Chiron’s Playlist: “channel ORANGE”
Frank Ocean’s debut album follows his critically acclaimed mixtape Nostalgia, Ultra. This album introduced me to R&B produced by someone in my generation and it completely changed my outlook on music. This album is 12 years old and there are songs on it that sound fresh, today.
My favorite song: “Pyramids”
My Favorite Feature: André 3000 on “Pink Matter”
ARIES- “SWEET LIFE”
“You’ve had a landscaper and a house keeper since you were born /
The star shine always kept you warm”
This line refers to an easy life, one of luxury and means. What’s more, this person has had these things since birth, not even earning these luxuries themselves. The chart of a person with an Aries rising is called “natural”, as their houses are led by their associated signs, their life tends flows easily and this person has had a similar life. Plus, the Sun bing exalted in Aries eludes to the “star shine” lyric.
“So why see the world, when you got the beach? /
Don’t know why see the world, when you got the beach”
Aries is the sign of self; it represents those moments when your own experiences are all you need and you don’t have to reach out for anyone or anything. This is a great feeling of independence, but when taken too far, you may have trouble seeing outside of your own miniature world. This person seems to refuse to branch out; they have the “beach” in their own mind allowing them to ignore the things going on around them.
Overall
This song is a challenge to look outside of oneself and your own comforts to empathize and experience the ways of others. Frank wants her to step outside of her privilege and her pretty surroundings to maybe experience something else, something less curated for them. The lyrics imply a sense of immaturity exhibited by the subject, not fueled by the search of fun, but by circumstance.
TAURUS- “PINK MATTER”
“That soft pink matter /
Cotton candy, Majin Buu, oh, oh, ohh /
Close my eyes and fall into you, you, you /
My God, she’s giving me pleasure” close my eyes and fall into you”
This line provides sensory imagery of softness and pleasure, two things Taurus is associated with. Cotton candy and Majin Buu (a Dragon Ball Z character) conjure up safe and comfortable imagery of childhood happiness. Frank’s moved on to another source of pleasure though, as this line is a double entendre, alluding to sex and the pleasure of it. Taurus is associated with the physical pleasure of sex, as well as the basic need for sexual relsease.
“Pleasure over matter”
Both pleasure and physical mater are associated with Taurus. Taurus is an Earth sign, associated with physical matters like money, possessions, and even your relationship with your physical body. Pleasure is the ultimate goal and that is bolstered by the maintenance of physical means.
Overall
This song’s focus on the body, especially the feminine one, links it to the feminine sign of Taurus. While Virgo is linked with physical health and routine, Taurus shows how we view and worship the body. This song also focuses on desire, another Taurean trope.
GEMINI- “THINKIN’ BOUT YOU”
“A tornado flew around my room before you came /
Excuse the mess it made, it usually doesn’t rain in”
The chaos of a tornado is a perfect symbol for Gemini, a restless and powerful force made entirely of air. Gemini, being an Air sign, is an ever-moving force of fluent thought and free-ranging speech. Frank is also lying to this guy, saying his room is messy because of a tornado. I’m not implying Gemini’s lie, but they certainly have fun with the truth more than most signs. They’re also more likely to dip into wordplay.
“Since you think I don’t love you, I just thought you were cute /
That’s why I kissed you”
This song displays the inquisitive and impulsive nature of Gemini. Frank kissed the guy because he thought he was cute, plain and simple, almost like school kids on the playground. Gemini is associated with primary school: the social experimenting, the light-hearted fun, the impulsive nature. This also displays the dismissal of romantic interest being equated to inquisitiveness or even simple sexual curiosity. Gemini is often described as flirty but their cursory feelings aren’t often too deep.
Overall
The title literally has “thinking” in it, which is Gemini’s superpower as the mutable Air sign. The whole song is something of a train of thought ramble that Frank is well known for, honestly. The whole song has a childhood vibe, even supported by Frank saying this is about a time when he was 17 or so. Gemini is linked with our formative years and though, 17 is a bit old for Gemini’s range, the song is still cerebrally nostalgic and witty.
