I Used To Love Him
Lauryn Hill Feat. Mary J. Blige Lyrics


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As I look at what I've done
The type of life that I've lived
How many things I pray the father will forgive
One situation involved a young man

He was the ocean and I was the sand
He stole my heart like a thief in the night
Dulled my senses blurred my sight
I used to love him but now I don't

I used to love him but now I don't
I chose a road of passion and pain
Sacrificed too much and waited in vain
Gave up my power ceased being queen

Addicted to love like the drug of a fiend
Torn and confused wasted and used
Reached the crossroad which path would I choose
Stuck and frustrated I waited, debated

For something to happen that just wasn't fated
Thought what I wanted was something I needed
When momma said no I just should have heeded
Misled I bled till the poison was gone

And out of the darkness arrived the sweet dawn
I used to love him but now I don't
I used to love him but now I don't
Father you saved me and showed me that life

Was much more than being some foolish man's wife
Showed me that love was respect and devotion
Greater than planets deeper than oceans
My soul was weary but now it's replenished

Content because that part of my life is finished
I see him sometimes and the look in his eye
Is one of a man who's lost treasures untold
But my heart is gold I took back my soul

And totally let my creator control




The life which was his to begin with
I used to love him but now I don't

Overall Meaning

In "I Used to Love Him," Lauryn Hill is discussing a failed relationship and the lessons she learned from it. She realizes that she has made significant mistakes in her life, and she is hoping for forgiveness from God. The song is introspective and reflective, as the singer looks back on her life and her choices.


Lauryn Hill talks about a person who once had her heart and stole it like a thief in the night. However, she later regrets her choices and recognizes that she gave up too much for someone who she loved dearly but didn't deserve her. The lyrics also talk about how Lauryn was misled and how she should have listened to her mother when she told her no. She resolves to move on and let go of the past, and that she has already moved on, telling the audience that she doesn't love the person anymore. She thanks God for saving her and showing her that life is more than being in a relationship that doesn't serve her well.


The song's lyrics are ripe with metaphors that illustrate the central theme of the song. Lauryn portrays herself as sand and the young man as an ocean that consumed her. The lyrics also talk about being addicted to love like a drug of a fiend, illustrating how unhealthy that love was. Additionally, the song writer personifies the idea of love, highlighting the importance of love being a respectful and devoted emotion much greater than anything on this earth.


Line by Line Meaning

As I look at what I've done
Reflecting on my life and actions


The type of life that I've lived
Acknowledging the nature of my past experiences


How many things I pray the father will forgive
Asking for divine forgiveness for past mistakes


One situation involved a young man
Narrating a story about a particular man


He was the ocean and I was the sand
Describing the man using metaphorical language as powerful and overwhelming


He stole my heart like a thief in the night
Expressing the forceful way in which the man entered the artist's life


Dulled my senses blurred my sight
Indicating the impact of the relationship on the artist's ability to see clearly


I used to love him but now I don't
Stating that the artist no longer has feelings for the man


I chose a road of passion and pain
Intentionally pursuing a path of intense emotions and suffering


Sacrificed too much and waited in vain
Investing too much in the relationship and receiving nothing in return


Gave up my power ceased being queen
Surrendering control and authority in the relationship


Addicted to love like the drug of a fiend
Comparing the artist's attachment to love to an addiction


Torn and confused wasted and used
Feeling conflicted, exploited, and drained


Reached the crossroad which path would I choose
Facing a critical decision with two possible outcomes


Stuck and frustrated I waited, debated
Feeling trapped and unsure, contemplating options


For something to happen that just wasn't fated
Hoping for something that was not meant to be


Thought what I wanted was something I needed
Confusing what was desired with what was necessary


When momma said no I just should have heeded
Regretting not listening to wise advice


Misled I bled till the poison was gone
Being deceived and suffering, but recovering from the harm


And out of the darkness arrived the sweet dawn
Finding relief and improvement after a difficult period


Father you saved me and showed me that life
Acknowledging faith and gratitude for a spiritual intervention


Was much more than being some foolish man's wife
Rejecting a narrow definition of a woman's worth


Showed me that love was respect and devotion
Learning the true nature of love as based on respect and commitment


Greater than planets deeper than oceans
Celebrating the depth and vastness of profound love


My soul was weary but now it's replenished
Feeling emotionally exhausted before but now restored


Content because that part of my life is finished
Experiencing peace and closure from a past relationship


I see him sometimes and the look in his eye
Encountering the ex-partner and noticing his expression


Is one of a man who's lost treasures untold
Perceiving that the former partner has lost great things


But my heart is gold I took back my soul
Asserting the artist's value and resilience


And totally let my creator control
Submitting to a higher power for guidance


The life which was his to begin with
Acknowledging the role of divine authority in one's life


I used to love him but now I don't
Repeating the central message that the artist has moved on from the past relationship




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: D.J. ROGERS, LAURYN HILL, LAURYN N. HILL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@danil.6129

That part 👇🏻😍

" Was much more than being some foolish man's wife
Showed me that love was respect and devotion
Greater than planets deeper than oceans
My soul was weary but now it's replenished

Content because that part of my life is finished
I see him sometimes and the look in his eye
Is one of a man who's lost treasures untold
But my heart is gold I took back my soul

And totally let my creator control
The life which was his to begin with
I used to love him but now I don't "



All comments from YouTube:

@misslynda82

"Father you saved me and you showed me that life was much more than being some foolish mans wife" AMEN to that!....lol

@iammicsholla1482

“THAT” that’s my favourite line!!!

@rbay32

Facts

@killary_Banx

Yes..

@dynamicgames433

As I look at what I have done!
The best line of the whole track!

@courtgee123

Wow!

1 More Replies...

@freedomm

With just two albums (Miseducation as a solo artiste and the Score as part of the Fugees), Lauryn Hill managed to achieve what a majority of music stars fail to in their entire careers ... immortality. Whatever happens in the future, whether she makes new music or not, her place with the greats has been cemented.

@empressnissaba6558

Truly, I agree!!! Dont forget about her first album Blunted

@lisacoronadofernandez4422

Their voices blend beautifully together!

@mikehunter3486

Lauryn Hill and Mary J. Blige sounds so good together great collaboration. Perfect harmonies

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