No Matter What I Do

Nelly's 'No Matter What I Do' is a song that delves into the complexities of love and desire, particularly focusing on the emotional turmoil of being infatuated with someone while being in a relationship with another person. The lyrics express a deep and persistent longing for someone who is not the singer's partner, a situation that many listeners can relate to. The song's chorus, 'No matter what I do, all I think about is you, even when I'm with my Boo, boy, you know I'm crazy over you,' captures the essence of this internal conflict and the difficulty of shaking off feelings for someone else.

The verses of the song provide a narrative context for the chorus. Nelly describes meeting a woman who lives nearby and feeling an immediate attraction to her. Despite knowing that she has a family, he can't help but be drawn to her. The lyrics 'But there's something 'bout baby girl, I just can't leave her 'lone' suggest an irresistible pull towards this woman, highlighting the often uncontrollable nature of attraction. Nelly's internal struggle is further emphasized by the woman's response, 'You don't know what you mean to me,' which suggests that the feeling may be mutual, adding to the complexity of the situation.

The song also touches on themes of loyalty and respect, as Nelly mentions that he does not want to be the reason for breaking up a happy home. This moral dilemma adds depth to the song, as it's not just about desire, but also about the consequences of acting on that desire. The repeated lines in the chorus serve as a reminder of the constant presence of this other person in the singer's thoughts, regardless of his current relationship. The song's appeal is further broadened by the shout-outs to various regions in the outro, creating a sense of unity among listeners who might be experiencing similar emotional challenges.