Bittersweet Poetry
Kanye West Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Bittersweet
You're gonna be the death of me
I don't want you, but I need you
I love you and hate you at the very same time

See what I want so much, shit never hurt this bad
Never did this before, that's what the virgin says
We've been generally warned, that's what the surgeon says
God talk to me now, this is an emergency
And she claim she only with me for the currency
You cut me deep bitch, cut me like surgery
And I was too proud to admit that it was hurting me
I'd never do that to you, at least purposely
We breaking up again, we making up again
But we don't love no more, I guess we fucking then
Have you ever felt you ever want to kill her?
And you mix them emotions with tequila
And you mix that with a little bad advice
On one of those bad nights, ya'll have a bad fight
And you talking 'bout her family, her aunts and shit
And she say "Motherfucker, yo momma's a bitch!"
You know, domestic drama and shit, all that attitude
I'll never hit a girl, but I'll shake the shit outta you!
But I'mma be the bigger man, Big Pimpin' like Jiggaman
Oh I guess I figure it's

Bittersweet
You're gonna be the death of me
I don't want you, but I need you
I love you and hate you at the very same time
Bittersweet

See what I want so much, shit never hurt this bad
Never did this before, that's what the virgin says



We've been generally warned, that's what the surgeon says
God talk to me now, this is an emergency
And my nigga said I shouldn't let it worry me
I need to focus on the girls we getting currently
But I been thinking and it got me back to sinking and
This relationship it even got me back to drinking all this
Hennessy
It's gonna be the death of me
And I always thought that you having our child was our destiny
But I can't even vibe with you sexually
'Cause every time I would try, you would question me
Saying "You fucking them girls, disrespecting me?
You don't see how ya lies is affecting me
You don't see how our life was supposed to be
And I never let a nigga get that close to me
And you ain't cracked up to what you was supposed to be
You always gone, you'll always be where them hoes'll be"
And this the first time she ever spilled her soul to me

Bittersweet (I fucked up, and I know it, G)
You're gonna be the death of me (I guess it's bittersweet poetry)
I don't want you, but I need you
I love you and hate you at the very same time
Bittersweet
You're gonna be the death of me
I don't want you, but I need you
I love you and hate you at the very same time

See what I want so much, shit never hurt this bad
Never did this before, that's what the virgin says
We've been generally warned, that's what the surgeon says
God talk to me now, this is an emergency

See what I want so much, shit never hurt this bad
Never did this before, that's what the virgin says
We've been generally warned, that's what the surgeon says
God talk to me now, this is an emergency

Bittersweet
You're gonna be the death of me
I don't want you, but I need you
I love you and hate you at the very same time

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Bittersweet Poetry" explore the complex emotions surrounding a dysfunctional relationship. The song is a duet between Kanye West and John Mayer, with Kanye rapping about his frustrations and John Mayer providing the chorus and guitar riffs. The song opens with Kanye admitting that he both loves and hates his partner, and that he is unable to let go of the relationship even though it is causing him pain. He then reflects on how his desire for this person has never hurt so much before.


Kanye goes on to describe the arguments and fights that he and his partner have, and how they break up and make up repeatedly. He acknowledges that his partner is only with him for the money and that she has the power to hurt him deeply. However, he also admits to his own pride and stubbornness, which prevents him from facing how much he is being hurt. In the end, he tries to be the "bigger man" and move forward, but he recognizes that the relationship is still causing him emotional turmoil.


The song captures the conflict and contradictions inherent in a troubled relationship. Kanye's lyrics express the pain and frustration of trying to hold onto something that is destructive, while John Mayer's guitar riffs provide a sense of longing and melancholy. Together, their voices create a powerful and emotional soundscape that encapsulates the bittersweet nature of love.


Line by Line Meaning

Bittersweet
The conflicting emotions and feelings that come with love and relationships


You're gonna be the death of me
This relationship is causing so much pain that it feels like it could be deadly


I don't want you, but I need you
Despite not wanting to be in this relationship, there is still an intense emotional need to be with this person


I love you and hate you at the very same time
There is a deep and complicated mix of emotions, both positive and negative, towards this person


See what I want so much, shit never hurt this bad
The intense desire for this relationship is causing immense pain and heartache


Never did this before, that's what the virgin says
This is a new experience and it's difficult to navigate


We've been generally warned, that's what the surgeon says
Others have warned about the risks and dangers of this relationship


God talk to me now, this is an emergency
Praying for guidance and help during a difficult time


And she claim she only with me for the currency
There are doubts about the other person's motivations and intentions in the relationship


You cut me deep bitch, cut me like surgery
The words and actions of the other person are causing deep emotional wounds


And I was too proud to admit that it was hurting me
Feeling ashamed and unable to express the pain caused by the relationship


I'd never do that to you, at least purposely
Still trying to maintain some level of respect and integrity in the relationship


