Papers
usher Lyrics

Ooh, ooh, ooh, papers
Usher is singing the repetitious phrase "Ooh, ooh, ooh, papers" which sets the mood for the theme of the rest of the song - which is about legal papers and the end of a romantic relationship.

I can't, get to work on time
Usher is having problems balancing his relationship and other responsibilities, a sign that the relationship is growing increasingly unhealthy.

Can't believe the words to her I just said
Usher is in disbelief about the hurtful words he just spoke to his partner, which eventually prompts him to want to sign the papers to end the relationship for good.

But who the hell argue and fight like dogs At six in the morning? (in the mornin')
Usher rhetorically questions why he and his partner are arguing so intensely at such an early hour of the day.

I know its gonna be some more shh tonight, mm, ooh
Usher goes into the second verse acknowledging that another fight is likely to arise tonight, which would make him resentful of his relationship even more.

Our pastor's callin', tellin' me I done went too far and I'm seen around town and my friends can't recognize me 'Cause I took a chance on love (love) It's like (like), I'm dyin' (ooh dyin')
Usher is feeling the social and emotional pressure of his rocky relationship as he realizes that he's changed for the worse due to the impact of his partner.

For you I gave my heart and turned my back against the world 'Cause you were my girl, girl, girl I done damn near lost my mama, I done been through so much drama I done turned into the man that I never thought I'd be
Usher acknowledges that he has become someone he never wanted to be, but he did it all for his partner, who he believed to be the love of his life.

I'm ready to sign them papers, papers, papers (I done took all I can take but you leave me no options, girl) I can't deny how much I love you, I done gave up everything I had to As hard as it is I'm afraid I gotta say I'm ready to sign them papers, papers, papers (I done took all I can take but you leave me no options, girl)
Usher has reached his limit - he has done all he can in the relationship, but it is no longer working, and he is ready to sign the legal papers to end it for good, even though it's a difficult decision.

I'm losin' my mind, can't figure out who's wrong or right I know it's you I love But then I also know it's you I don't like
Usher feels torn between his love for his partner and his dissatisfaction with the relationship - he can't seem to reconcile his conflicting emotions.

You claim you hate who I was But that's the reason you here now You think I don't know what's up But sweetheart that's what ruined us
Usher's partner criticizes his past behavior, but this behavior is what initially attracted her to him. Usher reveals that he has noticed that his partner's critical attitude has only deteriorated the relationship between them.

I ain't afraid to say I got needs But the only time you here for me Is when the bottles poppin' and everything is sweet But I (I) listen
Usher admits that he has needs in the relationship, but his partner is only present when things are positive, such as when they are drinking, instead of helping him navigate the more difficult moments of their relationship.