Why I Love You
Jay-Z Kanye West Lyrics

Ooh I love you so But why I love you I'll never know
The artist is expressing their love for someone/something, but they can't explain why they feel that way.

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
The artist is using a metaphorical image to explain a situation where everything is falling apart, and questions why this keeps happening even though they have no control.

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
The artist is loyal to certain people whom they have fought, lived, and would die for, but at the same time, those people also pose a threat to their life. Despite this, the artist can still make those people praise and show respect for them.

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 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
The artist is waiting for the climax of the situation (like waiting for fireworks on July 4th) and explains that even though he tried to teach people to be leaders, people always just settle for being followers/soldiers. The artist's love for certain people is gone until there is a conflict, but even with all the drama and division, some people still love him.

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 God damn 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)
The artist gave love and spoils to others, and those same people betrayed and hurt him. He had to clean up the mess on his own and pay the price, but he still questions the reasons behind why people choose money or loyalty. He also provided resources and support for those people, but in return, they didn't show the same level of love or gratitude that he gave.

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)
The artist is confronted with violence and attacks, but he is resilient and protected. He is willing to defend himself, as it's important to protect his status or 'throne.' The artist is aware of the dangers that come with fake love and separates himself from those people. He also references the story of Caesar and his betrayal because even though he looked out for people, they still did him wrong. The artist acknowledges the paranoia and fear of being caught off guard and hurt, and asks for forgiveness for not being aware of the dangerous intentions of others.