Swim Good

Frank Ocean

About Swim Good

"Swim Good" is a song by American singer Frank Ocean, released as the second single from his mixtape Nostalgia, Ultra (2011). The song was written by Ocean alongside producers Midi Mafia and Charles Gambetta. It features additional vocals by fellow Odd Future member Tyler, The Creator. The song explores the topic of romantic baggage, guilt and utilizes several metaphors. Lyrically, the song expresses a narrative about a man who, burdened with many failed relationships, ends his life by driving into the ocean. The track explores tropes of the tragic love story and suicide. The song received positive reviews from music critics, who praised Ocean's vocals and the song's dark subject matter. When Nostalgia, Ultra was expected to be released as an EP by Def Jam, "Swim Good" was released as the second single, though the EP release was later cancelled. The song peaked at number 70 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The song received a music video directed by Australian director Nabil Elderkin. The anime-inspired music video features Ocean driving down remote roads in a Samurai costume and eventually setting his car on fire. Ocean performed the track during his seven show tour through North America and Europe in November 2011 and other notable concerts such as Coachella. On July 31, 2012, the music video was nominated for three MTV Video Music Awards. 


Year:
2011
4:17
401 
#1

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That's a pretty big trunk on my Lincoln town car, ain't it?
Big enough to take these broken hearts and put 'em in it
Now I'm driving 'round on the boulevard, trunk bleeding
And every time the cops pull me over, they never see them
And I've got this black suit on
Roaming around like I'm ready for a funeral
Five more miles 'til the road runs out

I'm about to drive in the ocean
I'ma try to swim from something bigger than me
Kick off my shoes and swim good, and swim good
Take off this suit and swim good, and swim good, good

Got some pretty good beats on this 808 CD, yeah
Memory seats I'm sitting on stay heated
I woulda put tints on my windows but what's the difference
If I feel like a Ghost, no Swayze, ever since I lost my baby
I've had this black suit on
Roaming around like I'm ready for a funeral
One more mile 'til the road runs out

I'm about to drive in the ocean
I'ma try to swim from something bigger than me
Kick off my shoes and swim good, and swim good
Take off this suit and swim good, and swim good, good

I'm going off, don't try stopping me
I'm going off, don't try saving
No flares, no vest, and no fear
Waves are washing me (out)

I'm about to drive in the ocean
I'ma try to swim from something bigger than me
Kick off my shoes and swim good, and swim good
Take off this suit and swim good, and swim good, good

Don't die

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Frank Ocean

Christopher Francis Ocean (born Christopher Breaux; October 28, 1987), better known by his stage name Frank Ocean, is an American singer-songwriter from New Orleans, Louisiana. Ocean's early career was as a ghostwriter for artists such as Brandy, Justin Bieber, and John Legend. In 2010, he became a member of alternative hip hop collective OFWGKTA, and his debut mixtape, Nostalgia, Ultra, was released the following year to critical acclaim. He released two singles: "Novacane" and 'Swim Good", which both achieved chart success. The mixtape gained the interest of recording artists such as Kanye West, Beyoncé Knowles and Jay-Z, and he consequently appeared on West and Jay-Z's Watch the Throne album. more »

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Written by: Charles Gambetta, Christopher Breaux, Kevin Risto, Waynne Nugent

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Information
"Swim Good" is a song by American singer-songwriter Frank Ocean, released as a single from his mixtape, "Nostalgia, Ultra" in 2011.
Song Composition
The song, a fusion of pop and R&B, is unique for its narrative lyrics about Ocean's desire to run away from his past.
Chart Performance
Although it wasn't an immediate commercial success, "Swim Good" did chart in the United States and Canada. It reached #70 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
Music Video
The music video for "Swim Good" was directed by Australian director Nabil Elderkin, known for his work with artists like Kanye West. The video is notable for its symbolic representation of Ocean's burdens.
Grammy Nomination
"Swim Good" earned a nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 55th annual Grammy Awards in 2013.
Critical Acclaim
As with much of Frank Ocean's work, "Swim Good" enjoys widespread critical acclaim, with reviewers praising its storytelling, emotion, and Ocean's performances.
Cultural Impact
Over time, "Swim Good" has become one of Frank Ocean's most beloved songs. It has contributed to his reputation as one of the most talented and unconventional artists in modern music.
Live Performances
During his live performances, Ocean often performs "Swim Good" with a full band arrangement, leading to a more opulent sound compared to the relatively stripped-down album version.
Songwriters and Producers
"Swim Good" was written by Frank Ocean along with producers Midi Mafia, who also handled the production of the song.
Song Meaning
"Swim Good" is a metaphorical song, with Frank presumably singing about ending a bad relationship and escaping from his problems.

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