Dilemma by Nelly Lyrics Meaning – Unraveling the Intrigue of Forbidden Love
Lyrics
Nelly, I love you
I do need you
No matter what I do (woo)
All I think about is you (uh huh)
Even when I’m with my boo
Boy, you know I’m crazy over you
No matter what I do
All I think about is you
Even when I’m with my boo
You know I’m crazy over you (uh, uh, uh, uh)
I met this chick and she just moved right up the block from me and uh
She got the hots for me, the finest thing my hood done seen
But oh, no, oh, no
She got a man and a son though (check it)
But that’s okay ’cause I
Wait for my cue and just listen, play my position like a shortstop
Pick up everything mami hittin’
And in no time (no time)
I’m gonna make this one here mine
And that’s for sure ’cause I
I never been the type to break up a happy home, but uh
There’s somethin’ ’bout baby girl I just can’t leave alone
So tell me, Ma, what’s it gonna be? She said
You don’t know what you mean to me (come on)
No matter what I do (woo)
All I think about is you (uh huh)
Even when I’m with my boo
Boy, you know I’m crazy over you
No matter what I do
All I think about is you
Even when I’m with my boo
You know I’m crazy over you
I see a lot and you look and I never say a word
I know how niggas start actin’ trippin’ out here about they girls
And there’s no way
Nelly gon’ fight over no dame (I ain’t fighting’ over no dame)
As you can see, but I
I like your steez, your style, your whole demeanor
The way you come through and holla and swoop me in his two-seater
Now that’s gangsta
And I got special ways to thank ya
Don’t you forget it, but uh
It ain’t that easy for you to pack up and leave him, but uh
You and dirty got ties for different reasons
I respect that and right before I turn to leave, she said (she said, she said, she said)
You don’t know what you mean to me (come on)
No matter what I do (woo)
All I think about is you
Even when I’m with my boo (yeah)
Boy, you know I’m crazy over you (put your hands up)
No matter what I do (put your hands up)
All I think about is you (yeah)
Even when I’m with my boo
You know I’m crazy over you
Sing it for me, K
And I love you (word?)
And I need you (uh)
Nelly, I love you (uh)
I do (come on, girl)
And it’s more than you’ll ever know
Boy, it’s for sure
You can always count on my love (uh)
Forever more, yeah, yeah
East coast, I know you shakin’ right (uh huh)
Down South, I know you bouncin’ right (ay hey)
West coast, I know you walkin’ right, ’cause (uh, uh, uh, uh)
You don’t know what you mean to me (Midwest, I see you swingin’ right)
No matter what I do (yeah)
All I think about is you (uh uh)
Even when I’m with my boo
Boy, you know I’m crazy over you (uh, uh, uh, yeah)
No matter what I do (yeah)
All I think about is you
Even when I’m with my boo (check it, check it, check it)
You know I’m crazy over you (check it, check it, check it)
East coast, I know you shakin’ right (uh-uh)
Down South, I know you bouncin’ right (uh-uh)
West coast, I know you walkin’ right
You don’t know what you mean to me (Midwest, I see you swingin’ right)
East coast, you still shakin’ right (uh-uh)
Down South, I see you bouncin’ right (ay hey)
West coast, I know you walkin’ right, ’cause
You don’t know what you mean to me (Midwest, I see you swingin’ right)
No matter what I do (woo)
All I think about is you (uh huh)
Even when I’m with my boo
Boy, you know I’m crazy over you (you know I’m, you know I’m)
No matter what I do
All I think about is you
Even when I’m with my boo
You know I’m crazy over you (yeah yeah)
East coast, I know you shakin’ right (what)
Down South, I know you bouncin’ right (dirty, dirty, now)
West coast, I know you walkin’ right
You don’t know what you mean to me (Midwest, I see you swingin’ right) (uh)
East coast, you still shakin’ right (yeah)
Down South, I see you bouncin’ right (dirty, dirty)
West coast, I know you walkin’ right
You don’t know what you mean to me (Midwest, I see you swingin’ right)
In an era where love songs tend to hover around the topics of fairy-tale romance or gut-wrenching heartbreak, Nelly’s ‘Dilemma’ emerges as a narrative that intricately explores the complexities of forbidden love. Featuring Kelly Rowland, the 2002 hit delves into the magnetic, yet morally ambiguous attraction between two individuals already bound by other commitments.
