Meaning of "On Being Frank" by Ben Folds Five
The lyrics of "On Being Frank" explore themes of identity, purpose, and loss. The narrator has spent their life in service of someone else, catering to the needs of Frank Sinatra and others, but now finds themselves feeling adrift and unsure of their own path. They reflect on the transient nature of relationships with powerful figures, the emptiness that can come from living in others' shadows, and the difficulty of finding one's own identity after dedicating so much to serving others. The song questions the nature of fame, power, and purpose, highlighting the loneliness that can come from losing oneself in the pursuit of serving others.