Oceans

Jay-Z, Frank Ocean

About Oceans

"Oceans" is a song by American rapper Jay-Z recorded for his twelfth studio album Magna Carta Holy Grail. The song features American singer Frank Ocean and was produced by Pharrell Williams, with additional production from Timbaland. The song has peaked at number 83 on the U. S. Billboard Hot 100.


Year:
2013
3:57
425 
#2

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Blessings, blessings yeah

I see elephant tusk on the bow of a sailing lady
Docked on the Ivory Coast
Mercedes in a row winding down the road
I hope my black skin don't dirt this white tuxedo
Before the Basquiat show and if so
Well f*ck it, f*ck it
Because this water drown my family
This water mixed my blood
This water tells my story
This water knows it all
Go ahead and spill some champagne in the water
Go ahead and watch the sun blaze
On the waves of the ocean

Dope boy still smelling like cocaina
White boat, white robe
Can he be more cleaner
The oil spill that BP ain't clean up
I'm anti-Santa Maria
Only Christopher we acknowledge is Wallace
I don't even like Washingtons in my pocket
Black card go hard when I'm shopping
Boat dock in front of Hermes picking cotton
Silk and fleeces, lay on my Jesus
Oh my God, I hope y'all don't get seasick
See me in shit you never saw
If it wasn't for these pictures they wouldn't see me at all
Aww, whole world's in awe
I crash through glass ceilings, I break through closed doors
I'm on the ocean, I'm in heaven
Yachting, Ocean 11

Elephant tusk on the bow of a sailing lady
Docked on the Ivory Coast
Mercedes in a row winding down the road
I hope my black skin don't dirt this white tuxedo
Before the Basquiat show and if so
Well f*ck it, f*ck it
Because this water drown my family
This water mixed my blood
This water tells my story
This water knows it all
Go ahead and spill some champagne in the water
Go ahead and watch the sun blaze
On the waves of the ocean

Me and Ty Ty is like Pablo and Popeye
Winding dirt roads on mopeds spilling Opus
Welcome to the magnum opus
The Magna Carta
The best-selling author Decoded
On the holiday playing "Strange Fruit"
If I'mma make it to a billi I can't take the same route
Swoosh, that's the sound of the border
Swoosh, and that's the sound of a baller
Muhammad Hovi my back against the rope
The black Maybach, I'm back inside the boat
Shepard Fairey they finally gave me some hope
Can't believe they got a nigga to vote
Democrat, nope, I sold dope
In trouble waters I had to learn how to float
On the ocean, I'm in heaven
Yachting, Ocean 11

Elephant tusk on the bow of a sailing lady
Docked on the Ivory Coast
Mercedes in a row winding down the road
I hope my black skin don't dirt this white tuxedo
Before the Basquiat show and if so
Well f*ck it, f*ck it
Because this water drown my family
This water mixed my blood
This water tells my story
This water knows it all
Go ahead and spill some champagne in the water
Go ahead and watch the sun blaze
On the waves of the ocean

 Struggling with Oceans? Become a better singer in 30 days with these videos!


Jay-Z

Shawn Corey Carter (born December 4, 1969), better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America. In 2012, Forbes estimated Carter's net worth at nearly $500 million. He has sold approximately 50 million albums worldwide, while receiving fourteen Grammy Awards for his musical work, and numerous additional nominations. He is consistently ranked as one of the greatest rappers of all-time. He was ranked #1 by MTV in their list of The Greatest MCs of All-Time in 2006. Two of his albums, Reasonable Doubt (1996) and The Blueprint (2001) are considered landmarks in the genre with both of them being ranked in Rolling S… more »

6 fans

Written by: Christopher Breaux, Pharrell Williams, Shawn Carter

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Artist Background
"Oceans" is a song by American rapper, songwriter, and record executive Jay-Z, also known as Shawn Corey Carter. He is considered one of the most influential hip-hop artists and is a 23-time Grammy award winner.
Album History
The song "Oceans" was released as part of Jay-Z's 12th studio album "Magna Carta... Holy Grail" in July 2013.
Collaborations
The song features vocals from the acclaimed American singer, Frank Ocean. Despite the matching name, there is no relation between Ocean and the title of the song.
Song Themes
"Oceans" discusses themes of success, wealth, and stereotypes, which are often featured in Jay-Z's songs. It draws parallels between African slaves' historical journey across the Atlantic and Jay-Z's personal journey from poverty to affluence.
Cinematic Influence
The song sounds cinematic with dramatic strings and horn lines, influenced partly by Frank Ocean's input into the song.
Production Credits
"Oceans" was produced by Pharrell Williams, a renowned singer, songwriter, and producer himself. His signature style of production is evident in the mix of soulful, emo-rap, and orchestral sounds.
Alignment with Historical Events
The timing of the song's release was significant, as it was released in 2013 to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, which is a decree issued by President Abraham Lincoln freeing slaves in the Confederate-held territories.
Versatility of Use
Due to its deep and compelling lyrics, "Oceans" was not only celebrated for its musicality but also used in academic spaces to discuss the historical context and significant societal issues.
Writing Credits
Along with Jay-Z and Frank Ocean, the song had additional writing credits from several renowned musicians, including Pharrell Williams and Timbaland.
Song Success
"Oceans" received positive reviews from music critics and was celebrated as a highlight in Jay-Z's discography. Despite not being released as a single, it still charted on the Billboard 100 charts, showing Jay-Z's immense popularity and influence.

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