The Meaning Behind The Song: Doo Wop (That Thing) by Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill is a multi-talented artist who has proven herself as a singer, rapper, songwriter, and actress. She first rose to fame as a member of the hip-hop group The Fugees in the mid-1990s. In 1998, Hill released her debut studio album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, which won multiple Grammy Awards and has been widely regarded as a masterpiece. One of the standout songs from the album is “Doo Wop (That Thing),” which topped the charts and became a cultural touchstone. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind the song and its enduring impact.
The Lyrics and Music of “Doo Wop (That Thing)”
“Doo Wop (That Thing)” is a song that juxtaposes 1960s doo-wop music with contemporary hip-hop. It features a catchy, upbeat melody and Hill’s signature soulful vocals. The lyrics of the song are structured as a conversation between two women, one who warns about the pitfalls of love and the other who is rebelling against conventional wisdom. The chorus of the song contains the titular phrase “that thing,” which has been interpreted in different ways.
On the surface, “that thing” refers to a physical attraction between two people. However, Hill has said that the phrase has a deeper meaning. In an interview with NPR, she explained that “that thing” symbolizes a broader cultural phenomenon, specifically the objectification and exploitation of women in the music industry. Hill wanted to highlight the ways in which women are encouraged to present themselves as sexual objects in order to succeed, rather than being valued for their talent and creativity. By using the doo-wop genre, which was historically male-dominated, Hill was able to subvert expectations and assert her own vision of female empowerment.
The Context of 1998
To fully understand the significance of “Doo Wop (That Thing),” it is necessary to consider the cultural context of 1998. At the time, hip-hop and R&B were dominating the music charts and shaping popular culture. However, there was a growing backlash against the predominant depictions of women in these genres. Female artists were often relegated to the background, or forced to conform to narrow and limiting standards of beauty and behavior. Hill’s album was a response to this phenomenon, and “Doo Wop (That Thing)” was its rallying cry.
In the song, Hill critiques the notion that women must perform a certain persona or engage in certain behaviors in order to be deemed attractive or successful. She sings:
“Girls, you know you’d better watch out
Some guys, some guys are only about
That thing, that thing, that thing.”
With these lines, Hill is warning women not to be taken in by men who are only interested in their bodies or appearance. She is advocating for self-respect and self-love, and rejecting the idea that women must change themselves in order to be “good enough.” The song’s message was resonant then, but has only grown more urgent and necessary in the years since its release.
The Legacy of “Doo Wop (That Thing)”
“Doo Wop (That Thing)” remains a classic song in the canon of hip-hop and R&B. Its crossover appeal, blending old-school and new-school elements, helped broaden the audience for both genres. The song’s message of female empowerment and resistance to patriarchal norms still resonates with listeners, particularly young women who are navigating the pressures of social media and the entertainment industry. In fact, “Doo Wop (That Thing)” has been referenced and sampled by numerous artists, including Beyoncé, Janelle Monáe, and Cardi B.
Hill herself has had a complicated legacy, with some fans and critics questioning her intentions and behavior. However, her impact on the music industry and on women of color in particular cannot be overstated. By creating a song that celebrated blackness, femininity, and creativity in the face of oppression, Hill inspired a generation of artists to follow in her footsteps. She paved the way for a more diverse and inclusive music landscape, where women and people of color can thrive and express themselves authentically.
The Importance of “Doo Wop (That Thing)” Today
Even after more than 20 years, “Doo Wop (That Thing)” remains a powerful and relevant anthem for women and people of color. It continues to inspire conversations about misogyny, racism, and the intersectionality of oppression. Hill’s call to action, for women to resist the pressures to conform and to value their own worth, is just as necessary today as it was in 1998.
In conclusion, “Doo Wop (That Thing)” is a song that is both timeless and timely. Its message of empowerment and self-love is one that is desperately needed in our current cultural moment. Hill’s artistry and vision have had a lasting impact on the music industry and on society as a whole. As fans and scholars continue to analyze and celebrate “Doo Wop (That Thing),” we can appreciate the ways in which one song can change the world.
