“Self Control” by Frank Ocean

The lyrics of Frank Ocean’s “Self Control” see him addressing an ex. Indeed this individual has already moved on to a new lover. However, feelings still exist between the two of them. So the title of this track is based on their mutual ideology of “self control”. 

That is to say that considering these two individuals have apparently moved on from their romance, their goal is to refrain from getting intimate with each other. However, they are failing to live up to this ideal. Indeed the song even concludes with Frank pleading with the addressee to be with him “just tonight”.

And ultimately, despite the two of them – on a surface level – no longer desiring to be with each other, in actuality they are having a hard time staying apart. But all things considered, it would seem that the other person is more intent on moving on than Frank is.

Indeed it has been postulated that this is song is based on Frank lamenting the dissolution of their relationship more than anything else. But that being said, it is inherently obvious that what he misses the most about their romance was the physical-intimacy aspect.

“Now and then you miss it, sounds make you cry
Some nights you dance with tears in your eyes
I came to visit, ’cause you see me like a UFO
That’s like never
‘Cause I made you use your self-control
And you made me lose my self-control”

Autobiographical Lyrics

In a 2016 interview with The New York Times, Frank Ocean revealed that the lyrics of “Self Control” are autobiographical. According to him, he penned this song about a former lover of his. Below is Frank’s full statement about the meaning of “Self Control”:

Release Date of “Self Control”

Boys Don’t Cry (Frank’s label) released “Self Control” as part of his album Blonde on 20 August 2016.

Writing and Production

This song was written by Frank Ocean. He also co-produced it along with music producers: John Brion and Malay.

Track’s Additional Vocals

Swedish rapper Yung Lean and American singer Austin Feinstein provide uncredited, additional vocals on this track.