Hill is noted as a humanitarian, and in 1996 she received an Essence Award for work which has included the 1996 founding of the Refugee Project, an outreach organization that supports a two-week overnight camp for at-risk youth, and for supporting well-building projects in Kenya and Uganda, as well as for staging a rap concert in Harlem to promote voter registration.
In 1999's Grammy Awards, Hill was nominated eleven times and won Album of the Year (beating Madonna's critically acclaimed album Ray of Light), Best New Artist, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, Best R&B Song, Best R&B Album, setting a new record for a female performer.
Hill has four children with retired (American) football player Rohan Marley, son of the late reggae music icon, Bob Marley: Zion David Marley, born 1997, Selah Louise Marley, born 1998, and second son Joshua, born 2002. A fourth child, John, was born in 2003 and the couple married soon after.
Early life
Lauryn Hill was born in East Orange, New Jersey. Hill was the second of two children born to high school English teacher Valerie Hill and computer programmer Mal Hill. As a child, Hill incessantly listened to her parents' Motown and 1960s soul records. Music was a central part of the Hill home. Mal Hill sang at weddings, Valerie played the piano, and Lauryn's older brother Melaney played the saxophone, guitar and drums.
Hill graduated from Columbia High School (New Jersey) in Maplewood, New Jersey. Hill was an active student, cheerleader, and performer. She began her acting career at a young age, and started performing music in 1987. In 1988, 13-year old Hill appeared as an Amateur Night contestant on It's Showtime at the Apollo. Hill sang her own version of William "Smokey" Robinson's song "Who's Lovin' You?". A nervous Hill sung far away from the mic and was heckled at first; but persisted and finished her song to a standing applause, though she did not win.
Hill was childhood friends with actor Zach Braff and they both graduated from Columbia High School in 1993. Braff mentions inviting Hill to his bar Mitzvah in 1988.[1]
Hill appeared on the soap opera, As The World Turns as Kira Johnson. In December 1993, she starred in "Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit" as Rita Louise Watson. In the film, she performed the songs "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" (a duet with Tanya Blount) and "Joyful,Joyful" . It was in this role, as Rita, that she first came to national prominence, with Roger Ebert calling her "the girl with the big joyful voice". Although Sister Act I and II were originally conceived as vehicles for comedian Whoopi Goldberg, the second installment won Lauryn equal notice.
Her other acting work includes the play Club XII with MC Lyte, and the motion pictures King of the Hill (as Arletta the Elevator Operator), Hav Plenty (1997), and Restaurant (1998). She appeared on the soundtracks to Conspiracy Theory in 1996 (on the track "Can't Take My Eyes Off You") and Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood in 2002 (on the track "Selah").
Her most recent album (mixtape) entitled "The Re-Education of Lauryn Hill" was released in 2007.
Doo Wop
Lauryn Hill Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)? Yo, yo
(Check out expression) yo
My men and my women
Don't forget about the deen, Sirat al-Mustaqim
Yo, it's about a thing, uh, yo
If you feel real good wave your hands in the air (yo, yo, what? What? What?)
And lick two shots in the atmosphere (uh)
(Yeah, yeah) put 'em up, put 'em up
(Uh, uh, uh, put 'em up, put 'em up) yeah, a-yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah
Yeah, a-yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah (yeah, yeah)
Yeah, a-yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah (yeah, yeah)
It's been three weeks since you were looking for your friend
The one you let hit it and never called you again (uh)
'Member when he told you he was 'bout the Benjamins? (Uh-huh, yeah)
You act like you ain't hear him, then give him a little trim
To begin, how you think you're really gon' pretend (pretend)
Like you wasn't down and you called him again? (Again)
Plus, when (when) you give it up so easy you ain't even foolin' him (him)
If you did it then, then you'd probably- again (again)
Talking out your neck, sayin' you're a Christian
A Muslim, sleeping with the gin
Now that was the sin that did Jezebel in
Who you gon' tell when the repercussions spin?
Showing off your ass 'cause you're thinkin' it's a trend
Girlfriend, let me break it down for you again
You know I only say it 'cause I'm truly genuine
Don't be a hard rock when you really are a gem
Baby girl (girl), respect is just a minimum (minimum)
N- and you still defending 'em (defending 'em)
Now, Lauryn is only human (human)
Don't think I haven't been through the same predicament (I been in)
Let it sit inside your head like a million women in Philly, Penn
It's silly when girls sell their souls because it's in
Look at where you be in, hair weaves like Europeans
Fake nails done by Koreans come again
Yo, a-win, win, come again (yeah, yeah)
Uh, bredrin come again (yeah, yeah)
My friend come again (yeah, yeah)
(Yeah, yeah, yeah, uh, yo)
Yeah, yeah
Guys you know you'd better watch out (yeah, uh)
'Cause girls, some girls are only about (some guys, some guys are only)
That thing, that thing, that thing
That thing, that thing, that thing (one thing, one thing)
(Yo, yo)
The second verse is dedicated to the men (men)
More concerned with his rims and his Timbs than his women
Him and his men come in the club like hooligans
Don't care who they offend, poppin' yang (like you got yen)
Let's stop pretend, the ones that pack pistols by they waist men
Cristal by the case men, still in they mother's basement
The pretty face men claiming that they did a bid men
Need to take care of they three or four kids (man)
And they facin' court case when the child support late
Money taking and heart breaking, now you wonder why women hate men
And the sneaky, silent men
The punk, domestic violence men
And quick to shoot the semen, stop acting like boys and be men (be men)
How you gon' win, when you ain't right within? (How you gonna win?)
