The Backstreet Boys' 'I Want It That Way': A Song About Unrequited Love

In the iconic hit single 'I Want It That Way' by the Backstreet Boys, lead vocalist Nick Carter sings about a deep desire for someone who may not feel the same way. The lyrics, 'You are, my fire, the one, desire, Believe, when I say I want it that way,' reveal a man's secret longing for a woman he loves, but is afraid to express his true feelings.

The song's message is universal, as many people can relate to having unrequited love or being unsure of how the other person feels. The lyrics convey the emotional turmoil of loving someone who may not reciprocate those feelings, leaving the speaker with an intense desire to be with that person.

When co-writer Max Martin came up with the original idea for the song, he already had the line 'you are my fire, the one desire.' However, they struggled to come up with a suitable second verse before eventually returning to this line. The song's chorus, 'Am I your fire, your one desire,' was later added, which may have made no sense in combination with the rest of the lyrics, but ended up being a fan favorite.

The story behind the song is relatively simple, according to co-writer Carlsson, who explained that it's about a guy who is in love with a woman and doesn't want to get rejected. The midtempo ballad features the guys expressing their romantic feelings, inspired by Metallica's 'Nothing Else Matters.'

In summary, 'I Want It That Way' is a heartfelt ballad about unrequited love, where the speaker confesses his deep desires for someone who may not feel the same way. Despite this uncertainty, he still wants things to be 'that' way, and will continue to love her regardless of whether she reciprocates those feelings.

Tell me why? backstreet boys