The Meaning Behind The Song: I Used to Love H.E.R. by Common
Hip-hop is a genre that has always been synonymous with storytelling. Within its lyrics, subject matter ranges from party anthems, societal observations, and politics to its origins in the streets. Common’s “I Used to Love H.E.R.” is no exception to this general rule. This song is more than just a catchy tune with a hook; it’s a tribute to the birth and evolution of hip-hop music from its humble roots to its current status as a global and influential genre.
The Inspiration
“I Used to Love H.E.R.” was written by Common in 1994 and appeared on his second album, “Resurrection.” The song is a metaphorical journey of a woman who personifies hip-hop music, from its budding days of creation to its modern-day success. The song’s inspiration comes from Common’s frustration with where hip-hop music was heading at the time.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a relationship between Common and hip-hop, personified as a woman. The track documents hip-hop’s transformation from the ’70s to the early ’90s through various political and societal changes such as crack cocaine, gang violence, and substance abuse.
The Meaning Behind the Lyrics
The song’s first verse describes hip-hop’s early beginnings through Common’s memories of the first time he encountered it in the ’70s. He describes her as “a young tender, sweet little thing,” who “always had a story to tell.” The song continues to chronologically document hip-hop’s growth, including changes in style, fashion, and economic success.
The second verse is where Common’s message becomes clear. He notices that hip-hop has changed. Instead of being the voice of the people and speaking truth to power, it’s become materialistic, superficial, and disconnected from its historical roots. The song’s chorus reflects this change:
“I used to love H.E.R.
Mad love for H.E.R.
I used to love H.E.R.
Mad love for H.E.R.
I used to love H.E.R.
Mad love for H.E.R.
I used to love H.E.R.
Mad love for H.E.R.”
The song’s outro suggests that although hip-hop has changed, it’s still worth fighting for, and its heart and soul should still be respected.
FAQs
1) Why did Common write “I Used to Love H.E.R.?”
Common wrote the song because he felt that hip-hop was changing and becoming more materialistic, superficial, and disconnected from its historical roots. He wanted to remind people of the genre’s origins and value.
2) What does the title “I Used to Love H.E.R.” mean?
The title refers to hip-hop music as “H.E.R.,” short for “Hip-hop in its Essence and Realness.” The song tells the story of his relationship with hip-hop, which he loved in its original form but feels has changed for the worse.
3) What is the song’s chorus trying to say?
The song’s chorus reflects Common’s disappointment with the current state of hip-hop. He used to love “H.E.R.,” but now he feels that she has changed, and he mourns the loss of what she used to be.
4) What societal changes does the song’s lyrics refer to?
The song refers to changes such as gangs, violence, crack cocaine, and poverty that affected inner-city communities during the ’80s and early ’90s.
5) How is the song significant in the history of hip-hop?
“I Used to Love H.E.R.” is considered a hip-hop classic and has been critically acclaimed as one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time. The song helped to spark conversations about the direction that the genre was taking and the need to return to hip-hop’s roots.
6) What has Common said about the song over the years?
Common has been quoted saying that the song is a reminder of where hip-hop music originally came from and what it represented to him growing up. He feels that hip-hop’s focus has shifted away from its message and towards the commercialization of the genre.
7) What impact has the song had on the music industry?
The song’s impact on the music industry is mainly through its message. It helped to spark conversations about the direction that hip-hop was taking and encouraged artists to reflect on the value of their music.
8) How has the song’s message changed over time?
The song’s message has remained consistent. It always celebrated the birth and evolution of hip-hop music while also lamenting its commercialization and loss of its original purpose.
9) What is the significance of the song’s metaphor?
Common used the metaphor of H.E.R. to show the growth and transformation of hip-hop from its birth to its present-day form.
10) What other songs have been written about hip-hop’s origins or evolution?
Other songs related to the evolution of hip-hop include “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, “Juice (Know the Ledge)” by Eric B. & Rakim, “The Evolution of Hip Hop” by DJ Kool Herc, and “Hip Hop Hooray” by Naughty by Nature.
11) Who produced “I Used to Love H.E.R.”?
The song was produced by No I.D., who also co-wrote the track with Common.
12) What other projects has Common released?
Common has released various albums throughout his career, including Can I Borrow a Dollar?, Resurrection, One Day It’ll All Make Sense, Be, and Finding Forever. He has also starred in numerous films and TV shows, including “Selma” and “The Chi.”