We breaking up again, we making up again
The relationship is tumultuous and constantly on the verge of ending


But we don't love no more, I guess we fucking then
Despite the lack of love, there is still a physical and emotional connection


Have you ever felt you ever want to kill her?
Expressing the intense anger and frustration that can come with relationship troubles


And you mix them emotions with tequila
Alcohol and emotional turmoil create a volatile combination


And you mix that with a little bad advice
Bad decisions in the midst of emotional chaos


On one of those bad nights, ya'll have a bad fight
Frequently having intense arguments and fights


And you talking 'bout her family, her aunts and shit
Bringing up sensitive topics and hurting the other person


And she say "Motherfucker, yo momma's a bitch!"
Responding with equally hurtful and disrespectful comments


You know, domestic drama and shit, all that attitude
The complicated and painful dynamics of a dysfunctional relationship


I'll never hit a girl, but I'll shake the shit outta you!
Not resorting to physical violence, but still feeling the intensity of the situation


But I'mma be the bigger man, Big Pimpin' like Jiggaman
Trying to rise above the drama and be the better person


Oh I guess I figure it's
Realizing that despite the pain, the relationship is still worth fighting for


And my nigga said I shouldn't let it worry me
Seeking advice and guidance from friends


I need to focus on the girls we getting currently
Trying to distract from the problems in the relationship by pursuing other women


But I been thinking and it got me back to sinking and
Despite the distractions, the problems in the relationship continue to weigh heavy


This relationship it even got me back to drinking all this
Turning to alcohol to cope with the pain and stress of the relationship


Hennessy
Specifically, a type of cognac, but also represents the numbing effects of alcohol


And I always thought that you having our child was our destiny
Believing that starting a family together was the ultimate goal


But I can't even vibe with you sexually
The emotional and relationship problems have even affected the physical intimacy between them


'Cause every time I would try, you would question me
Feeling judged and unable to truly connect during intimate moments


Saying "You fucking them girls, disrespecting me?
Accusing the other person of cheating and being unfaithful


You don't see how ya lies is affecting me
Feeling betrayed and hurt by lies and deception from the other person


You don't see how our life was supposed to be
Feeling like the relationship has deviated from the path and plan they had envisioned


And I never let a nigga get that close to me
Revealing vulnerability and emotional attachment that is uncommon


And you ain't cracked up to what you was supposed to be
Feeling disappointed and let down by the other person's actions and behaviors


You always gone, you'll always be where them hoes'll be"
Accusing the other person of cheating and being unfaithful


And this the first time she ever spilled her soul to me
Despite the difficulties, there are moments of emotional honesty and connection




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GENERAL NORMAN JOHNSON, GREGORY S PERRY, KANYE WEST, KANYE OMARI WEST

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@fatmalakirana3220

"Bittersweet Poetry"
(feat. John Mayer)

[John Mayer:]
Bittersweet
You're gonna be the death of me
I don't want you, but I need you
I love you and hate you at the very same time
Bittersweet

[Kanye West:]
See, what I want so much should never hurt this bad
Never did this before, that's what the virgin says
We've been generally warned, that's what the surgeon says
God, talk to me now, this is an emergency
And she claims she only with me for the currency
You cut me deep, bitch, cut me like surgery
And I was too proud to admit that it was hurting me
I'd never do that to you, at least purposely
We breaking up again, we making up again
But we don't love no more, I guess we fucking then
Have you ever felt you ever want to kill her?
And you mix them emotions with tequila
And you mix that with a little bad advice
On one of them bad nights, y'all have a bad fight
And you talk about her family, her aunts and shit
And she say, "Motherfucker, your momma's a bitch"
You know, domestic drama and shit, all the attitude
I'd never hit a girl, but I'll shake the shit out of you
But I'mma be the bigger man, big pimpin' like Jigga man
Oh, I guess I figure it's

[John Mayer:]
Bittersweet
You're gonna be the death of me
I don't want you, but I need you
I love you, hate you at the very same time
Bittersweet

[Kanye West:]
See, what I want so much should never hurt this bad
Never did this before, that's what the virgin says
We've been generally warned, that's what the surgeon says
God, talk to me now, this is an emergency
And my niggas said I shouldn't let it worry me
I need to focus on the girls we getting currently
But I been thinking and it got me back to sinking
And this relationship, it even got me back to drinking
Now this Hennessy, uh, it's gonna be the death of me
And I always thought that you having my child was our destiny
But I can't even vibe with you sexually
'Cause every time that I'd try, you would question me
Saying, "You fucking them girls, disrespecting me
You don't see how your lies is affecting me?
You don't see how our life was supposed to be?
And I never let a nigga get that close to me
And you ain't cracked up to what you were supposed to be
You always gone, you always be where them hoes will be"
And this the first time she ever spilled her soul to me

