Understanding Pyramids: Frank Ocean’s Masterpiece

This is the first video in my ‘Deep Dive’ series where I dissect one of Frank Ocean’s most iconic songs.
I am a passionate creator and I make these videos to inspire and educate music lovers like myself. All footage I have sourced is used under Fair Use. Please feel free to contact me for any enquires: [e-mail]
Edited by the talented: / smpl4hunnid
Listen to Pyramids here: spotify.link/2FxXo5ZRsDb
►Follow me on Spotify: open.spotify.com/user/kutiler...
►Follow me on Instagram: _elsienotelisee...
►Follow me on Tiktok: / elsienotelisee
►Follow me on Twitter (X): elsienotelisee?s=21
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:35 ACT 1: Who Stole Cleopatra?
10:09 ACT 2: Working at the Pyramid Tonight?
19:25 Conclusion
#Frankocean #pyramids #channelorange #music #deepdive #videoessay

[@JahTalksMusic]

This was absolutely incredible Elsie! The well structured analysis mixed with the engaging editing (of the few Frank Ocean clips available) made this such a great watch. We appreciate how much time and effort went into this and I hope you make more of these types of videos soon!

[@elsienotelise]

Thank you so much! 🙏🏽

[@timo35]

Wassup jah. Huge fan

[@fettywapsmissingeye]

Wsg bro

[@isaacherrera2011]

I always listened to pyramids but I could never fully understand it, your dissection of the song was amazing thank you for making this video

[@ipsilonia]

incredible analysis. pyramids is such a masterpiece: thoughtful storytelling, incredible lyricism, iconic instrumentals, and frank saaaangs all over that track.

[@sacdiyahassan8374]

the edting on this vide ATE

[@clau9689]

It’s interesting how the song is called “Pyramids” instead of “Cleopatra”, especially after watching this video

[@akmalrahasnan]

What an interesting take about the third act of the song. I've always imagined that the third act was about the pimp who started to fall in love with said cleopatra and has a soft spot for her, bathing her after work but the professional nature of their relationship stops it from ever growing thus him realizing that her love has to be paid "But your love ain't free no more, baby", making the pimp yearn for her but is only one sided. Good Video Elsie

[@Jboooog18]

That’s how I’ve always viewed it. 2nd guy is one that really wants her but she’s a sex worker and in it for the money.

[@pawgava]

From a sex workers perspective, a former dancer. The last act sounds like she left her lover but still is having sexual relations with him and he’s cherishing her but making a point “your love isn’t free anymore”. It quite literally happened exactly like this for me when I started dancing. I perceive the “pimp” it as the club or the money itself. But this song came out when I started dancing and it was an amazing song to dance to and will forever be one of my top 5s. I’m so glad someone broke this down as accurately as I also thought it was structured ❤

[@isaaclbh6657]

THIS IS THE BEST VIDEO ESSAY I HAVE EVER SEEN FOR AN ARTIST

[@elsienotelise]

Thank you so much!

[@No_Conformity]

The visual story we all deserve for this beautiful sonic masterpiece

[@jul1anderbre]

This is art in it's purest form the song aswell as the video. I don't have to say anything about the song because you already did so but I'd really like to tell you how amazing this video was. The cut and the interpretation is absolutely awesome. The next time I hear this song I'll remeber all this input and enjoy this absolute masterpiece even more which is quite incredible to say.

[@ambianceBIMsolutions]

This song has been one of my most played tracks since its release. Your analysis was very accurate. You can even feel each story and the connection if you listen deep enough. Frank made gold on this one. It will remain a relevant piece for a long time. And a testament of most relationships in this generation.

[@findingashlie]

This was amazing! I love your analysis of songs!

[@OnlyDeja]

this edit is BEAUTIFULLY done. Thank you!

[@albertovivanco4012]

Your post came across my twitter feed and I had to check out the video bc I love frank ocean and I loveeee pyramids and I enjoyed every minute!! Great analysis and great delivery👏👏

[@luvvsouljah]

this is soo amazing and well done !!!

[@wowiemnwow]

This is one of my fav video essays ever i loved this so much.

