I Want It That Way – English Lyrics

• By: Backstreet Boys

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into the Backstreet Boys' hit, “I Want It That Way,” and explore the nuances of expressing emotions in English. This song, seemingly simple, delves into the complexities of love and longing, offering a relatable exploration of relationship dynamics and the challenges of effective communication. Discover how the lyrics use common phrases to convey deep feelings, making it a perfect study for those learning to articulate their own desires and frustrations in English.

[English]

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/ A1	noun - combustion or burning
desire /dɪˈzaɪər/ B2	noun - a strong feeling of wanting something verb - to strongly wish for something
worlds /wɜːrldz/ A1	noun - planets
apart /əˈpɑːrt/ B1	adjective - separated by a distance
heart /hɑːrt/ A1	noun - the organ that pumps blood
heartache /ˈhɑːrteɪk/ B2	noun - emotional anguish or grief
mistake /mɪˈsteɪk/ B1	noun - an action or judgment that is misguided or wrong
fallen /ˈfɔːlən/ B1	verb - past participle of fall
distance /ˈdɪstəns/ B1	noun - the length of space between two points
deep /diːp/ A2	adjective - extending far down or in
know /noʊ/ A1	verb - to be aware of through observation, inquiry, or information
hear /hɪər/ A1	verb - to perceive with the ear