How you gon' win, when you ain't right within? (Bredrin)
How you gon' win, when you ain't right within? (Be men)
Uh, uh, come again, uh (uh, uh)
(Come again)
Yo, yo, come again (yeah, yeah)
Yo, bredrin come again (yeah, yeah)
And sistren come again (yeah, yeah)
(Yeah) yeah, yeah
Watch out, watch out
Look out, look out
Wa-watch out, watch out
Look out, look out
Watch out, watch out
Look out, look out
Wa-watch out, watch out
Look out, look out
Girls you know you'd better watch out (uh, huh)
Some guys, some guys are only about
That thing, that thing, that thing
That thing, that thing, that thing
Guys you know you'd better watch out
'Cause girls, some girls are only about
That thing, that thing, that thing
That thing, that thing, that thing
Girls you know you'd better watch out (some guys, some guys are really not ready)
Some guys, some guys are only about (yeah, some girls, some girls are only, uh)
That thing, that thing, that thing (we taking it back, yo, way back, yo)
That thing, that thing, that thing
Ayy, we got some very intelligent women in here, man
Do you think you're too young to really love somebody?
(No, no, no, no, I don't think that)
I say it for me, uh, I'm an adult I say, wait
"You're too young to be in love, this is silly
You infatuated, whatever, he got nice jeans
He wear fancy Adidas"
I mean, it might be something I don't know (chill)
Bet
It's the difference from loving somebody and being in love with somebody
Well, you tell me, miss, what's the difference?
(Okay) what's the difference?
Okay, so, you-you can love anybody
But when you're in love with somebody
You're looking at it like this
You taking that person for what he or she is
No matter what he or she look like or no matter what he or she do
(God, she preaching right?) Aight
Well, if you fall in love, you can fall out of love (true that)
(But it's worth it to just love somebody)
Sure you might stop being in love with them
But you is not gon' stop loving that person
Maybe sometimes they never been loved before (yeah, true)
Or they've been in love before
Or they never-, they don't know what the feeling is to be loved
Uh, she poetic (I know that's right)
She killed it, we could end that conversation with that, right?
The lyrics to Lauryn Hill's song "Doo Wop (That Thing)" address issues of gender inequality and the importance of respect in relationships. In the first verse, Hill condemns women who are willing to sell their bodies for attention or material gain, urging them instead to value themselves as the "gems" they truly are, while the second verse addresses men who prioritize their appearance, power, and possessions over the well-being of the women in their lives. Hill warns listeners to be wary of these shallow and damaging attitudes, reminding them that true love requires honesty, empathy, and a commitment to mutual respect.
Beyond its powerful message, "Doo Wop (That Thing)" is known for its innovative blend of R&B, hip-hop, and doo-wop music, with Hill's soulful vocals and intricate lyrics providing a dynamic and engaging listening experience. The song was a commercial and critical success, winning two Grammys and topping the charts in both the US and UK. Today, it is widely regarded as one of Hill's most iconic and influential works, a testament to her talent, creativity, and social conscience.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, 'member back on the bully when cats used to harmonize like (Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)? Yo, yo (Check out expression) yo
Remember when guys used to sing in harmony? Check out my expression.
My men and my women Don't forget about the deen, Sirat al-Mustaqim Yo, it's about a thing, uh, yo
My friends, remember our religion and the right path. It's important, it's a thing.
If you feel real good wave your hands in the air (yo, yo, what? What? What?) And lick two shots in the atmosphere (uh) (Yeah, yeah) put 'em up, put 'em up (Uh, uh, uh, put 'em up, put 'em up) yeah, a-yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah Yeah, yeah Yeah, a-yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah (yeah, yeah) Yeah, a-yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah (yeah, yeah)
If you're feeling good, celebrate and show it. Wave your hands and shoot two imaginary shots in the air. Put your hands up and repeat, yeah yeah yeah!
