Ex-Factor

Lauryn Hill

About Ex-Factor

"Ex-Factor" is the second single from American recording artist Lauryn Hill from her debut solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998). The song incorporates elements of R&B, neo soul and hip hop soul. Released by Ruffhouse and Columbia Records, the song features a sample of "Can It Be All So Simple" by Wu-Tang Clan. The song also raised some controversy surrounding claims that it was about former groupmate Wyclef Jean of The Fugees.


Year:
1998

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It could all be so simple
But you'd rather make it hard
Loving you is like a battle
And we both end up with scars
Tell me, who I have to be
To get some reciprocity
No one loves you more than me
And no one ever will

Is this just a silly game
That forces you to act this way?
Forces you to scream my name
Then pretend that you can't stay
Tell me, who I have to be
To get some reciprocity
No one loves you more than me
And no one ever will

No matter how I think we grow
You always seem to let me know
It ain't workin', It ain't workin' (No, it ain't workin')
And when I try to walk away
You'd hurt yourself to make me stay
This is crazy, this is crazy (This is crazy, uh-huh)

I keep letting you back in
How can I explain myself?
As painful as this thing has been
I just can't be with no one else
See I know what we've got to do
You let go, and I'll let go too
'Cause no one's hurt me more than you
And no one ever will

No matter how I think we grow
You always seem to let me know
It ain't workin', It ain't workin' (It ain't workin')
And when I try to walk away
You'd hurt yourself to make me stay
This is crazy, this is crazy

Care for me, care for me
I know you care for me
There for me, there for me
Said you'd be there for me

Cry for me, cry for me
You said you'd die for me
Give to me, give to me
Why won't you live for me?

Care for me, care for me
You said you care for me
There for me, there for me
Said you'd be there for me

Cry for me, cry for me
You said you'd die for me
Give to me, give to me
Why won't you live for me?

Care for me, care for me
You said you care for me
There for me, there for me
Said you'd be there for me

Cry for me, cry for me
You said you'd die for me
Give to me, give to me
Why won't you live for me?

Care for me, care for me
You said you care for me
There for me, there for me
Said you'd be there for me

Give to me, give to me
Why won't you live for me?
Cry for me, cry for me
You said you'd die for me

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Lauryn Hill

Lauryn Noelle Hill (born May 25, 1975) is an American singer-songwriter, rapper, record producer, and actress. Early in her career, she established her reputation as an actress in Sister Act 2: Back In The Habit, and then as the front woman of the hip-hop group Fugees. In 1998, she launched her solo career with the release of the critically successful album and the 19m-seller, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. The album earned Hill five Grammy Awards, including the coveted Album of the Year and Best New Artist. To date, she has won a total of eight Grammys. more »

3 fans

Written by: Lauryn Hill, Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, Marvin Hamlisch, Robert Diggs, Corey Woods, Jason Hunter, Clifford Smith, Lamont Hawkins, Dennis Coles, Gary Grice, Russell Jones

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Song Creation
"Ex-Factor" was written and produced by Lauryn Hill herself. The song is from her first and only solo studio album, "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill."
Release Date
The song was released on December 8, 1998, as the second single from the album.
Chart Performance
The song peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100, indicating its significant popularity in the United States.
Lyrics Interpretation
Many people interpret the lyrics of "Ex-Factor" as a personal reflection of Hill's past love relationship with Wyclef Jean, her bandmate from the Fugees, although Hill has never confirmed this.
Awards
Lauryn Hill's album "The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill", where the song "Ex-Factor" features, won her many awards, including five Grammy Awards in 1999.
Music Genre
The song includes elements of R&B, neo soul and hip-hop.
Sampled by Other Artists
The song has been sampled by other artists, most notably by Drake in his hit song "Nice for What" and Cardi B in her song "Be Careful."
Critical Acclaim
The song received critical acclaim for its emotional depth and showcase of Hill's vocal range.
Music Video
The music video for "Ex-Factor" is a live performance shot during one of Hill's concerts.
Public Resonance
The song is often hailed as a powerful anthem for anyone who has experienced a painful breakup.
Song Length
The song runs for a total length of 5 minutes and 26 seconds.
Live Performances
Hill performed the song at the 41st Annual Grammy Awards and on Saturday Night Live in the 1990s.

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    Ex-Factor

    95M
    578.5K     22,777

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1999

    Billboard #21


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