Taxi driver
You're my shrink for the hour
Leave the meter running
It's rush hour
So take the streets if you wanna
Just outrun the demons, could you?
He said "allahu akbar", I told him don't curse me
"But boy you need prayer", I guess it couldn't hurt me
If it brings me to my knees
It's a bad religion
This unrequited love
To me it's nothing but
A one-man cult
And cyanide in my styrofoam cup
I could never make him love me
Never make him love me
Love, love…
Taxi driver
I swear I've got three lives
Balanced on my head like steak knives
I can't tell you the truth about my disguise
I can't trust no one
And you say "allahu akbar", I told him don't curse me
"But boy you need prayer", I guess it couldn't hurt me
If it brings me to my knees
It's a bad religion
This unrequited love
To me it's nothing but
A one-man cult
And cyanide in my styrofoam cup
I could never make him love me
Never make him love me
No, no
It's a bad religion
To be in love with someone
Who could never love you
Only bad
Only bad religion
Could have me feeling the way I do
Explication des paroles de Bad Religion de Frank Ocean
Frank Ocean’s song « Bad Religion » explores the theme of unrequited love and the internal struggle that comes with it. The lyrics depict a conversation between the protagonist and a taxi driver, who serves as a makeshift therapist during rush hour. The protagonist is grappling with their feelings of unreciprocated love and the pain it brings.
The song opens with the protagonist seeking solace in the taxi driver, treating them as a temporary counselor. The protagonist expresses their desire to outrun their inner demons, seeking distraction from the overwhelming emotions they are experiencing. The mention of « allahu akbar » serves as a metaphor for seeking divine intervention or guidance in coping with the unrequited love.
Throughout the song, the protagonist reflects on the toxic nature of their one-sided affection, comparing it to a cult with poisonous effects. The reference to cyanide in a styrofoam cup symbolizes the harmful impact of holding onto a love that will never be returned. Despite their efforts, the protagonist realizes that they can never force the object of their affection to love them back.
The chorus, « It’s a bad religion // To be in love with someone // Who could never love you, » encapsulates the central theme of the song. The protagonist acknowledges the futility of their emotions and the pain that comes from loving someone who will never feel the same way. The repetition of the phrase « never make him love me » emphasizes the protagonist’s resignation to their unrequited love.
In the second verse, the protagonist reveals their internal turmoil, feeling as though they are living multiple lives and carrying a heavy burden. The lyrics convey a sense of isolation and mistrust, highlighting the struggle to maintain a facade and conceal their true feelings. Despite the taxi driver’s attempts to offer comfort through prayer, the protagonist recognizes that their love is a destructive force that brings them to their knees.
Overall, « Bad Religion » by Frank Ocean delves into the complexities of unrequited love and the emotional turmoil it brings. The lyrics paint a poignant picture of longing, pain, and acceptance in the face of an impossible romantic situation. The song serves as a reminder of the impact of unreciprocated love and the internal battles that come with it.