[@Blapze]

this is so good 💗💗

[@Lucie-we3jq]

loved this. please continue analysing his work

[@sast9371]

So glad this came on my feed. Great work!! ❤ looking forward to going through your other videos

[@Faatang]

Wow. Shout out to the amount of time and energy put into this video. Between the analysis, recording, both voice and camera - the collages, photos, video collections of frank ocean and the overall artist visuals and symbolism used to reflect the sound and music.. amazing

[@misswbp]

i love your mind!!!! thank you for the effort you put into every video🥰🥰🥰 you are truly unmatched

[@yRibzz]

Absolutely amazing vid, your voice fits so well with the storytelling format, congrats, loved it

[@fendilite9288]

this video was amazing. truly a great analysis.

[@frizzyrascal1493]

Channel Orange in itself is by far my favorite RnB album of the last 10 years. I love the Weeknd and his first 4 projects, but this one here takes the cake. And Frank's Magnum Opus is Pyramids. Such great storytelling, metaphor's and rich instrumentation makes you feel like you're riding around the Vegas Strip at night. Channel Orange to me is the modern equivalent of the Miseducation. That's how high I hold this album. Great video!

[@cesarv2804]

Amazing analysis! Your channel is a hidden gem in KZbin.

[@daisyd3w3491]

This was everythingg I need a video essay to be and more. Great great work!

[@CoverArtMatters]

Huge fan of your work. Always put together so well and articulate.

[@fufarovam]

Loved this!

[@erikmelgar9324]

Came from tiktok, so glad because this whole video, the whole breakdown, the added visuals and depth you go in is amazing! This song is soo good and it’ll definitely change how I listen to it

[@elsienotelise]

Thank you sm!

[@dominicturk5161]

This video is incredible loved it

[@kelvinwaves]

Great analysis and agree that this is a masterpiece.

[@anthonym7377]

beautiful breakdown

[@CoachellaAngel]

Just came from twitter and great video 🔥 editing is elite

[@The_Catalyzt]

Instant fan. I can't wait to see more analysis work from you. I would love for you to get into my current favorite artist, Cleo Sol. I feel like you could do a lot with her body of work. Thank you for taking your time with this analysis. It shows and is appreciated.

[@sweetpea123doremi]

I love the editing

[@fart_balls_]

a fantastic video about one of the greatest songs ever made! thank you for making this!

[@scorpionbeast117]

Came here from tiktok and wow I just wanted to say I love the style of your channel and the best way I can describe it is I'm definitely watching all of your videos while I'm eating lol

[@kingjunior3784]

looking forward to more frank ocean analyses

[@reubendemmler5511]

Incredible breakdown of the song 👏. It was super concise and very well edited!! Loved it!

[@prod.byPatrickRdot]

yesss I've been looking for Frank Ocean video essays 🙏🏼

[@TiefseeMDN]

This work is amazing!! I love the song so much, but you give a another perspective of this song. The visualizations are next level! You got a follower from germany now!!

[@brianalutzi2783]

One of the best videos I've ever seen! You have a subscriber for life

[@Batou69]

Thank you so much for this video Elsie. A masterpiece, same as Frank song. From Paris with love

[@ngoziahachi6005]

This is so good, another 👍 great work.👏👏👏

[@Kai._Brown]

i love this video it just shows how amazing frank is at making masterpieces like this. Thank you Elsie i loved the whole thing keep it up.😉😉

[@donutgirl226]

This video is amazing!!! So perfecly researched and amazingly cut and edited! Thank you so much❤

[@lisette1399]

this is literally amazing

[@danalyyyyy]

THIS IS ART, AND PYRAMIDS TOO. Already looking for more content!!!!

[@userbeyourself]

Amazing song, amazing video. Love the Frank content. Subscribed🙃

[@billiedoesbeats]

This was such a quality video about one of the best Frank songs. Thank you!!!!!

[@Organico0]

great video!!!

[@aus_10]

This is one of the best Frank analysis I’ve ever seen!! Long format Elsie >>>>>

[@valerieislame4661]

I love these kinds of videos! Keep it up!

[@start9829]

This song is so amazing because you’re interpretation is completely different from mine and yet they’re both still right

[@ayanabdi149]

My favourite type of videos!!

[@Chingzgram]

Came to throw my support. Surely will be a lovely watch

[@theajorsslay4395]

beautiful dissection

[@arynjibzz]

thiis is amazing!!

[@Jordan-gw4ye]

AMAZING.

