Wiseman

Frank Ocean's 'Wise Man' is a contemplative piece that delves into the nature of human morality and the fallacy of categorizing people into absolute terms such as good or evil. The lyrics present a series of paradoxical statements about the non-existence of purely bad or good men, suggesting that such binary moral distinctions are simplistic and do not capture the complexity of human nature. Instead, Ocean emphasizes that we are all just 'flesh and blood,' highlighting our shared humanity and vulnerability.

The repeated line 'I bet your mother would be proud of you' serves as a poignant reminder of the expectations and pressures we face from family and society. It contrasts the harsh judgments we pass on each other with the unconditional love and pride a mother often has for her child, regardless of their flaws or the 'mess' they've made. This refrain adds a layer of introspection, urging listeners to consider the impact of their actions on those who care for them.

The song also touches on themes of survival and the primal aspects of human nature, as seen in the imagery of a 'primate sharpens tool' and the cycle of life and death where a 'beast' falls and is consumed by crows. These metaphors serve to ground the philosophical musings in the tangible reality of life's struggles and the instinctual behaviors that drive us. Ocean's lyrics are a call to acknowledge our shared imperfections and to find a sense of pride not in moral absolutes, but in our resilience and the complex tapestry of human experience.