Introduction
“I Want It That Way” by Backstreet Boys is perhaps one of the most iconic songs from the late 1990s. Released in 1999, it quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries. The song is still beloved by millions of fans around the world, and it has been the subject of countless covers, memes, and parodies. But what is the meaning behind this timeless classic? In this article, we will explore the lyrics and the history of “I Want It That Way,” and try to understand why it continues to resonate with so many people.
The Story Behind the Song
“I Want It That Way” was written by Andreas Carlsson and Max Martin, two Swedish songwriters who had also worked with other pop artists such as Britney Spears and NSYNC. The song was originally intended for another group, but when the Backstreet Boys heard it, they knew it was something special. According to Carlsson, the song was inspired by a conversation he had with his girlfriend, where he said “I love you” in a way that sounded wrong, and she replied “You love me the wrong way.” This led him to write the line “You’re my fire, the one desire” as a way to convey that sometimes the words we use cannot fully capture the depth of our feelings.
The Lyrics
Now, let’s take a closer look at the lyrics of “I Want It That Way”:
You are my fire, the one desire
Believe when I say, I want it that way
But we are two worlds apart,
Can’t reach to your heart,
When you say that I want it that way
Tell me why | Ain’t nothin’ but a heartache
Tell me why | Ain’t nothin’ but a mistake
Tell me why | I never wanna hear you say
I want it that way
Am I your fire?
Your one desire?
Yes, I know it’s too late
But I want it that way
Tell me why | Ain’t nothin’ but a heartache
Tell me why | Ain’t nothin’ but a mistake
Tell me why | I never wanna hear you say
I want it that way
Now I can see that we’ve fallen apart
From the way that it used to be, yeah
No matter the distance I want you to know
That deep down inside of me…
You are my fire, the one desire
You are
You are, you are, you are
Don’t wanna hear you say
Ain’t nothin’ but a heartache
Ain’t nothin’ but a mistake
Don’t wanna hear you say
I never wanna hear you say
I want it that way
As we can see, the lyrics of “I Want It That Way” are fairly straightforward and deal with the themes of love, longing, and distance. The narrator of the song expresses his desire for someone he loves, but there is also a sense of frustration and confusion, as the two seem to be “two worlds apart” and unable to fully understand each other. The line “Tell me why” appears several times in the song, suggesting that the narrator is searching for answers to the questions he has about the relationship.
The Meaning Behind the Song
At its core, “I Want It That Way” is a song about the complexities of love and relationships. The lyrics suggest that even when we love someone deeply, there can be barriers that prevent us from fully connecting with them. The line “But we are two worlds apart, can’t reach to your heart” captures this feeling of distance, and the frustration that comes with it. The repeated refrain of “Tell me why” suggests that the narrator is struggling to understand why things are the way they are, and is looking for some kind of clarity or resolution.
However, there is also an underlying sense of optimism in the song. The chorus – “You are my fire, the one desire / Believe when I say, I want it that way” – suggests that the narrator’s love for the other person is unwavering, even in the face of difficulties. The line “I never wanna hear you say, I want it that way” can be interpreted as a plea to the other person to reciprocate this feeling, to want the same things in the relationship.
It’s worth noting that the lyrics of “I Want It That Way” are somewhat ambiguous, and have been subject to a fair amount of interpretation over the years. Some have speculated that the song is actually about a homosexual relationship, based on lines like “Am I your fire? Your one desire?” Others have suggested that the lyrics are deliberately nonsensical or meaningless, existing purely for their sound and rhythm. However, the most commonly accepted interpretation is likely the one we’ve outlined above – that “I Want It That Way” is a song about love and longing, and the difficulties that can sometimes come with these emotions.
The Legacy of “I Want It That Way”
Today, “I Want It That Way” is widely regarded as one of the quintessential pop songs of the late 1990s. It has been covered and parodied countless times over the years, and it continues to be a favorite among Backstreet Boys fans. The song’s legacy is a testament to the enduring power of pop music to capture our emotions and bring people together – even across different cultures and languages. As Andreas Carlsson himself said, “When you write a great melody, it’s like it belongs to everyone.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, “I Want It That Way” by Backstreet Boys is a song that has captured the hearts of millions of people around the world. Its timeless melody and lyrics speak to universal themes of love and longing, and its legacy as a pop classic is well-deserved. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or you’re hearing the song for the first time, there’s no denying the power and emotion behind “I Want It That Way.”
