Kyle Halaby

September 19th, 2018

English 102 MW 9:40-11:05

Duality

What is masculinity? For generations young men are taught to be “manly” through

customs and norms deemed by society. Some of you may have heard, “man of the house” or

“boys don’t cry” used as manly stereotypical expressions. In the song “Chanel” by Frank Ocean,

Ocean challenges the traditional roles of masculinity. Although, some may argue that

masculinity is to remain the same, Ocean employs the use of similes, repetition, imagery, and

symbolism to demolish the archaic meaning of masculinity while engendering a more current

meaning.

Ocean’s prevalent use of the rhetorical device simile, is crucial for introducing the theme

of gender fluidity. The first line “My guy pretty like a girl” (“Chanel” by Frank Ocean). Creates

a paradox by comparing the features of his boyfriend with that of a woman. Through the

untraditional use of the adjective pretty it emphasizes the prevalence of gender fluidity within

society today. This initial statement solidifies the tone for the song and also reinforces the title

“Chanel’s “theme of duality between the sexes and gender expression. The second line “ and he

got fight stories to tell” (“Chanel” by Frank Ocean) further projects the theme by creating a

masculine tone in comparison to the feminine connotation of line one. The next simile is found

in the third and fourth line “I see both sides like Chanel”, “See on both sides like Chanel”

(“Chanel” by Frank Ocean) and is repeated in the chorus of the song. This simile eludes to the

brand Chanel’s label of the two C’s as well as Ocean’s sexuality and ability to express himself

on both sides of the gender spectrum. Ocean continues to employ the use of similes throughout
the song to further convey his feelings towards being an outcast due to his race and sexuality.

Analyzing line six, “heated like I’m underworld”, describing his anger to be as deep and ‘hot’ as

hell. In line nine “12 treat a nigga like he 12”, Ocean tells of the undermining and mistreatment

of African American males by police and other government officials. Analyzing these lyrics has

made it apparent that the use of similes in this song creates the theme and tone, while bringing a

newer meaning of masculinity.

Ocean’s frequent use of similes are accompanied by the use of imagery to solidify the

newer meaning of masculinity. The imagery portrayed in line five “swimming laps through pool

water” represents the struggle of having to represent himself in a leisurely atmosphere that is the

world. The imagery used is important because it represents Ocean’s struggles of growing up

African American and bi sexual. The central theme of dualism is further enforced, but in a newer

contex. The last two lines “See both sides like Chanel” (“Chanel” by Frank Ocean) is repeated

twice to convey that he has experienced both sides of wealth, from rags to riches as well as the

masculine and feminine aspects of love. The struggles Ocean describes trigger a palpable shift in

one's emotions due to the relativity of everyone facing something similar.

Lastly, Ocean employs the use of symbolism accompanied by the rhythm/ beat of the

song to create the tone of a slam poet. The use of symbolism throughout the song eludes to

Ocean’s meaning of duality. This is evident in lines ten through twelve “ How you looking up to

me and talking down? Can't you see I am the big man? (Big man) God level I am the I am

(whoa)” (“Chanel” by Frank Ocean). These lines function as a paradox due to the contradicting

statements that he puts himself in a position of power although, gay men traditionally are looked

down upon. The concept of duality is also noted in line thirty and thirty one “ That's a double

edge, "issa knife" And I don't like to fight 'til I'm fighting” (“Chanel” by Frank Ocean). These
line function to reinforce the theme of the song while portraying his struggle of fighting a battle

he hates, but also loves. By inserting symbols throughout the song Ocean reinforces the central

them while suggesting that masculinity is a never ending battle.

Through the use of simile, imagery, and symbolism in “Chanel” by Frank Ocean, Ocean

is able to redefine masculinity as a balance of masculine and feminine aspects of someone's life,

despite its previous meaning. By listening to the song “Chanel” one may take away that life

experiences define who we become as people not traditional outdated terms that society deems

us at such a young age. Straying from gender or sexual norms and changing traditions should not

have a negative connotation, but rather have a positive one due to the growth that change brings

in our lives.
Appendix A
[Verse 1]
My guy pretty like a girl
And he got fight stories to tell
I see both sides like Chanel
See on both sides like Chanel
Swimming laps through pool water
Heated like I'm underworld
Hide my tattoos in Shibuya
Police think I'm of the underworld
12 treat a nigga like he 12
How you looking up to me and talking down?
Can't you see I am the big man?
God level I am the I am (whoa)
Now film it with that drone cam
In the pink like Killa Cam
Put a zoom on that stick; Noé
Up so close I'm on that kill
Remote controller on your lower back
Yes, the good
Dick could roll the eyes back in the skull
Rolling when you ride, poppin'
Rolling when you ride, ride the Rodman
Got one that's straight acting
Turnt out like some dirty plastic (Ride)
2016 burnt some discs
2017 ideas playing off a Walkman
This a cult, not a clique on the net
With a cup in a cup, Actavis
That's a double edge, "issa knife"
And I don't like to fight 'til I'm fighting
Revenge in the air make my lungs sick
Chopper in the sky like a gun trick
Clips on clips like Mike
It's really all

[Chorus]
I see both sides like Chanel
See on both sides like Chanel

[Bridge]
It's really you on my mind
It's really you on my mind
It's really you
It's really you on my mind
[Verse 2]
V both sides of the 12
Steam both sides of the L
Freeze smoke rings and they hail
Sleet snow grind for the wealth
Whole team diamonds is real
Showed 'me how to shine by themselves
You need a cosign for your health
I need that bitch to grind on my belt
I know you need to try for my belt
I know you seen it driving itself
No matte black on the ride 'cause it's stale
But it's stealth

[Chorus]
I see both sides like Chanel
I see both sides like Chanel
Work Cited

“Frank Ocean – Chanel.” Genius, 10 Mar. 2017, genius.com/Frank-ocean-chanel-lyrics.