Facts about “Wise Man (Final)” by Frank Ocean

Frank Ocean’s “Wise Man” presents rich, layered lyrics that navigate through themes of existentialism, human nature, moral dichotomies, and societal norms. The song also emphasizes the transient and perishable nature of human life, dissecting variances of human character and morality.

Verse 1

In this verse, Ocean reflects on different archetypal personalities or behaviors and disputes their standalone existence. He alludes that the categorizations like wise, bad, good, strong, weak, etc., don’t holistically define any human being. These labels are paradoxical because humans are far too complex to be distilled down to a single characteristic or moral directionality.

Refrain

The recurring refrain: “But your mother would be proud of you” might invoke a universal condition where, regardless of one’s actions or character, a mother’s love and pride often remain unshaken. It could also suggest societal expectations, where one’s actions, whether inherently good or bad, can still be a source of pride based on socially prescribed norms.

Verse 2

Ocean talks about the inevitability of death and decay, metaphorically depicting life’s cycle through the image of a beast dying and becoming sustenance for other creatures. The vanity (“too vain”) of clinging to possessions or triumphs (“claimed all you could hold”) is juxtaposed with the inevitable end (“until death did you part from the mess you made”), indicating that in death, materialistic and ego-driven pursuits lose relevance.

Bridge

Here, evolution and survival instincts come into play. Frank speaks on the primal nature of beings, hinting at perhaps how essentialism (hearts pumping blood, lungs breathing air) is more intrinsic than moral dichotomies. The sentiments could symbolize a necessary, innate self-preservation instinct, whilst also highlighting an innate coldness (“You’re my brother but your eyes are cold”) and void (“You’re my sister but your womb is bare”) that can exist within familial and social relations.

Outro

Frank brings back the contradictions and non-existential beliefs from Verse 1, closing the song with the assertion that no absolute, singularly defined human trait or moral stands in isolation. All beings are, in essence, “just flesh and blood,” susceptible to varied emotions, actions, and moral choices.

“Wise Man” becomes a philosophical exploration, offering deep contemplation about the moral spectrum, love, survival, and the inherent nature of humans. It opens a dialogue about existential questions and reflections on morality, the inevitability of decay, and the simplistic essentiality of existence, making it a song that lingers with listeners long after its culmination.

Facts about “Wise Man”

Below are some intriguing facets of the song and artist:

Created for a Movie: “Wise Man” was originally written for the soundtrack of Quentin Tarantino’s film “Django Unchained.” However, it didn’t make it to the final cut.

Tarantino’s Praise: Although the song was not used in “Django Unchained,” Tarantino praised it and publicly stated that he was a fan of Frank Ocean’s work.

Independent Release: Despite not being used in the movie, Frank Ocean released “Wise Man” independently on his Tumblr page, demonstrating his dedication to sharing his creations with fans regardless of the platform.

Fan and Critic Favourite: Although it’s not officially released on streaming platforms, “Wise Man” has been widely appreciated by both fans and critics for its emotional depth and Frank’s vocal performance.

Lyrical Depth: The song brings forth a philosophical perspective, with lyrics that delve into deeper life meaning, making it one of Frank Ocean’s more intellectually stimulating pieces.

Live Performances: “Wise Man” has occasionally been a part of Frank Ocean’s live performance setlists, where it’s often met with a powerful audience response due to its emotive lyrical content and melody.

Influence: The song has been cited in various publications and platforms discussing its impactful lyrics and melody, signaling its influence despite not being part of an album or major soundtrack.

Artistic Integrity: Frank’s decision to release the track even after it wasn’t included in the film reflects his artistic integrity and the significance he places on his creations.