The beats of the song provide a smooth, nostalgic R&B ambiance which artfully underscores the turmoil of desire versus duty. It’s a powerful portrayal of emotional conflict that resonates with anyone who has ever faced the allure of what they should resist. Let’s dissect the layers of ‘Dilemma’ and unearth the profound themes camouflaged within its catchy chorus and seductive rhythms.
Forbidden Fruit: The Lure of the Unattainable
On the surface, ‘Dilemma’ pulses with the tempo of a sultry love ballad, but a deeper listen unveils the reality of its storyline—a tale of temptation and forbidden love. Nelly expresses the pull of attraction towards his neighbor, a woman who is not only involved with someone else but is also a mother. This chord strikes a universal tone—the desire for the forbidden fruit is as ancient as the stories etched in human history.
His verses outline the internal struggle between maintaining moral high ground and succumbing to illicit desires. The song sketches a vivid picture of the emotional whirlwind one faces when caught in the gravity of attraction toward someone off-limits, capturing the duality of longing for connection while knowing it’s wrong.
Decoding the Heart’s Echo: The Chorus Uncovered
‘No matter what I do, all I think about is you.’ The haunting refrain of the chorus has been etched into the memories of listeners far and wide. It’s the candid admission of an occupied mind—a heart that’s already entangled elsewhere. But emotion, as Nelly conveys, defies the simplicities of choice.
The chorus resonates as a confession, an outpouring of unsanctioned feelings that defy logic and loyalty. It’s a relatable plight, accentuated by the R&B rhythm, encapsulating the incessant tug-of-war between love and obligation—a sentiment that remains a staple on lovers’ playlists to this day.
Echoing Across the Map: A Shout-Out to the Masses
Towards the song’s conclusion, Nelly ensures his message reverberates across regions, from ‘East coast’ to ‘Down South’ to ‘West coast’. It’s a global acknowledgment that the emotions he describes are not isolated experiences; they are universally understood. The geographical call-outs tie listeners from every corner, solidifying the song’s impactful reach.
By pulling in the various localities, Nelly crafts a communal atmosphere around the individual narrative, creating an inclusivity that allows every listener to find a piece of their story within the song. ‘Dilemma’ is not just a tale of two lovers—it’s the anthem of countless hidden affections.
Diving into the Dynamic Duet: Nelly and Kelly’s Power Combo
The song’s potency is magnified by the dynamic between Nelly and Kelly Rowland. The blend of Nelly’s rap cadence with Kelly’s soulful voice creates a balanced push-and-pull that mirrors the emotional oscillation of the storyline. Rowland’s part, though more subdued, serves to validate the intensity of the struggle, as she echoes the sentiments of a lover in distress.
Representing the other side of the ‘dilemma’, Rowland’s lines give voice to the internal conflict of the character she portrays—a woman torn between her present reality and a hazardous potential affair. It’s this balance that gives ‘Dilemma’ its gripping relatability, turning it into a timeless dialogue rather than a solitary monologue.
The Sonic Veil: The Hidden Meaning Behind the Groove
Beneath the groove of ‘Dilemma’s’ beats lies a layer often overlooked—the societal examination of relationships, loyalty, and personal happiness. Nelly’s lyrics compel listeners to question the nature of commitment and the reasons why individuals may stray towards infidelity, whether emotional or physical.
The hidden meaning in ‘Dilemma’ is a commentary on the fluidity of human emotions and the complexities they introduce into relationships. It challenges the listener to ponder the delicate balance between personal fulfillment and responsibility to others, leaving a lingering question in the air—what would you do if faced with your dilemma?
