| "Swim Good" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Single by Frank Ocean | ||||
| from the album nostalgia,ULTRA. | ||||
| Released | October 18, 2011 | |||
| Recorded | 2010 | |||
| Genre | Alternative R&B | |||
| Length | 4:17 | |||
| Label | Def Jam | |||
| Songwriter(s) |
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| Producer(s) | Midi Mafia | |||
| Frank Ocean singles chronology | ||||
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"Swim Good" is a song by American singer Frank Ocean, released as the second single from his mixtape Nostalgia, Ultra (2011). The song was written by Ocean alongside producers Midi Mafia and Charles Gambetta. It features additional vocals by fellow Odd Future member Tyler, The Creator. The song explores the topic of romantic baggage, guilt and utilizes several metaphors. Lyrically, the song expresses a narrative about a man who, burdened with many failed relationships, ends his life by driving into the ocean. The track explores tropes of the tragic love story and suicide. The song received positive reviews from music critics, who praised Ocean's vocals and the song's dark subject matter.
When Nostalgia, Ultra was expected to be released as an EP by Def Jam, "Swim Good" was released as the second single, though the EP release was later cancelled. The song peaked at number 70 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The song received a music video directed by Australian director Nabil Elderkin. The anime-inspired music video features Ocean driving down remote roads in a Samurai costume and eventually setting his car on fire. Ocean performed the track during his seven show tour through North America and Europe in November 2011 and other notable concerts such as Coachella. On July 31, 2012, the music video was nominated for three MTV Video Music Awards.