[@maximilianosilerio4140]

Amazing

[@Ngasii]

18:21 This is the interpretation that came to mind first for me but I hear the first 2 as well🙌🏽

[@generalimac]

Dang Queen! You did that!

[@jo3yzaza_]

Wow this is so beautiful great work ❤🎉

[@reb2811]

I loved this video! Thank you

[@dallinhyatt8991]

this is really good

[@KenyaWright]

Love this very much.

[@ShadowWizard123]

I never knew any of this was going on in this song. Thanks.

[@elasinger]

Great Video!

[@tpgolfer4life]

This is so good

[@cematarydoll]

i love how franks mind is 💗

[@The_Catalyzt]

I had to comment again to add another analysis suggestion: Andre 3000's album, "The Love Below." That album tells a story. I have yet to see anybody try to tackle that story. I feel like you would have a field day and do it justice. That's all for now. I'm going to go get into your other videos. Keep up the amazing work.

[@peacenllamas]

Omg I followed you on tik tok and loved your content!! I haven’t been a tik tok in a while so glad I found your content again on here 🥹🙏🏾🥰 thank you for your beautiful analysis and creativity!!! 🙌🏾🤩

[@elsienotelise]

Thank you so much for tuning in 🫶🏾

[@Sblb006]

The fact that this only has 12k views is killing me

[@ren4881]

I need this for the plot of a book or movie I swear 😫

[@Volksgeist]

Your videos are really really good!!

[@elsienotelise]

Thank you !

[@danylo6665]

Nah this is an amazing Video

[@ukayjmusic]

🔥🔥

[@donmangu.]

Great video!! you should consider making more about different songs from other artists!!

[@elsienotelise]

That’s the plan! Any suggestions in mind ?

[@Starlight-q]

Pyramids is his best song ❤

[@Kidmarleymusic]

Bravo

[@karimatassi9184]

greatest song of all time

[@clintonsimmons1654]

Video is as good as the song!!

[@dockanvas]

lovely analysis, however there is an error in the interpretation of the line "whip ain't got no gas tank, but it still got wood grain" @13:40 he is not referring to the gas tank being empty, he is referring to an electric car.

[@aus_10]

I love how Lost is like a sequel from the pimps pov. It’s kinda like the pimp/thief won.

[@elsienotelise]

Interesting theory 🤔🤔

[@kamikazefu-2364]

Wow

[@Kingcry35]

Can you do Run by Hozier it’s a great story telling song

[@davidibeh8780]

Had to subscribe and comment. Damn….

[@damxn7303]

Definitely it’s his best song

[@officialiicon]

You sound like Rihanna when speaking GREAT video will definitely be subscribing

[@omb1357]

I think with the different possible perspectives at the end, I perceive it as an ex-lover buying her services. You're love aint free no more = Going from her lover to now him being forced to pay for her love due to Cleopatra being "owned" by a pimp. So the verse about them being with each other is him buying her service but from a position of love and not as a way to own

[@LoDef647]

Maybe the line "your love aint free no more" is meant to signify free will? Like her love is not a choice she is in control of anymore and her free will is in control by her "pimp" or men that pay her for her services? Or maybe its meant to be open ended to fit many different interpretation. Either way great video, I love this song but never paid attention to the context of the lyrics before this

[@QuestanoneIbiza]

Even if you think of the shape of pyramid… it’s probably not intentional but it’s as if all the lovers are on different sides all for the same sake which is the top of the pyramid which symbolises power and control, visible to all. Also at different times of the day some sides are shadowed which would symbolise either their neglect or secrecy of that relationship.

[@QuestanoneIbiza]

I love Frank Ocean all his works are lyrical masterpieces

[@trufflexii]

this is so underrated?

[@contact-J]

You say it's big but you take it! Please elaborate on that!

[@contact-J]

He's love is definitely free

[@nochesthairs9736]

Are you from Barbados/Caribbean? Random but I'm hearing a familiar accent

[@DistantLights]

Frank makes sonic movies. Excellent video!

[@robertspeedwagon9052]

thank you beautiful woman

[@fcbaier96]

What did u use to show the lyrics in that karaoke style?

[@vazquezblancasjaelenrique7789]

¿POR QUE NO HAY SUBTITULOS? 🫠

[@walchkemanEA]

hey great vid but 10:35 u call nights beat switch nikes just thought u should know great vid tho keep it up