Released: 2024
“Ocean” by Future delves into themes of pain, loss, loyalty, and survival, exploring the tumultuous life of street hustling and the emotional weight it bears. The lyrics convey a story of hardships and betrayals experienced over the years, reflecting on relationships and actions in the pursuit of success and survival. It’s a vivid representation of the gritty realities that Future, and those around him, have faced on the path from struggle to triumph.
The song opens with a poignant metaphor, “I got enough tears to fill the ocean,” highlighting the immense sorrow and losses that Future has endured. This sets the emotional tone for the track, immediately letting the listener know that the following narrative will delve deep into personal pain and tribulation. These opening lines evoke a sense of vast and overwhelming sadness, mirroring the limitless and often stormy nature of an ocean.
Future recalls his past, reflecting on familial bonds that have frayed over time. He mentions a cousin with whom he shared a bed during their formative years but hasn’t seen in a long time. This nostalgia suggests a longing for the simpler times before life complicated their relationships. By using this personal anecdote, Future not only emphasizes the depth of his losses but also underscores how the harsh realities of life can distance even the closest of kin.
A key narrative thread in the lyrics is the loss and incarceration of close friends. The phrase “main dog maxed in the fed” speaks to a companion serving time in federal prison, highlighting the sacrifices and pitfalls of their lifestyle. Future paints a picture of a harsh reality where connections are severed by violence or the penal system, resonating with many listeners familiar with these struggles.
Future uses stark imagery, “Lil’ homie just threw back three pills, he starvin’ for bodies, he ready to go kill,” to depict the desperation and violent tendencies fostered by their environment. This part of the verse unveils a chilling snapshot of the influences that lead to destructive behavior, as young men grapple with a desire to prove themselves and avenge their hardships.
The lyrics “Hide the Draco, the TEC match the weather,” allude to concealing firearms (Draco and TEC being types of guns), a common aspect of the street life narrative. These lines underscore a constant readiness for conflict, highlighting a world where being armed and prepared for danger is a part of daily existence. Such references are frequent in hip-hop as they paint an unvarnished picture of street life.
As the song progresses, Future expresses the duplicity and instability of the music industry, “Man, this loyalty rap shit is real, you hold on a nigga, you fallin’ like Jenga.” Here, he compares the precariousness of trust in the industry to a game of Jenga, where one wrong move can bring everything crashing down. This metaphor underscores the fragile and often treacherous nature of relationships in both the music world and street life.
In reflecting on his success, Future juxtaposes past poverty with his current wealth. Lines like “I done ran up a check, I done bought me a cake now” illustrate the transformation from struggling to financial freedom. He mentions acquiring firearms (“cake” being slang for guns), suggesting that while wealth may have increased, the need for protection and vigilance remains unchanged.
The emotional peak of the track is the tribute to family members and friends who have influenced Future’s journey. He honors “Uncle Snoopy,” attributing his artistic path to the late uncle’s influence, and expresses gratitude for those who believed in him before fame. These acknowledgments provide a sense of humility and respect, recognizing that success is not solely a personal achievement but is also built upon the support and sacrifice of others.
Future closes by reflecting on the personal evolution and continuous struggles with his environment. Lines like “So many tears, I could fill up an ocean” return, emphasizing the ongoing burden of grief despite achieving fame and fortune. The repetitive invocation of tears as vast as the ocean leaves listeners with a profound understanding of the deep emotional and physical journey, the toll of which is interwoven into Future’s identity and music.
