Lauryn Hill “Tell Him” Lyrics Meaning

“Tell Him” is a song by Lauryn Hill, an American rapper and singer. It was released as a hidden track on her first and only studio album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, which came out in 1998.

Originally not part of the album’s main tracklist, “Tell Him” is a love song, possibly dedicated to either her romantic partner or to Jesus Christ. It conveys the incredible strength of love, transcending all boundaries. Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13, Hill’s lyrics beautifully express patience, kindness, endurance, and the value of love over material possessions.

In this article, we’ll delve into the deeper meaning of the song’s lyrics.

“Tell Him” Lyrics Meaning

[Intro]

Yo, he-he, tell him um, (Huuu)

It’s like, uhh, you know, uhh

Sweet, sweet, sweet

Tell him

Uhh

Mmm-m-m-m

The “Intro” begins with a soft and melodic vocalization (“Huuu”) followed by Hill expressing the need to tell someone something (“tell him um”).

There’s a sense of anticipation and earnestness conveyed through the repetition of the phrase “tell him” and the interjections like “Uhh” and “Mmm-m-m-m.”

[Verse 1]

Let me be patient, let me be kind

Make me unselfish without being blind

Though I may suffer, I’ll envy it not

And endure what comes (Daah)

‘Cause he’s all that I got (Uuu) tell him (Aha)

In Verse 1, Hill sings about the willingness to endure hardships without envy, showing a deep commitment to love. It reflects a sense of devotion and loyalty to a significant other or perhaps a spiritual figure, possibly Jesus Christ.

In the lines “Let me be patient, let me be kind,” Hill suggests that she’s willing to endure suffering and treat “him” with respect and compassion. Ir reflects a mature understanding of love and sacrifice.   

As Hill repeats the phrase “tell him,” it’s as if she is imploring someone to communicate her feelings directly to the subject of the song. 

[Refrain]

Tell him I need him (Yeah)

Tell him I love him (Tell him who it hit)

And it’ll be alright (It’ll be alright)

And tell him (Tell him)

Tell him I need him (Be alright)

Tell him I love him (Tell him I love him)

It’ll be alright (Be alright)

The refrain begins with the lines “Tell him I need him” and “Tell him I love him,” which express a profound emotional attachment and dependency on the subject, whether it’s a romantic partner or a divine figure like Jesus Christ.

The repetition of “it’ll be alright” adds a sense of comfort and optimism, suggesting that despite any challenges or uncertainties, everything will ultimately work out. This reassurance reflects a belief in the strength of love to overcome obstacles and provide solace in difficult times.

The refrain is punctuated with variations of “be alright,” reinforcing the idea that no matter what happens, there is a sense of hope and positivity. 

[Verse 2]

Now I may have faith (I may have faith) to make mountains fall

(To make mountains fall)

But if I lack love, then I am nothin’ at all

I can give away (I can give away) everything I possess

But left without love then I have no happiness

I know I’m imperfect (I know I’m imperfect), and not without sin

(Not without sin, nah)

But now that I’m older, all childish things end (Ohh)

And tell him (Tell him)

In verse 2, Hill begins with a reflection on faith and the ability to achieve great feats (“Now I may have faith to make mountains fall”). However, she emphasizes that without love, even the most impressive achievements are meaningless (“But if I lack love, then I am nothing at all”).

In the next lines “I can give away (I can give away) everything I possess, But left without love then I have no happiness,” Hill states that she could give away everything she owns but without love, she would still lack happiness. This suggests that true happiness and fulfillment come from genuine connections and relationships rather than material wealth.

Hill acknowledges her imperfections and past mistakes, singing, “I know I’m imperfect, and not without sin.” But as time passes, she has become more mature, as expressed in the phrase “But now that I’m older, all childish things end.” These lines suggest that love requires humility and a willingness to learn from one’s experiences.

In the end, she repeats the phrase “tell him” to reinforce the urgency and sincerity of her message being conveyed.

[Bridge]

I’ll never be jealous (I’ll never be jealous)

And I won’t be too proud (Houu)

‘Cause love is not boastful (Noo)

Oooh and love is not loud

Tell him I need him (Tell him I need him)

Tell him I love him (Tell him I love him)

Everything is gonna (Everything), is gonna be (Everything) alright

Ya-eee-ya-eee-ya-eee-ya-eee-ya-eee-ya-eee-ya-eee-ya-eee

Uuu-u-uu (Uuu)

Yeah, yeah, oh yeah

Uuu-u-uu (Uuu)

Ah-ah-ah

Hill begins the Bridge by stating that she will never be jealous and won’t let pride get in the way (“I’ll never be jealous, and I won’t be too proud”). She might recognise that jealousy and pride can hinder genuine expressions of love and create barriers in relationships.

The next lines “‘Cause love is not boastful (Noo), Oooh and love is not loud” suggest that true love is humble and understated, instead of something flashy or showy.

The repetition of the phrase “tell him I need him, tell him I love him” expresses Hill’s desire to show her love and appreciation to “him,” who might either refer to her lover or a divine figure. 

