Pyrite (Fool's Gold)

Frank Ocean's 'Pyrite (Fool's Gold)' is a poignant exploration of disillusionment in love, where the artist grapples with the realization that what he once thought was precious and real may actually be just an illusion. The song's title itself is a metaphor; pyrite, also known as fool's gold, is a mineral that mimics the appearance of gold but is significantly less valuable. Ocean uses this comparison to reflect on a relationship that seemed golden but turned out to be less than what it promised.

The lyrics convey a sense of longing and disappointment, as Ocean addresses a lover who doesn't reciprocate his feelings. The 'rose colored lenses' he mentions suggest that he's been viewing the relationship with undue optimism, ignoring the 'blues and grays' of reality. The hook of the song emphasizes his ability to discern truth from falsehood, asserting that even though he may be seen as a fool, he knows the difference between genuine love and something that's merely masquerading as such.

The emotional weight of the song is further amplified by the verses, where Ocean expresses his vulnerability and pride. He acknowledges the pain of unrequited love and the difficulty of letting go, even when he knows it's not real. The outro reinforces the theme of the song, as Ocean resigns himself to the fact that the relationship will never progress beyond friendship, despite his deeper feelings.