This first arc of the song feels like a reading of the dating zeitgeist at large-how disconnected we can be from each other, though our desire for connection might be higher than ever before. “Good Guy” works because it feels particularly modern in these early moments. Think of the anxiety that bubbles up in anticipation of that first meeting. Recall long nights and frantic days spent trying to get to know someone in our digital world.
![frank ocean nostalgia frank ocean nostalgia](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/-QUAAOSw8oheuz~k/s-l400.jpg)
Now, we’re in New York, and it’s really happening. Meaning, it’s very likely Frank-no better than any other excitable romantic-has built up layers upon layers of assumptions and expectations of this person he had never met. Taking the second and third lines together, we assume the pair had been talking extensively before meeting. That’s not to forget Frank’s garbled sigh to cap off the emotional strain of the song. Of course, the second line depends upon the third (“ First time I’d ever saw you”) to sink in. While the language on paper is celebratory, the vocal filtering and delivery give us the impression Frank is toasting with an empty champagne glass.Īll these inferences lead us to the second line: “ Said if I was in NY I should look you up.” Here we establish setting and distance.
![frank ocean nostalgia frank ocean nostalgia](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/56/f4/fd/56f4fd5b0826a498162c73c5fea18952.jpg)
The “Good Guy” title feels sarcastic at this moment. We begin with “ Here’s to the good guy, he hooked it up,” paying special attention to how Frank’s voice quivers on the mention of “ he.” It’s not malice, but something sadder, as if Frank is having trouble standing himself for going along with the blind date itself. With a bit of a jagged edge, “Good Guy” steps in to slow the bleeding of “Self Control,” by reminding us it could be so much worse.Įach line of “Good Guy” could be its own song-at the least, it’s own vignette to expound upon.
![frank ocean nostalgia frank ocean nostalgia](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YLS-nJXnsTs/UAQnP4u99OI/AAAAAAAAAvA/TZKTzHl9hbc/s1600/channel_orange.jpg)
“Good Guy” intervenes in the Blonde narrative the way the stages of grief intervene on each other. Perhaps this gives the impression “Good Guy” is a superfluous track, but, of course, Frank has plans for us and our emotions.Ĭonsider this: We have just exited “Self Control” emotional after being left and watching our former lover move on. The narrative of “Good Guy” is isolated from all other narratives on Blonde, too, making it just a flash in the album’s overall story. The song is a brisk retelling of a fraught evening in 10 simple lines without much ceremony.
FRANK OCEAN NOSTALGIA FULL
The structure of Blonde unfolding like memories is on full display with “Good Guy,” which is the most insular track on the album.