[Verse 3]

Now I may have wisdom (I may have wisdom)

And knowledge on Earth

But if I speak wrong, ooh, then what is it worth? (What is it worth?)

See what we now know is nothing compared

To the love that was shown when our lives were spared (Uuh)

And tell him (Tell him)

In Verse 3, Hill begins with the line “Now I may have wisdom and knowledge on Earth,” suggesting that she acknowledges her possession of wisdom and knowledge. In other words, she recognises the intellectual prowess and understanding gained through life experiences.

However, Hill asserts that even if she possesses wisdom, speaking incorrectly can diminish its value (“But if I speak wrong, ooh, then what is it worth?”). Because love is not just about intellectual understanding but also about how it is expressed and communicated.

The next lines “See what we now know is nothing compared, To the love that was shown when our lives were spared (Uuh),” emphasize that the knowledge we have on Earth pales in comparison to the love shown when our lives are spared. This suggests that the greatest demonstration of love transcends earthly knowledge and is perhaps divine in nature.

[Refrain 2]

Tell him I need him (Tell him I need him)

Tell him I love him (Love him)

And it’ll be alright (It’ll be alright)

Oh-oh-oh

Tell him (Tell him)

Tell him I need him (I need you)

Tell him I love him (Be alright)

Be alright (Be alright)

Oh-oh-oh (It’s gonna be alright)

Tell oh-oh him (It’s gonna be alright, in the morning) (Tell him)

Tell him I need him, oh (Be alright)

It’ll be alright (It’s gonna be alright)

Oh-oh-oh, yeah, yeah (I need you)

When the, when the evening comes, oh

In the night time

In the morning

In the evening baby tell him

Tell him

The refrain begins with the repetition of the phrases “Tell him I need him” and “Tell him I love him,” reinforcing the urgency and sincerity of the message. These lines express a deep emotional dependence and longing for the subject of the song, whether it be a romantic partner or a spiritual figure like Jesus Christ.

As the refrain continues, the repetition of the phrase “it’ll be alright” adds a sense of comfort and reassurance, suggesting that despite any challenges or uncertainties, everything will ultimately work out. 

The phrase “When the evening comes” may symbolize the end of the day or a time of reflection, suggesting that expressing love should not be delayed but should be done promptly, especially as the day draws to a close.

In the following lines “In the night time, In the morning, In the evening,” the singer seems to imply a continuous cycle of moments. This repetition emphasizes the idea that love should be expressed consistently and not limited to specific times or occasions.

The final line, “In the evening baby tell him,” refers to a specific moment when Hill hopes to communicate her feelings to the person she sings about. Evening is usually a time when people often share their thoughts and emotions with loved ones, making it an appropriate moment to express feelings of love and appreciation.

Deeper Meaning Behind “Tell Him”

Lauryn Hill’s “Tell Him” conveys a message of deep affection and the importance of open communication in relationships.

If we interpret “Him” as a nod to Jesus Christ, given the religious undertones in the song and Hill’s Christian background, the lyrics could be seen as an expression of love and devotion to Jesus.

In fact, what many may not realize is that the lyrics are inspired by a passage from the New Testament in the Bible, specifically 1 Corinthians 13.

In her song, Lauryn Hill beautifully echoes the teachings of Corinthians. For instance, when she sings lines like “let me be patient, let me be kind, make me unselfish without being blind, though I may suffer I’ll envy it not and endure what comes,” it’s similar to what Corinthians says: “Charity suffers long” (meaning love is patient) “and is kind; charity envies not; charity boasts not; it’s not arrogant.”

Here, Hill emphasizes the importance of patience, kindness, and enduring love, which are crucial for building meaningful relationships.

In the song’s second verse, Hill emphasizes the significance of love over material possessions and achievements. She sings, “Now I may have faith to make mountains fall, but if I lack love then I am nothing at all. I can give away everything I possess, but left without love then I have no happiness.”

These words mirror Corinthians, which states:

“Though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.”

In other words, Hill believes that love can surpass all worldly possessions and accomplishments.

Hill’s lyrics also touch upon the significance of wisdom, knowledge, and the importance of speaking the truth.

She sings, “Now I may have wisdom and knowledge on Earth, but if I speak wrong then what is it worth? See what we now know is nothing compared to the love that was shown when our lives were spared.”

This sentiment aligns with Corinthians, which states:

“Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.”

In the lyrics, Hill is suggesting that knowledge and wisdom are meaningless if they are not accompanied by love and truth.

Though “Tell Him” draws inspiration from Corinthians, the song goes further, exploring a deeper, more spiritual love—one that’s completely unconditional. Hill’s lyrics suggest that love is beyond our human grasp, representing a powerful force that can transform us beyond our limits.

This notion resonates with Corinthians’ statement:

“For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”

In simple terms, the song suggests that our current knowledge is limited compared to the vastness of spiritual love that surrounds us.

Of course, many of us may interpret “Him” more broadly as referring to a romantic partner or loved one. In this context, the song serves as a reminder that expressing love doesn’t need to be complicated or elaborate but can be as simple as telling someone how much they mean to you.

Jacob Carter

Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.

He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.