CANCER- “FORREST GUMP”
“Forrest Gump /
You run my mind, boy /
Running on my mind, boy /
Forrest Gump”
Cancers have a tendency to linger on thoughts, especially the emotional nature of them. I don’t think Cancers are crybabies, but they are very emotionally strong and emotionally stubborn. Their emotions are forefront in memory and so is the way Forest made Frank feel. This is why Cancer tends to live in their past more than they live in their present.
“Forrest green, Forrest blues /
I’m remembering you /
If this is love, I know it’s true /
I won’t forget you”
The “Forrest blues” points toward Frank being in his feelings over a past situation. Whether over something that happened when they were together or over the break-up itself, Frank is sad and a Cancer will never forget how someone made them feel. There’s also another focus on the memories that you collect of someone.
Overall
This song has a focus on past feelings for someone, not specific memories. Cancers are very subjective and, instead of remembering facts about a memory, they’d be remembering how they were feeling during the time. As a bonus, the song is named after an older movie which was, itself, based in nostalgia.
LEO- “SUPER RICH KIDS”
“Real love, I’m searching for a real love”
Leos are associated with romance and unconditional love. They’re associated with the heart and their search for joy and the uninhibited feeling of childhood makes them crave and seek true love. This fact sometimes comes at a detriment to their well-being, but it aways works out for the better in the end. No matter how unhealthy, these two are searching for genuine love from one another, though they find temporary respite in the drugs first.
“Caddy-smashing, bratty ass /
He mad, he snatched his daddy’s Jag /
And used that shit for batting practice”
Earl’s whole rap discusses the more self-destructive traits of Leo. This line in particular shows the sometimes self-centered nature, expressing their anger by inflicting pain on others. Leos are very expressive and, despite their genial nature, are still passionate Fire signs. This also a very childish expression of emotion, and our inner-child is linked with this sign.
Overall
Immaturity is often a negative trait associated with the Fire signs. Leos exhibit this immaturity when they may make bad decisions trying to seek love and acceptance, as well as looking for fun and enjoyment in the wrong places. And while not outright said, the subjects of this song seem to blessed (or cursed) with the fame and fortune associated with Leo.
VIRGO- “LOST”
“And I just wanna know /
Why you ain’t been going to work /
Boss ain’t working you like this /
He can’t take care of you like this”
This line display’s Virgo’s focus on work and duty. It also exhibits their often gently direct nature. This is very much a line a Virgo would say to their out-of-work partner, “This place is a mess! And I just wanna know; why you ain’t been going to work?” Virgos also take great care of their partner, even to the extent of being servile at times. He’s taking care of her and giving her a job.
“Hand me my triple weight /
So I can weigh the work I got on your girl”
Frank’s weighing out his product, showing the minutiae of his drug life. The song could focus on all the stuff he could buy for her, selling all these drugs, or even getting high on them himself, but instead he discusses weighing it up and strapping it to her. Frank employs this girl as a drug mule, being her boss and her lover; providing her employment and care (6th house).
Overall
Frank shows Virgo’s tendency to get caught up in work and the money coming in as opposed to the things that can be done with the money. Frank is always selling to give himself and the girl a better life, every drug run aways being the last one, but never really being the last one. The woman shows Virgo’s dedication to their partner, disregarding their own safety or comfort for their love.
LIBRA- “PILOT JONES”
“You’re the dealer and the stoner /
With the sweetest kiss I’ve ever known”
This line represents the dichotomy of the user and the supplier. She’s both the source of his addiction and she enjoys the outcome of the addiction herself. This shows’s Libra’s tendency to be all things to all people. The last part also points toward Libra’s geniality and tendency to cover up ills and pains with kisses and sweet words.
“But if I got a condo on a cloud /
Then I guess you can stay at my place”
Despite all the bad decisions and toxicity, Frank is saying that if he’s in a good place, she will be too. If he gets a raise, she benefits; if he buys a cheesecake, she gets a slice, if not half. When Libras are happiest, they want their partner there too, even if their partner was the reason for their unhappiness sometimes.