It's been three weeks since you were looking for your friend The one you let hit it and never called you again (uh) 'Member when he told you he was 'bout the Benjamins? (Uh-huh, yeah) You act like you ain't hear him, then give him a little trim To begin, how you think you're really gon' pretend (pretend) Like you wasn't down and you called him again? (Again) Plus, when (when) you give it up so easy you ain't even foolin' him (him) If you did it then, then you'd probably- again (again) Talking out your neck, sayin' you're a Christian A Muslim, sleeping with the gin Now that was the sin that did Jezebel in Who you gon' tell when the repercussions spin? Showing off your ass 'cause you're thinkin' it's a trend Girlfriend, let me break it down for you again You know I only say it 'cause I'm truly genuine Don't be a hard rock when you really are a gem Baby girl (girl), respect is just a minimum (minimum) N- and you still defending 'em (defending 'em) Now, Lauryn is only human (human) Don't think I haven't been through the same predicament (I been in) Let it sit inside your head like a million women in Philly, Penn It's silly when girls sell their souls because it's in Look at where you be in, hair weaves like Europeans Fake nails done by Koreans come again
It's been three weeks since you slept with a friend who never called you again. He told you he's all about money but you ignored it and even gave him a haircut. You pretend you weren't invested but you're calling him back. Don't be fooled, he knows you give it up too easily. It's wrong to claim religion and drink gin while pretending to be modest. Don't emulate Jezebel's mistakes. Don't forget that actions have consequences. Don't show off your body just because it's trendy. Respect yourself, you are precious. Even Lauryn Hill has gone through the same situation. Think about it and don't sell your soul just to fit in. Consider where you are and how you present yourself.
Yo, a-win, win, come again (yeah, yeah) Uh, bredrin come again (yeah, yeah) My friend come again (yeah, yeah) (Yeah, yeah, yeah, uh, yo) Yeah, yeah
Let's win again, come on. Friends, let's come together and win.
Guys you know you'd better watch out (yeah, uh) 'Cause girls, some girls are only about (some guys, some guys are only) That thing, that thing, that thing That thing, that thing, that thing (one thing, one thing) (Yo, yo)
Guys, watch out because some girls only care about one thing. That thing, that thing.
The second verse is dedicated to the men (men) More concerned with his rims and his Timbs than his women Him and his men come in the club like hooligans Don't care who they offend, poppin' yang (like you got yen) Let's stop pretend, the ones that pack pistols by they waist men Cristal by the case men, still in they mother's basement The pretty face men claiming that they did a bid men Need to take care of they three or four kids (man) And they facin' court case when the child support late Money taking and heart breaking, now you wonder why women hate men And the sneaky, silent men The punk, domestic violence men And quick to shoot the semen, stop acting like boys and be men (be men) How you gon' win, when you ain't right within? (How you gonna win?) How you gon' win, when you ain't right within? (Bredrin) How you gon' win, when you ain't right within? (Be men) Uh, uh, come again, uh (uh, uh)
The second verse addresses men who prioritize their material possessions over their partners. They go to clubs with their friends, don't care who gets hurt and act like they have a lot of money. They still live with their mothers, lie about going to jail, and don't take responsibility for their children. They fall into debt and break women's hearts, but wonder why women hate men. They can also be sneaky, silent, violent, or irresponsible. They need to grow up and be real men, and work on their inner selves rather than just flashy exterior.
(Come again) Yo, yo, come again (yeah, yeah) Yo, bredrin come again (yeah, yeah) And sistren come again (yeah, yeah) (Yeah) yeah, yeah
Let's come together again and again, friends and sisters.
Watch out, watch out Look out, look out Wa-watch out, watch out Look out, look out Watch out, watch out Look out, look out Wa-watch out, watch out Look out, look out
Be careful and watch out.
Girls you know you'd better watch out (uh, huh) Some guys, some guys are only about That thing, that thing, that thing That thing, that thing, that thing Guys you know you'd better watch out 'Cause girls, some girls are only about That thing, that thing, that thing That thing, that thing, that thing
Girls, watch out because some guys only care about one thing. Guys, watch out because some girls only care about one thing.
Girls you know you'd better watch out (some guys, some guys are really not ready) Some guys, some guys are only about (yeah, some girls, some girls are only, uh) That thing, that thing, that thing (we taking it back, yo, way back, yo) That thing, that thing, that thing
Girls, be careful some guys are not ready for true love. Some guys only care about one thing, while some girls do the same. Let's take it back to where we see each other as more than just physical pleasures.
Ayy, we got some very intelligent women in here, man Do you think you're too young to really love somebody? (No, no, no, no, I don't think that) I say it for me, uh, I'm an adult I say, wait "You're too young to be in love, this is silly You infatuated, whatever, he got nice jeans He wear fancy Adidas" I mean, it might be something I don't know (chill) Bet It's the difference from loving somebody and being in love with somebody Well, you tell me, miss, what's the difference? (Okay) what's the difference? Okay, so, you-you can love anybody But when you're in love with somebody You're looking at it like this You taking that person for what he or she is No matter what he or she look like or no matter what he or she do (God, she preaching right?) Aight Well, if you fall in love, you can fall out of love (true that) (But it's worth it to just love somebody) Sure you might stop being in love with them But you is not gon' stop loving that person Maybe sometimes they never been loved before (yeah, true) Or they've been in love before Or they never-, they don't know what the feeling is to be loved Uh, she poetic (I know that's right) She killed it, we could end that conversation with that, right?
Lauryn acknowledges that there are intelligent women present and asks if someone thinks they are too young to truly love someone. But she retorts that it's not about age, it's the difference between loving somebody and being in love with somebody. Falling in love may end, but the love you have doesn't disappear. Some people may have never experienced love before, while others may not know how to respond to it. She says this so passionately and poetically that it's a great way to end the conversation.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Lauryn Hill
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind