Sweet Life

Frank Ocean

About Sweet Life

"Sweet Life" is a song by American singer Frank Ocean, released as the third single from his debut studio album Channel Orange (2012). The song was written and produced by Ocean and Pharrell Williams, member of the production duo The Neptunes. The track was released on July 6, 2012, when Ocean posted a download of the song onto his Tumblr account, and it debuted on iTunes on July 12. The song features a vocal loop, warm horn sections and lush, tropical production. The song explores a disillusionment and wealth within Ladera Heights and lyrically explores a narrative of people wasting their life away on the beach and Ocean's desire not to involve himself with such a life. The song draws inspiration from Ocean's own early life. The song received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics who praised its smooth production and the social commentary in Ocean's lyrics. Some writers described it as a highlight from the album, and it was widely compared to the work of soul singer Stevie Wonder. The track charted on the South Korea Gaon International Chart at position 124. Ocean performed "Sweet Life" during his Channel Orange tour through North America. 


Year:
2012
4:22
435 
#2

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

The best song wasn't the single, but you weren't either
Livin' in Ladera Heights, the black Beverly Hills
Domesticated paradise, palm trees and pools
The water's blue, swallow the pill
Keepin' it surreal, whatever you like
Whatever feels good, whatever takes you mountain high
Keepin' it surreal, not sugar-free
My TV ain't HD, that's too real
Grapevine, mango, peaches, and limes, the sweet life

The sweet life, sweet life
Sweet life, sweet life
The sweet, sweet, sweet, sweet life
Sweet life, the sweet life
Sweetie pie

You've had a landscaper and a house keeper since you were born
The sunshine always kept you warm
So why see the world, when you got the beach
Don't know why see the world, when you got the beach
The sweet life

The best song wasn't the single, but you couldn't turn your radio down
Satellite need a receiver, can't seem to turn the signal fully off
Transmitting the waves
You're catching that breeze 'til you're dead in the grave

But you're keepin' it surreal, whatever you like
Whatever feels good, whatever takes you mountain high
Keepin' it surreal, not sugar-free, my tv ain't HD, that's too real
Grapevines, mango, peaches, and lime, a sweet life

A sweet life
A sweet life, yeah
A sweet life, a sweet life
A sweet life
Live and die in the life

You've had a landscaper and a house keeper since you were born, yeah
The sunshine always kept you warm
So why see the world, when you got the beach
Don't know why see the world, when you got the beach

And the water, is exactly what I wanted
It's everything I thought it would be (Thought it would be)
But this neighborhood is gettin' trippier every day
The neighborhood is goin' ape shit crazy

You've had a landscaper and a house keeper since you were born
The star shine always kept you warm
So why see the world, when you got the beach
Don't know why see the world, when you got the beach
The sweet life

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


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: Christopher Breaux, Pharrell Williams

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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Album Association
"Sweet Life" is a song from Frank Ocean's debut studio album, "Channel Orange," released in 2012.
Chart Performance
The song managed to chart on the U.S. Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart at number 18, showcasing its popularity.
Lyrics and Theme
The lyrics of "Sweet Life" depict the luxurious lifestyle of the wealthy residents in Los Angeles, particularly those living in Beverly Hills and Bel-Air. It casts a critical eye over the sense of complacency such an environment can breed.
Production Credits
Ocean co-wrote "Sweet Life" with musician Pharrell Williams, who also assisted in the song's production.
Musical Style
Musically, "Sweet Life" is an R&B song that includes elements of jazz and funk, adding a unique texture to the overall sound.
Critical Reception
The song received positive reviews from music critics, praising Ocean's songwriting skills and uniqueness. Rolling Stone magazine listed the song at number 29 in their list of the "100 Best Songs of the 2010s."
Pre-Release
“Sweet Life” was released as the third single from the album and was made available for free download through Ocean's Tumblr account before the album's release.
Live Performances
Frank Ocean included "Sweet Life" as part of his setlist during his performance at the 2012 Coachella music festival, even before the album was released.
Visual Representation
The album art of "Sweet Life" features a photograph taken by Ocean using a vintage Contax T3 camera, enhancing the personal and intimate element of the song.
Artistic Influences
Ocean has said that the song was inspired by his experiences living in Los Angeles, showcasing his narrative style of songwriting.
Song Structure
Unlike traditional song structure, "Sweet Life" does not have a chorus, but Ocean does sing the title in the bridge. His varied song structure shows Ocean's creativity and non-conformity to pop music norms.
Inspirational Value
"Sweet Life" has been described as an anthem for the millennial generation, encapsulating the various struggles and joys of contemporary life.

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