Meaning of Best Seller by Frank Ocean

In the enchanting song "Best Seller" by Frank Ocean, the overall theme revolves around the protection of a precious and intimate love story. It expresses the desire to shield this love from public scrutiny and commercialization. The lyrics, with their poignant metaphors and heartfelt expressions, explore various themes that contribute to the song's overarching message.One standout lyric that showcases the theme is, "I got a love for my ink, it's like tear stains all over my diary pages." Here, the ink symbolizes the emotions and memories that make up the love story. The tear stains imply the raw vulnerability contained within these written words. This theme explores the idea that love, especially one that is deeply personal and cherished, can be incredibly intimate and fragile.Another standout lyric that develops the theme is, "We don't need the pub, no awards, and no reviews, I'm sure the critics that read it won't have a clue." This line highlights the disdain for external validation and recognition. It suggests that the love story is so profound that it surpasses the need for societal approval or praise. This theme explores the notion that true love transcends superficial standards and does not rely on the opinions of others.Furthermore, the lyric, "If this got into the hands of those who stood against us, they'd try to develop an alternate ending for the tale," speaks to the fear of external interference or manipulation. It implies that outside forces may attempt to distort or rewrite the story to suit their own agendas. This theme delves into the idea that preserving the purity of love requires guarding it against external influences that may seek to undermine or exploit it.Additionally, the refrain of "Don't try to make it a best-seller" reinforces the overarching theme. It underscores the desire to protect the love story from commercialization and mass consumption. This theme explores the inherent value of intimacy and the vulnerability that comes with sharing personal narratives.Overall, "Best Seller" delves into the profound nuances of love, emphasizing the need to safeguard and preserve intimate moments from public scrutiny and manipulation. Through vivid metaphors and heartfelt sentiments, the song celebrates the beauty of love while cautioning against the potential exploitation that may accompany its exposure. It serves as a reminder that the true essence of love lies within its purity and authenticity, and that its value should never be determined by external measures of success.