I Want It That Way – English Lyrics

• By: Backstreet Boys

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into the global phenomenon that is "I Want It That Way" by the Backstreet Boys! This iconic 90s pop ballad, known for its catchy melody and soaring harmonies, offers a fascinating linguistic journey despite its famously ambiguous lyrics. Exploring the "call and response" nature of its chorus and the various interpretations of "that way" can provide unique insights into English phrasing and emotional expression. It's a special song that transcends language barriers through its universal themes of love and longing, making it a perfect, engaging piece for language learners to explore and connect with popular culture.

[English]

(aircraft engine rumbling)

("I Want It That Way")

♪ Yeah ♪

♪ 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 oh, yeah ♪

♪ 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 don't wanna hear you say ♪

♪ I want it that way ♪

♪ Tell me why ♪

♪ Ain't nothin' but a heartache ♪

♪ Ain't nothin' but a mistake ♪

♪ Tell me why ♪

♪ I never wanna hear you say don't wanna hear you say ♪

♪ I want it that way ♪

♪ 'Cause I want it that way ♪

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
fire /ˈfaɪər/ A2	noun - a state, process, or instance of combustion in which fuel or other material is ignited and combined with oxygen, producing heat, light, and flame noun - strong feeling or passion
desire /dɪˈzaɪər/ B1	noun - a strong feeling of wanting something verb - strongly wish for or want (something)
worlds /wɜːrldz/ A1	noun - planets, with special reference to the earth
apart /əˈpɑːrt/ B1	adverb - separated by a distance
heart /hɑːrt/ A1	noun - the organ that pumps blood through the body noun - the center of emotion
heartache /ˈhɑːrteɪk/ B2	noun - mental suffering or distress
mistake /mɪˈsteɪk/ B1	noun - an action or judgment that is misguided or wrong
fallen /ˈfɔːlən/ B1	verb - past participle of fall; to have dropped to the ground
distance /ˈdɪstəns/ B1	noun - the length of space between two points
deep /diːp/ A2	adjective - extending far down from the top or surface
know /noʊ/ A1	verb - to be aware of
late /leɪt/ A1	adjective - after the expected or usual time

Key Grammar Structures

• I want it that way

  ➔ Sentence structure with subject-verb-object-adverbial phrase

  ➔ The phrase "that way" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying the verb "want." It implies a specific manner or preference in which something is desired. It highlights the importance of doing something in a certain way.

• Ain't nothin' but a heartache

  ➔ Double negative and colloquial contraction

  ➔ "Ain't" is a colloquial contraction of "am not," "is not," or "are not." "Nothin'" is a non-standard spelling of "nothing." Using "ain't nothin'" is a double negative, which is grammatically incorrect in standard English but used for emphasis in colloquial speech.

• I never wanna hear you say

  ➔ Use of modal verb "wanna" (want to) and infinitive phrase

  ➔ "Wanna" is a colloquial contraction of "want to." The phrase "hear you say" is an infinitive phrase acting as the object of the verb "wanna."

• Am I your fire?

  ➔ Interrogative sentence with a subject complement

  ➔ This is a question where "fire" is a noun acting as a subject complement, describing the subject "I."

• It's too late

  ➔ Simple declarative sentence with an adverb of degree

  ➔ "Too" is an adverb of degree modifying the adjective "late," indicating a high degree of lateness.

• Now I can see that we've fallen apart

  ➔ Present perfect tense, subordinate clause

  ➔ "We've fallen apart" uses the present perfect tense to describe a state that started in the past and continues to the present or has present relevance. The clause "that we've fallen apart" is a subordinate clause acting as the object of the verb "see."