[John Mayer and Kanye West:]
Bittersweet (I fucked up and I know it, G)
You're gonna be the death of me (I guess it's bittersweet poetry)
I don't want you, but I need you
I love you and hate you at the very same time
Bittersweet
You're gonna be the death of me
I don't want you, but I need you
I love you and hate you at the very same time

[Kanye West:]
See, what I want so much should never hurt this bad
Never did this before, that's what the virgin says
We've been generally warned, that's what the surgeon says
God, talk to me now, this is an emergency
See, what I want so much should never hurt this bad
Never did this before, that's what the virgin says
We've been generally warned, that's what the surgeon says
God, talk to me now, this is an emergency

[John Mayer:]
Bittersweet
You're gonna be the death of me
I don't want you, but I need you
I love you and hate you at the very same time
(Bittersweet
You're gonna be the death of me
I don't want you
...very same time)



@gagemuller1416

Chorus: John Mayer]
Bittersweet
You're gonna be the death of me
I don't want you, but I need you
I love you and hate you at the very same time
Bittersweet

[Refrain: Kanye West]
See, what I want so much should never hurt this bad
Never did this before, that's what the virgin says
We've been generally warned, that's what the surgeon says
God, talk to me now, this is an emergency

[Verse 1: Kanye West]
And she claims she only with me for the currency
You cut me deep, bitch, cut me like surgery
And I was too proud to admit that it was hurting me
I'd never do that to you, at least purposely
We breaking up again, we making up again
But we don't love no more, I guess we fucking then
Have you ever felt you ever want to kill her?
And you mix them emotions with tequila
And you mix that with a little bad advice
On one of them bad nights, y'all have a bad fight
And you talk about her family, her aunts and shit
And she say, "Motherfucker, your momma's a bitch"
You know, domestic drama and shit, all the attitude
I'd never hit a girl, but I'll shake the shit out of you
But I'mma be the bigger man, big pimpin' like Jigga man
Oh, I guess I figure it'sChorus: John Mayer]
Bittersweet
You're gonna be the death of me
I don't want you, but I need you
I love you, hate you at the very same time
Bittersweet

[Refrain: Kanye West]
See, what I want so much should never hurt this bad
Never did this before, that's what the virgin says
We've been generally warned, that's what the surgeon says
God, talk to me now, this is an emergency

[Verse 2: Kanye West]
And my niggas said I shouldn't let it worry me
I need to focus on the girls we getting currently
But I been thinking and it got me back to sinking
And this relationship, it even got me back to drinking
Now this Hennessy, uh, it's gonna be the death of me
And I always thought that you having my child was our destiny
But I can't even vibe with you sexually
'Cause every time that I'd try, you would question me
Saying, "You fucking them girls, disrespecting me
You don't see how your lies is affecting me?
You don't see how our life was supposed to be?
And I never let a nigga get that close to me
And you ain't cracked up to what you were supposed to be
You always gone, you always be where them hoes will be"
And this the first time she ever spilled her soul to meChorus: John Mayer & Kanye West]
Bittersweet (I fucked up and I know it, G)
You're gonna be the death of me (I guess it's bittersweet poetry)
I don't want you, but I need you
I love you and hate you at the very same time
Bittersweet
You're gonna be the death of me
I don't want you, but I need you
I love you and hate you at the very same time

[Refrain: Kanye West]
See, what I want so much should never hurt this bad
Never did this before, that's what the virgin says
We've been generally warned, that's what the surgeon says
God, talk to me now, this is an emergency
See, what I want so much should never hurt this bad
Never did this before, that's what the virgin says
We've been generally warned, that's what the surgeon says
God, talk to me now, this is an emergency

[Chorus: John Mayer]
Bittersweet
You're gonna be the death of me
I don't want you, but I need you
I love you and hate you at the very same time
(Bittersweet
You're gonna be the death of me
I don't want you
...very same time)



All comments from YouTube:

@skinnyrigid

I feel like we can all agree that this masterpiece should be made available in all streaming platforms on lossless audio quality

@Oujix

Agreed.

@CAYCAYNULLIAN

Guys it is, i have it on my iPod you need the Japanese version of the CD. Also I downloaded it on my dad Mac a long time ago. I don’t how he got it but I’m assuming that maybe it was available back in the day.

@Nostalgia4life7

💯

@RhysPitman94

Amen to that 🙏

@mrgrabbyfatty8591

@@CAYCAYNULLIAN But it’s not, because 90% of us aren’t from Japan my man lol I wish 🥲🥲

55 More Replies...

@Leftback4000

Returning to this after Vultures 2 was the best ear cleansing of all time

@ImSuvasco

How is it even possible to go from creating this to Vultures 2...

@singularite6384

​@@ImSuvascoI swear

@anderson3889

real

More Comments

More Versions