for the feeling of being loved. It
suggests that the experience of love is divine, elevating and transcendent. The affection Frank
receives from his lover is perceived as “Glory from above,” or from God, but the feeling can’t
last for mere mortals.
“That's the way everyday goes”
This line uses the phrase “everyday goes” figuratively to convey the notion that life follows a
certain rhythm or pattern. It implies that life has its own flow and continuity, with ups and
downs, and that one must accept and adapt to its changes.
“Up for air from the swimming pool”
This line employs the phrase “up for air” as a metaphorical expression for taking a break or
seeking relief. It implies that he needed a moment of respite from the intensity of their
experiences, symbolized by the swimming pool.

Data 2
“White Ferrari” by Frank Ocean is a song that describes a car ride with a lover. The song is rich
in figurative language techniques that help to convey the emotions and experiences of young
love. The color white is used as a metaphor for purity and virginity, while the fast car represents
the raging hormones of teenagers.
In the line “Bad luck to talk on these rides” uses superstition as a metaphor for the relationship,
implying that talking about their feelings could bring bad luck. The line “Mind on the road, your
dilated eyes watch the clouds float” uses personification to describe the dilated eyes as if they are
watching the clouds.
The line “That's just a slow body,” which uses synecdoche to refer to the person's entire being as
just their physical body. The line “Mind over matter is magic, I do magic” uses repetition and
alliteration to emphasize the importance of mindset.
“I'm sure we're taller in another dimension” This hyperbolic statement suggests the idea that
there are other realms or possibilities where he and the subject of the song can be more
significant or fulfilled.
“It's just a skull, least that's what they call it” uses metaphor to describe the human skull as just a
physical object, this line uses irony to question the notion of identity and existence. While the
line “And we're free to roam” uses personification to describe the freedom they feel.

Data 3
In Frank Ocean's song “Self Control”, the lyrics are rich with figurative language techniques that
add depth and emotion to the song. The song is about a relationship that is slowly falling apart,
and the lyrics are autobiographical.
Frank uses metaphor when he says “I'll be the boyfriend in your wet dreams tonight.” This line
compares himself to a dream figure, something that is not real but is desired. While in the line
“Wish I was there, wish we'd grown up on the same advice”, he uses hyperbole to exaggerates
their desire to have shared the same experiences and received similar guidance while growing
up.
Frank uses personification when he says “Some nights, you dance with tears in your eyes.” Tears
do not have the ability to dance, but this line gives them human-like qualities. He also uses
simile when he compares himself to a UFO, saying “I came to visage 'cause you see me like a
UFO.” This comparison emphasizes how strange and otherworldly he feels to the person he is
addressing. Frank also uses personification when he says “Could I make you shy on the last
night?” it’s personifies the emotion of shyness, suggesting that he could have a significant impact
on the person's emotional state.
In the outro, Frank repeats the phrase “I know you gotta leave, leave, leave” multiple times,
which is an example of epistrophe. This repetition emphasizes the idea of leaving and the
sadness that comes with it. He says “Take down some summertime”, Symbolizing the passing of
time and the end of a season, possibly suggesting a temporary nature of a relationship or
experience.

Data 4
In “Seigfried,” Frank Ocean uses several figurative language techniques to convey his feelings of
being an outsider and his search for meaning. In the first verse, he uses imagery to describe the
flaws and unique qualities of a person, saying “The markings on your surface, your speckled
face, flawed crystals hang from your ears.” This imagery suggests that he values individuality
and imperfection. In the same verse, he uses a metaphor to describe his own feelings of isolation,
saying “I'd rather live outside, I'd rather chip my pride than lose my mind out here.” This
metaphor suggests that he would rather be true to himself and his values than conform to societal
expectations.
In the second verse, Frank uses repetition to emphasize his desire to live outside of societal
norms, saying “I'd rather live outside” multiple times. He also uses a simile to describe his
feelings of being disconnected from his own life, saying “I'm living in an idea, an idea from
another man's mind.” This simile suggests that he feels like he is living someone else's life, rather
than his own. “I'd rather go to jail, I've tried hell”, he exaggerates their willingness to go to
extreme lengths, using hyperbole to emphasize their aversion to certain situations.
In the third verse, Frank uses allusion to reference the Norse hero Siegfried, who is often
depicted as a handsome and brave warrior. By saying “I'm not brave,” Frank contrasts his own
beliefs and traits with those of Siegfried's traditional masculinity. He also uses metaphor to
describe his search for meaning, saying “Dreaming a thought that could dream about a thought,
that could think of the dreamer that thought, that could think of dreaming and getting a glimmer
of God.” This metaphor suggests that he is searching for a deeper understanding of himself and
the world around him. Frank uses irony when he says “This is not my life / It's just a fond
farewell to a friend”, The ironic statement suggests that his life is not what they expected or
desired, and they are bidding farewell to their previous expectations or illusions.

