She's Working at The Pyramids Tonight

In 2012, Frank Ocean released an album called Channel Orange that had RnB fans ~shook~.

The first time I heard "Pyramids", I really didn't get it. However, after listening to this album pretty much on repeat, I kind of think I can finally piece together a greater social critique.

One of the best songs on Channel Orange, "Pyramids", uses the ancient Egyptian pharaoh, Cleopatra, to symbolize women's strength and sexuality. Ocean contrasts Cleopatra's influence and power with the ancient pyramids that symbolize a modern society that often forces women to turn to prostitution out of economic desperation. Perrine argues that poetry's most significant element is that it conveys experience-- and that is exactly what Frank Ocean does. 

In the first verse, Ocean writes about Cleopatra's world in great detail, painting a picture for his listeners and giving them greater context for the symbolism that comes in subsequent verses. 

And we'll run to the future Shining like diamonds in a rocky world
A rocky, rocky world
Our skin like bronze and our hair like cashmere
As we march to the rhythm On the palace floor
Chandeliers inside the pyramids Tremble from the force 
Cymbals crash inside the pyramids
Voices fill up the halls

Ocean takes a jab at our modern day conceptions of virginity/women's sexuality as well. He feels, as many men do, a sense of ownership over "his woman" (in this case Cleopatra), and when she takes ownership of herself, she becomes worthless to him. The "precious jewel" that she once represented becomes rusted and broken as she assumes this independence.

The song then takes a turn to comment on prostitution and the symbol of the pyramid now represents the institution that exploits women's bodies for profit. Ocean conveys his experience by describing how his Cleopatra gets ready in the morning for work, from which we can assume her occupation as being connected to "the pyramid".

Big sun coming strong through the motel blinds
Wake up to your girl for now let's call her Cleopatra, Cleopatra
I watch you fix your hair
Then put your panties on in the mirror, Cleopatra
Then your lipstick, Cleopatra
Then your six inch heels
Catch her
She's headed to the pyramid

We learn that Ocean's Cleopatra isn't his exclusively, as she's paying her bills by working as a prostitute for the pyramids.

But your love ain't free no more, baby
But your love ain't free no more

The fact that Ocean uses a figure such as Cleopatra, who is historically known for being a symbol of female power and sexuality, to be the woman who works as a prostitute is a loaded choice. The social commentary that no matter how powerful the female is, she will still find herself submitting to the institution of male power (the pyramids).

I could write endlessly about this song and all of its meaning but for the sake of this blog post, I tried to keep it condensed. If anyone is a Frank Ocean fan and wants to talk about this song, hit me up.