TO ZION - LAURYN HILL

BACKGROUND

• written to her firstborn son/child Zion
• pressured to abort
• joy found in Zion

WOE THIS CRAZY CIRCUMSTANCE

• Many believed the father was still married.
• They definitely weren't married.
• She was at the height of her career

Chorus
"Now, the joy of my world is in Zion."

"LOOK AT YOUR CAREER THEY SAID. LAURYN, BABY USE YOUR HEAD."

• Society, family, and peers insisted that she'd be foolish.
• Money before Motherhood?
• Possible Loss of Queen of Hip Hop title
• (1:10-1:45)

"And I thank you for choosing me to come through unto life to be a beautiful reflection of His grace. See I know a gift so great is only one God could create. And I'm reminded every time I see your face." (2:05-2:40)

BIBLICAL ANALOGIES

• This adds to the many speculations of Ms. Hill's beliefs.
• Zion = Jerusalem (but then there is New Jerusalem=New Jersey -EGEC)
• Despite her specific beliefs, she definitely believes Zion is a gift from God.

OVERALL MESSAGE

• Don't let society make such significant decisions for you.
• Abortion doesn't only affect your life.
• Find the joy in your situation.
• When it's time to prioritize, we cannot be selfish.

LABEL PROBLEMS

• Ruffhouse Records under Columbia
• "written and produced by" Lawsuit

Such a Standout
While many (if not all) of Lauryn Hill's songs involve not only messages with substance, but unique messages with substance, this song specifically had such a risky, personal message.

PERSONAL EFFECT

• Reminder to never assume the worst outcome
• Selflessness

I AGREE

ATTRACTIONS

• Lauryn Hill's voice
• Her passion in the execution
• The content of the lyrics

OUR CULTURE

• We encourage selfishness
• Money is more important than an innocent baby
• There is still some good out there

WHAT IT SAYS ABOUT ME

• What does it say about me?
• Pro-Life?
• Pro-Joy?
• Pro-Lauryn's Voice?
• Pro-Biblical Analogies?

SOURCES

• rap.genius.com/Lauryn-hill-to-zion-lyrics
• en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Miseducation_of_Lauryn_Hill