Overall
This song equates drugs with love, a metaphor I’d definitely associate with Libra. They don’t need to be in a relationship, don’t get me wrong; but it feels good. A Libran’s lack of self-expression or happiness or even stimulation, may turn them towards relationships just out of habit, even if they’re not with a “good” partner or one that is ultimately good for them. Frank is laid back in this song, allowing her to guide his high and, really, the whole relationship, taking Libra’s laid back and often lax attitude.
SCORPIO- “SIERRA LEONE”
“Spendin’ too much time alone /
(And I just ran outta Trojans) /
Horses gallop to her throne”
We all know about Scorpio’s focus on sex and the intimate connection formed behind it. This includes the first part of this line, as Scorpios tend to have intense relationships, often most intense in solitude with partner. This obviously doesn’t involve only sex, but the intimate moments shared between two lovers when by themselves.
“And a new day will bring about the dawn /
And a new day will bring another crying babe into the world”
Scorpio is linked with self-transformation and the imagery of the new day bringing the dawn paints the picture of the whole world being renewed, as well as specifically the characters of this song and their evolutions. The last part of this line points to the birth of the characters’ child. The ultimate rebirth and the ultimate result of Scorpio’s sex and alone time, is a birth itself.
Overall
This song discusses an alternate Frank that got a girl pregnant young. It focuses on how different he’d be and how his life would be. This hypothetical thought experiment is very a very Scorpio thing to me, analyzing “what-ifs” and “might-bes”. This song also focuses on the transformation of the characters, especially Frank, from stupid teenaged lovers to responsible parents by the end.
SAGITTARIUS- “MONKS”
“Mosh pits and bare chest /
Stage diving sky diver /
Spray the crowd with cold water /
Now it’s mosh pits and wet tits /
I think I need a cold shower”
This whole verse gives Sagittarian vibes. Sag is ruled by jovial and beneficially social Jupiter. Each line exudes freedom, fun and physical exploration. The parties, lewd behavior, and stimulating music would all be perfect for Sags huge energy and need for experiences. Rock star energy, in general, is very Sagittarian to me, in it’s wilder aspects.
“African girl speaks in English accent /
Likes to fuck boys in bands /
Likes to watch Westerns /
And ride me without the hands”
This song represents the foreign interests of Sagittarius. They love accents and different cultures and foreign people (romantically as well as platonically). There’s actually a hodgepodge of cultures represented with the African girl and her English accent with an interest in rock or grunge bands who watches American western movies and an… expansive taste in romance.
Overall
This song chronicles a meeting with a groupie, which gives to Sag’s rockstar vibe. Traveling countries, writing songs, and positively affecting masses are all things that Sagittarius is interested in. The groupies, they also probably wouldn’t mind. As for the title, a monk, as defined by Oxford is “a member of a religious community of men typically living under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.” While the latter part of this definition sounds more like a Capricorn, evolved Sag’s are very monk-like once they’ve found their cause and their moral path.
CAPRICORN- “PYRAMIDS”
“We’ll run to the future, shining like diamonds /
In a rocky world, rocky-rocky world /
Our skin like bronze and our hair like cashmere /
As we march to the rhythm on the palace floor”
This line represents Capricorns focus on the future. Frank aims to be decked in gems, sun-kissed and confidently walking, even in a rocky world. Like Capricorn, he aims to dominate his environment and get the best out of it to his own benefit. He’s focused on them improving themselves and being presented as a man of prestige, as a king.
“The way you say my name makes me feel like /
I’m that nigga but I’m still unemployed /
You say it’s big but you take it, ride cowgirl”
Capricorn’s get off on respect. Capricorn is one of those signs that has a link to sex, but primarily because of the power of it and its link to Pan, the God of exuberant pleasure. She says his name like he’s the best, she compliments his assets, even if they’re still not big to her. Even though he’s unemployed, he’s still the head of household while they’re having sex. This points toward Capricorn’s sense of joy coming from other’s good perceptions of them, even if it’s not the right one. He’s broke, he may not have the biggest penis, and he may not even be the only one, but she makes him feel like all of those things aren’t true, and that’s all that matters to him.