Data 5
In Frank Ocean's song “Godspeed,” the figurative language techniques used include metaphor
and personification. In the verse, the line “The table is prepared for you” is a metaphor for the
idea that everything is ready and waiting for the person he is addressing. The line “There will be
mountains you won't move” is also a metaphor for the challenges and obstacles that the person
may face in life. The personification is seen in the line “Silence in the ears, darkness of the
mind,” where silence and darkness are given human qualities. The repetition of the line “This
love will keep us through blinding of the eyes, silence in the ears, darkness of the mind” in the
bridge is an example of anaphora, which emphasizes the importance of the message
Frank uses hyperbole in the line “You'll look down on where you came from sometimes” , this
exaggerated statement suggests a sense of progress or achievement, implying that the person may
outgrow their past circumstances. “Wishing you godspeed, glory”, the term “godspeed” alludes
to the phrase often used to wish someone success and good fortune on a journey or endeavor. It
implies his desire for the person he loves to have a prosperous and fulfilling life. He
metaphorically represents releasing a prayer for someone, suggesting a sense of surrender and
wishing them well when he says “Let go of a prayer for you”.

Data 6
Frank Ocean uses several figurative language techniques to convey his message about the
fleeting nature of time and the importance of cherishing the present moment in “Skyline To”.
Starting with “This is joy, this is summer” Frank metaphorically associated with summer, and joy
suggesting that his current state of happiness resembles the carefree and vibrant feeling of
summer. Continues with “That's a pretty long third gear in this car” He use metaphor, length of
the third gear is used metaphorically to express the passage of time, emphasizing how quickly it
feels like time has passed.
He compares the passing of time to a fast-moving object, emphasizing how quickly time seems
to fly in the line “That's a pretty fast year flew by.”, and the line is a metaphor. He use
personification in the line “Solstice ain't as far as it used to be.” Here, Frank Ocean gives the
solstice human-like qualities by suggesting that it has moved closer to us, further emphasizing
the idea that time is passing quickly. Frank Ocean also uses imagery throughout the song to
create vivid pictures in the listener's mind. For example, in the lines “The deer run across, kill the
headlights / Pretty much, underneath moonlight now,” Frank Ocean paints a picture of a car
driving at night, with deer running across the road and the moon shining down on the scene.
With the line “Making sweet love, takin' time 'Til God strikes us” He use personification to
emphasizing the act of God striking the couple is personified, giving it human characteristics
and suggesting a sense of urgency or imminent ending.

Data 7
In Frank Ocean's song “Solo,” the lyrics are rich with figurative language techniques. In the first
verse, Frank uses personification when he says “Form me a circle, watch my Jagger,” giving
human qualities to the circle. He also uses metaphor when he says “Might lose my jacket and hit
a solo,” comparing his jacket to a burden that he can shed to perform a solo dance. In the chorus,
Frank uses oxymoron when he says “Inhale, in hell, there's heaven,” combining two
contradictory ideas to create a paradoxical effect. He also uses metaphor when he says “There's a
bull and a matador dueling in the sky,” comparing the sky to a bullfighting arena.
He uses metaphor when he says “White leaf on my boxers, green leaf turn to vapors for the low,”
comparing the leaves to drugs. Frank uses hyperbole in the line “We too loud in public, them
police turned down the function” The exaggeration of being “too loud” implies that their actions
have attracted attention and led to the intervention of the police. “My eyes like them red lights,
right now, I prefer yellow” Emphasizing of symbolism, the red lights symbolize caution, while
the preference for yellow lights represents a desire for taking risks and living more freely. “Even
love ain't, 'cause this nut cost, that clinic killed my soul” This line uses irony to suggest that even
the act of love and intimacy comes with consequences and can lead to emotional pain.

IV. CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the analyzed songs by Frank Ocean demonstrate his masterful use of figurative
language techniques to convey deep emotions, explore complex themes, and add layers of
meaning to his lyrics. Through metaphors, he compares abstract concepts to tangible objects or
experiences, inviting listeners to engage with his music on a deeper level. Personification
breathes life into inanimate objects or abstract concepts, infusing them with human qualities and
evoking strong imagery. Hyperbole and exaggeration heighten the impact of his messages,
emphasizing the intensity of emotions or experiences. Additionally, he employs repetition,
alliteration, and other rhetorical devices to create rhythm and emphasize key themes in his songs.
The lyrics of “Pink + White” delve into themes of love, transcendence, and the ebb and flow of
life. The metaphors and figurative language used in this song invite listeners to explore their own
interpretations and emotions. In “White Ferrari,” Frank Ocean uses figurative language to depict
young love and the intense emotions associated with it. The lyrics employ metaphors,
personification, and synecdoche to convey the complexities of relationships and the search for
meaning. “Self Control” explores the gradual dissolution of a relationship, with Frank Ocean
using metaphors, hyperbole, and personification to evoke deep emotions and reflections on the
past. “Seigfried” delves into feelings of alienation and the search for personal identity,
employing imagery, metaphor, and irony to convey his introspective journey. “Godspeed” uses
metaphor, personification, and hyperbole to convey messages of love, growth, and good wishes
for the future. Finally, “Skyline To” captures the fleeting nature of time and the importance of
cherishing the present moment, using metaphor, personification, and imagery to evoke vivid
scenes and emotions. In “Solo,” Frank Ocean employs personification, metaphorand hyperbole
to explore themes of individuality, freedom, and the consequences of actions.
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