Meaning of Memrise by Frank Ocean

In Frank Ocean's mesmerizing track, "Memrise," the artist delves into a multitude of themes, creating an intricate tapestry of emotions and ideas. The overall theme of the song appears to be memory, as suggested by the repetitive lyrics in the chorus: "Memorize, Memorize, Memorize." However, beneath the surface, the song explores deeper concepts such as vulnerability, emotional intimacy, and the fleeting nature of human connection.One standout lyric that embodies vulnerability is "Never look down, never let you see me down." Here, Ocean emphasizes the importance of maintaining a façade and not showing weakness to others. This theme of concealing true emotions highlights the fear of being judged or rejected by others. It serves as a reminder that vulnerability is often a difficult choice, requiring courage and trust.Another significant lyric focuses on memory and the power it holds. "I memorized your body exposed, I can fuck you all night long from a memory alone." Through these words, Ocean expresses the profound impact that memory has on his connection with another person. Despite physical absence, the memory of a lover's body is potent enough to ignite intense desire and replicate the experience itself.The line "Don't go plastic on me" delves into the theme of authenticity and the fear of losing genuine connections. By cautioning against becoming artificial or superficial, Ocean emphasizes the importance of remaining true to oneself and others. This lyric serves as a reminder that genuine connections require authenticity and depth, something that can easily be lost in a world focused on appearances.The song also touches on the transient nature of human relationships. Ocean sings, "Nothing's set in stone, you're not dipped in gold." These words imply that relationships are not fixed or permanent. Just as gold can be tarnished or diminished, human connections are subject to change. This lyric highlights the fragility of relationships and prompts reflection on appreciating and cherishing the moments we have.The closing lines, "You are not on paper, you are not a copy" express the unique and irreplaceable nature of an individual. This lyric encourages embracing one's individuality and rejecting the societal pressure to conform or become a carbon copy of others. It emphasizes the beauty of authenticity and the importance of differentiating oneself from the masses.Altogether, "Memrise" beautifully weaves together various themes that revolve around memory, vulnerability, authenticity, transience, and individuality. Frank Ocean's introspective exploration invites listeners into a world of raw emotions and thought-provoking ideas. The song urges us to reflect on the intricacies of human connections, the power of memory, and the profound effect they have on our lives.