Thinkin About You

Album: Channel Orange (2011)
Charted: 32
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Frank Ocean originally wrote this ballad for Roc Nation artist and Jay-Z back up singer Bridget Kelly's debut studio album. After a reference track by Ocean was leaked on the internet on July 28, 2011, Kelly's version was retitled "Thinking About Forever."

    Ocean then filmed a High5Collective music video for the song, which was released on September 15, 2011, while Kelly's rendition ended up on her Every Girl EP.

    On March 8, 2012 a re-mastered version of the song by Ocean slightly different from the original was leaked, which was later released as a single.
  • The song finds Ocean thinkin' about his girl as he drives to see her after receiving a text message. "I guess I'm just inspired to tell stories," Ocean told BBC News about his writing process. "You gotta make sure the listener is listening to you, so if you put it into a song, often times, if the song is striking enough, then you can really deliver the story most effectively while keeping the ear of the listener the whole time. I guess it all starts with the stories for me."
  • Along with "Pilot Jones," this is one of two songs Ocean wrote and produced with Shea Taylor for his debut album, Channel Orange. Taylor is best known for his work with Beyoncé. He co-wrote six songs on her 2011 album 4, including "I Miss You," which he wrote with Beyoncé and Ocean.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Gary Louris of The Jayhawks

Gary Louris of The JayhawksSongwriter Interviews

The Jayhawks' song "Big Star" has special meaning to Gary, who explains how longevity and inspiration have trumped adulation.

Laura Nyro

Laura NyroSongwriting Legends

Laura Nyro talks about her complex, emotionally rich songwriting and how she supports women's culture through her art.

Billy Joe Shaver

Billy Joe ShaverSongwriter Interviews

The outlaw country icon talks about the spiritual element of his songwriting and his Bob Dylan mention.

TV Theme Songs

TV Theme SongsFact or Fiction

Was a Beatles song a TV theme? And who came up with those Fresh Prince and Sopranos songs?

Michael Sweet of Stryper

Michael Sweet of StryperSongwriter Interviews

Find out how God and glam metal go together from the Stryper frontman.

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."