Why I Love You
Jay Z/Kanye West Lyrics

Ooh I love you so But why I love you I'll never know
Repeated chorus indicating a strong and inexplicable love that the singer feels.

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 singer sets the scene of an apocalyptic world where everything is burning, and he is alone. He realizes that he cannot control everything, including why things often end up the way they do.

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 singer acknowledges the people he loves and fights for. He explains that although people want him dead, he cannot oblige. However, he can unite them in a show of support.

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
The artist discusses how people only focus on material things, like fireworks and getting high when they should focus on fixing their issues. He explains that he tried to teach them to be leaders, but they only wanted to be followers and 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 points out that the love among people will only return when there is conflict, and they will no longer be united in their uniform. He further emphasizes that the close-knit group has grown, and some have been kicked out, although they still profess love for one another.

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 singer talks about how he showed love and care for others, but they betrayed him. Nevertheless, he takes responsibility, even though he feels like he is dying. He also questions his role as a leader and what people are loyal to, be it him or his money.

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 singer returns to talk about people who are trying to kill him, stating that he is resilient and is prepared to fight back. He uses the story of Caesar to talk about betrayal, culminating in paranoia and the need to protect himself. Finally, he speaks to God, asking for forgiveness and protection from people he cannot trust.