Overall
Though metaphorical, this song focuses on history and royalty. Cleopatra may have been a Capricorn by some calculations and her outright rule of an empire as woman would support that. She was intelligent and business-minded and well-known. This song also shows a shift in status typically associated with Saturn and Capricorn. Though Saturn typically brings slow-but-sure progression, if the lessons it presents us aren’t learned from and taken into account, it can take us down as low as it would drive us up. The character in this song goes from queen Cleopatra to Cleopatra working weekends at the Pyramid. Both demand attention, seek respect, and accumulate wealth, though society sees them so differently from who they are.
AQUARIUS- “BAD RELIGION”
“And you say “Allahu akbar” /
I told him, “Don’t curse me” /
“Bo Bo, you need prayer” /
I guess it couldn’t hurt me /
“If it brings me to my knees, it’s a bad religion, ooh”
The “bad religion” here shows the Aquarian distrust of religion, devotion to something one can’t see, use or study. The driver tries to bless him, but he isn’t interested in spiritual intervention, despite mentioning demons earlier in the song. Aquarians aren’t necessarily interested in or focused on religion because of the typical outright devotion involved in it. It’s a turn off for Aquarians who are typically more interested in science and the power of people. Frank is associating this failed attempt at finding religion with the unrequited love he’s experiencing with his crush.
“This unrequited love /
To me, it’s nothin’ but a one-man cult”
I have a long analysis behind this next statement that I’m willing to back up one day but: Aquarians are attracted to odd social constructs especially things like cults. Every Aquarian I know has expressed interest in cults, dictatorships, or supreme leadership in the New World Order. That being oddly said, this line points toward Frank seeing himself as a worshiper in one of those cults and he wants the hell out. This also reminds me of every Aquarian I’ve every known once they’ve found themselves in love.
Overall
In this song, we see how Frank made his love for this person his God and having it unrequited either caused or further proved his own negative feelings toward the whole idea of devotion and love. Aquarians also aren’t known for expressing their feelings in a conventional sense. Instead of going to a therapist and having to discuss his feelings or going to a confidant and having to burden them, Frank chose to make his taxi driver his shrink; I mean, he’s paying him either way.
PISCES- “CRACK ROCK”
“You don’t know how little you matter until you’re all alone /
In the middle of Arkansas with a little rock left in that glass dick”
I’ve noticed that Pisceans have a bit of an inferiority complex. This is typically portrayed as a sense of martyrdom, but can even be expressed as a complete feeling of inadequacy and ineffectuality. This is due to their tendency to outwardly exude peace, even if they are in distress. This line also explicitly mentions crack, an extremely addictive substance. Pisces does have a link to addictions. In this case, we could replace crack with any momentarily good but terminally bad thing, like constant sex, copious alcohol, less deleterious drugs, or even sleep and food.
“Don’t no one hear a sound /
Don’t no one disturb the peace for riot /
Don’t no one disrupt nirvana /
Don’t no one wanna blow the high”
This line points out how Pisces tends to zone out and escape, especially when the world is a bit too much. Sleep is a common escape, as Pisceans tend to have amazing dreams that likely beat a shitty or stressful life or a tense situation. Nirvana, the ultimate escape, is associated with Pisces, as are the dreamworld. They’re constantly trying (whether purposefully or subconsciously) to connect with the Great Other, or the Universe, or God. Anything blowing their high or disturbing their nirvana will be cut off.
Overall
Frank said that he sung this song so it would sound like a smoker singing it. He wanted the fractured breath to show a long past and pain, as well as the self-abuse often an unintentional result of substance abuse. “Crack Rock” could also speak of a physical crack in a rock, separating from himself from the ones he loves due to the addiction. Isolation is common theme for Pisces.
Check your Moon sign for the song that makes you comfortable and places you firmly in your feelings
Check your Sun sign for the song that makes you happy; the one you ride in your car blasting full volume
Check your Venus sign for the one that speaks to your inner artist or the one you’d play for someone when they ask about a song you like