Furthermore, the song also sends an extremely
positive message, it speaks about being independent and loving yourself no matter what. She
sings: “As the smoke clears, I awaken and untangle you from me, Would it make you feel better to
watch me while I bleed, all my windows, still are
broken, but I'm standing on my feet”. Could she
be talking about standing tall after every obstacle she faced and overcame? Yes.
Older songs from the 90’s aimed towards young
women have similar connotations. Read between
the lines. When I listen to “Bag Lady” by Erykah
Badu, she speaks about a woman who is carrying so much extra baggage that she can’t move
on and be happy with her life. -”I guess nobody
ever told you, all you must hold on to is you”. I
think that all women should remember that the
only thing that you need to carry around is yourself. Stay in the present and let go of the past.
You cannot let it interfere with your future successes.
Self-worth, determination, patience and confidence are reoccurring themes in many of Lauryn
Hill’s songs. She has written songs that are about
believing in yourself and following your passions.
In “Zion", I feel that she quieted the noise around
her and began to listen to her inner voice. The
part: “But everybody told me to be smart, Look
at your career they said, "Lauryn, baby use your
head", But instead I chose to use my heart” represents that. If you're only trying to please others,
you will never be happy. Find the courage to put
you first and embrace the shift. -“What is meant
to be will be, after winter, must come spring,
change it comes eventually.” –Lauryn Hill, Everything is everything.
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