Why I Love You
Jay-Z / Kanye West Lyrics

Ooh I love you so But why I love you I'll never know
Repetitive chorus indicating deep feelings of love but questioning its source and reason

Picture if you will, that the thrones burning Romes burning and I'm sitting in the corner all alone burning Why does it always end up like this? Something that we don't determine
Reflecting on times of loneliness and distress, questioning why these scenarios arise without control from oneself

Same people that I fought for That I fight for, that I ride for That I live for, that I die for Be the reason that these niggas is alive for And they want me dead But I'm sorry but I just can't die for you But I can make 'em put their hands in the sky for you
Loyalty to his people, who he'd do anything for, recognizing they may want him gone, but not willing to die for them, but can still gather a crowd and demand attention

We waiting for the fireworks like July fourth Get fly more, get high more, cry boy, why for? When the grief is over, beef is over, I'll be fly when Easter's over
Anticipating the next big thing, looking for an escape in drugs and fashion, questioning why there is conflict between people, and once it's done, he'll remain fly like Easter marks a time of renewal

I tried to teach niggas how to be kings And all they ever wanted to be was soldiers So the love is gone, 'til blood is drawn So we no longer wear the same uniform Fuck you squares, the circle got smaller The castle got bigger, the walls got taller And truth be told after all that said Niggas still got love for you
Tried to educate and elevate others, but they only want to follow, leading to further division and power struggles, but despite it all, there is still love

Showed love to you niggas You ripped out my heart and you stepped on it I picked up the pieces, before you swept on it Goddamn this shit leaves a mess don't it Shit feelin' like death don't it Charge it to the game, whatever's left on it I spent about a minute, maybe less on it Fly pelican fly, turn the jets on it But first I shall digress on it Wasn't I a good king? (Maybe too much of a good thing, huh?) Didn't I spoil you? Me or the money, what you loyal to? (Huh, I gave you my loyalty) Made you Royalty and royalties (Took care of these niggas lawyer fees) And this is how niggas rewardin' me (Damn)
Despite showing love, he was betrayed and hurt, but he takes it in stride and moves on. He reflects on how he treated his people well, doing everything for them, but wonders if he was too good. He asks what they really value - him or the money he provided. He gave them everything, and this is how they repay him.

Bussin' at me, b-b-b-bussin' at me But I'm bullet proof, bitch you can't get nothin' past me Got body armor (A nigga gotta watch the throne) And I'm bussin' back, so niggas in a glass house should not throw stones What do you do when the love turns the hate? (Gotta separate from these fuckin' fakes) Caesar didn't see it so he ceased to assist So the nigga that killed him had keys to his shit Am I my brother's keeper? (Only if that nigga don't creep up) Got a pistol under my pillow (I've never been a deep sleeper) P-p-p-paranoia (Cause the nigga that said he'll) Blast for ya (Is now) Blastin' for ya, that's an assassin for ya (These niggas got a shot they'll shoot) Please lord (Forgive him) For these niggas (Not know) What they, (Do) (Ooh)
Fighting against attacks and criticisms, showcasing his strength and resilience. When love turns to hate, he separates from those who are fake. Reference to Caesar and betrayal. He questions his loyalty to his brother, only if they haven't betrayed him. Always prepared for danger, resulting in paranoia. Asking for forgiveness for those who don't know what they're doing.