Pyramids is a captivating track by the American singer-songwriter Frank Ocean, released in 2012 as part of his highly praised debut studio album, “Channel Orange,”. The song’s lyrics explore into themes of love, wish, and the passage of time, woven into a narrative that traverses ancient Egypt to modern-day strip clubs.
Ocean’s lyrics paint a vivid picture, beginning with a description of a modern-day disrobe club, before perfect shift to a portrait of ancient Egypt and its opulent pharaohs. The song’s title itself alludes to the famous pyramids of Egypt, symbolizing both the passage of time and the impressiveness of ancient civilizations.
Throughout the song, Ocean weaves together creativity of luxury and excess with thought on the complexities of human relationships. He juxtaposes the give an inducement to of the pharaohs with the fight of a modern-day woman, highlighting the timeless nature of crawling and ambition.
“Pyramids” received widespread critical criticism for its clever production, expressive storytelling, and Ocean’s soulful vocals. The line showcases Ocean’s faculty to blend genres seamlessly, incorporate elements of R&B, funk, and electronic music into a symmetric and mesmerizing soundscape.
Since its release, “Pyramids” has become one of Frank Ocean’s most loved songs, earning a place as a standout path in his inventory and solidifying his authority as one of the most creative artists of his generation.
Lyrics
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Set the cheetahs on the loose
Oh, oh, oh, oh
There’s a thief out on the move
Oh, oh, oh, ooh
Underneath our legion’s view
Oh, oh, oh, oh
They have taken Cleopatra
Run, run, run (Cleopatra), come back for my glory (Cleopatra)
Bring her back to me (-patra, Cleopatra)
Run, run, run (Cleopatra), the crown of our pharaoh (Cleopatra)
The throne of our queen is empty (-patra, Cleopatra)
We’ll run to the future, shining like diamonds
In a rocky world, rocky-ky world
Our skin like bronze and our hair like cashmere
As we march to rhythm on the palace floor, ah-ooh
Chandeliers inside the pyramids tremble from the force
Cymbals crash inside the pyramids, voices fill up the halls
Oh, oh, oh, ooh
Set the cheetahs on the loose
Ah, ah, ah
There’s a thief out on the move
Oh, oh, oh, ooh
Underneath our legion’s view
Ah, ah, ah
They have taken Cleopatra, Cleopatra
The jewel of Africa, jewel
What good is a jewel that ain’t still precious?
How could you run off on me? How could you run off on us?
You feel like God inside that gold
I found you layin’ down with Samson and his full head of hair
I found my black queen Cleopatra
Bad dreams, Cleopatra
Oh, oh, oh-oh, remove her
Send the cheetahs to the tomb
Oh, our war is over
Our queen has met her doom
Oh, no more, she lives
No more serpent in her room
Oh, no more
He has killed Cleopatra, Cleopatra
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
She’s working at the pyramid tonight
Working at the pyramid
Working at the pyramid tonight, yeah
Working at the pyramid, ooh-ah
Working at the pyramid tonight, yeah
Working at the pyramid, oh
Working at the pyramid tonight
Working at the pyramid
Working at the pyramid tonight
Pimpin’ in my convos
Bubbles in my champagne, let it be some jazz playin’
Top floor motel suite, twistin’ my cigars
Floor model TV with the VCR
Got rubies in my damn chain
Whip ain’t got no gas tank, but it still got woodgrain
Got your girl working for me
Hit the strip and my bills paid, that keep my bills paid
Hit the strip and my bills paid, keep a nigga bills paid
She’s working at the pyramid tonight
Working at the pyramid
Working at the pyramid tonight, yeah
Working at the pyramid, oh-ah
Working at the pyramid tonight, yeah
Working at the pyramid, ooh
Working at the pyramid tonight
Working at the pyramid
You showed up after work, I’m bathin’ your body
Touch you in places only I know
You’re wet and you’re warm, just like our bathwater
Can we make love before you go?
The way you say my name makes me feel like I’m that nigga
But I’m still unemployed
You say it’s big, but you take it
Ride cowgirl
But your love ain’t free no more, baby
But your love ain’t free no more
She’s working at the pyramid tonight (no more)
Working at the pyramid
Working at the pyramid tonight, yeah
Working at the pyramid, that’s right
Working at the pyramid tonight, yeah
Working at the pyramid, ooh
Working at the pyramid tonight
Working at the pyramid
Working at the pyramid tonight