"I Want It That Way" MAKES NO SENSE (and it's perfect)

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Hey everybody! Thanks for watching this video on "I Want It That Way MAKES NO SENSE (and it's perfect)". This is a topic that I've always been interested in. I've been singing along to this song for my whole life, but only in the last couple of years did I actually think, "wait......what are they saying right now?". Once you take a closer look at this track, you'll feel the same way. It's tons of fun but it makes no sense whatsoever. Hope you liked this video of me trying to understand it and shoutout to the mind-blowing revelation that is "No Goodbyes".
I Want It That Way / Backstreet Boys / Music Video / Reaction / Lyrics / no sense / confusing / what / explain / understanding / marge simpson / marge simpson a little baddie she my lil boo thing / reaction / max martin / songwriting / music / meaning

[@hzl7434]

This song won't make sense, but it helped determine who killed someone's brother. It's number 5.

[@jadepinto4321]

noice

[@sphakamisozondi]

🤣🤣 Bkln 9/9, reference. 🤣🤣

[@katasztrofa4353]

oh my god, i totally l about that part.

[@GodlyDariusawesome]

This song was made for that purpose only😂😝

[@sophiesspot8541]

Ah I see a person of culture smort

[@rosemulet]

The song was written by a guy who barely knew English and thought “hit me baby one more time” meant “call me again”

[@Jinka7]

Hey, "hit me baby" is close to "hit me UP". He writes better than most people, especially if you account for him being ESL. 😁

[@JordanWilliams-ix2td]

Wait, seriously? 😂

[@holidaycomplex]

it does make sense (people say hit me up all the time) but it also makes sense in a kinky kinda way too

[@Jinka7]

@@holidaycomplex that's why TLC didn't sing it; they were uncomfortable with the implied abuse.

[@holidaycomplex]

@@Jinka7 yeah i don't really blame them. sadly the abuse interpretation of the song paints a pretty realistic picture of some relationships. but from a song writing perspective its actually kinda cool. there are three different interpretations you could make of the lyrics each with there own story.

[@doraemonpawnz]

I'm not even a native speaker but the lyrics have always made sense to me. Like how the other comments have mentioned, "HE wants it HIS way, but SHE wants it HER way, HE doesn't want to hear HER saying SHE wants it HER way because HE wants it HIS way", two different POVs

[@bocasuja22]

The song was write by a non native speaker thats why it is só confuse,"i want it that way" is something that you will never hear besides referecing that song,it is correct but unusual

[@AndTheyCalledMeMad]

Yeah, this video is just a very bad take. I don't understand why he is having trouble understanding this.

[@ferratpsi]

I'm not a native speaker too, and I really think it make sense. So is this video just a prank? The youtuber want it this way?

[@dinkledankle]

@@AndTheyCalledMeMad You probably wouldn't say the video was a bad take if you'd watched it the whole way through, but 🤷‍♂️. He learns the song is written in broken English and a more sensical version was rewritten but not released. The song was never meant to be understood, _even if_ it can be; it was written by a guy who barely knew English. The song may make sense to _you,_ and that's great, but that doesn't mean it was _supposed_ to make sense.

[@BlackestVulture]

I always just assumed that too. I don't find it confusing at all.

[@z3r0t0l3r4ns]

She wants to leave, he wants her to stay. I CAN'T be the only one who was never confused by this, can I?

[@WillyLongLegsOriginal]

it about butt stuff

[@HulkVahkiin]

Honeslty, it can be figured out if you assume stuff lol

[@Seansadventure]

I always heard it as the opposite way around growing up

[@Nakia11798]

Could be, could be that the second verse explains it and they just want different things

[@Lunasera]

To me it was the same Maybe it's because I'm German and by translating you have to think about interpretation Maybe it's because I had various seminars and classes about communication and such... To me it always sounded like a one-sided romance He wants her, she makes it clear that she doesn't want him because it's not working the way she wants but he doesn't want to give up but also doesn't compromise so nothing gets solved It's like he is clinging to her while she has moved on

[@LimeGreenTeknii]

ESL teachers: Learning English will be so helpful because you'll finally be able to understand what all those songs are actually saying! The songs:

[@aneoliveira1464]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@anisanurraudah8383]

All the jokes aside, if you wanted to learn English by listening to mainstream western singers, Taylor Swift is the only right answer. Her songs are written in a beautiful poetic way, so many simile, metaphor and words play used in her lyrics with proper grammar. Not to mention, almost all of her songs are so melodious and catchy and easy to listen to with clear pronounsiation. Literally the perfect one.

[@Jekvkwnv]

@@anisanurraudah8383 mhmm 100% agree she is one of the few artists that use proper grammar and her lyrics and vocabulary are great to expand your English Edit: spelling

[@SuzanaNature]

LOL! It is funny 'cause I started learning english by myself using BSB songs.

[@caughtcrjfever2107]

I 100% agree. All of Taylor's albums are great for learning English. The phrase and vocabulary is simple. Even though I started learning English since 2nd grade I would wholeheartedly agree that songs of taylor made be a better English speaker than the ppl I meet in my everyday life.

[@matzeb.156]

You said "I want it that way" so often that it doesn't feel human anymore

[@louiselavigne5085]

I KNOW THAT FEELING WHEN YOU REPEAT THE SAME WORD AGAIN AND AGAIN UNTIL IT SOUNDS WEIRD THEN IT SOUNDS UNUSUAL OR "UNHUMAN"

[@MuhammadSalman7236]

What if he actually wants it tho

[@nosuchthingasgoodcows7003]

it must be dancer then

[@jcvp2493]

Are we Dancer?

[@AM-jx3zf]

@@MuhammadSalman7236 he def wants it

[@donaldschrier5745]

''I googled hot girls in the 90's and we are going to use Marge Simpson'' LMAO!!!!

[@alexolds9840]

LOL. I wonder what Homer would say about this.

[@fivetimesyo]

Me: "Pamela And-... Marge Simpson it is then."

[@skakirask]

V1: Guy admires girl, wants it to be that way V2: Girl left guy, she wants it that way Chorus: Guy has a heartache because she doesn't want to be with him V3: Guy asks if he matters to girl, acknowledges it's "too late," but he still wants them to be together Bridge: Talks more about how they fell apart Last verse: Guy still has feelings for her Seems pretty straightforward?

[@doctorfeelgood2670]

Thats what im saying LOL

[@cruzmirelesethancaleb1089]

That's what i thought bro

[@thomasdoyle6812]

He says "I want it THAT way" but she wants it "THAT" way. All you need to know is that they want it different ways which is why they are apart.

[@coyotelong4349]

Yep, that’s a good breakdown lol

[@khari1786]

Exactly the context is not that hard that hard to grasp... for me least

[@jrpalomino4065]

Yup. Exactly how I’ve always understood it. Just replace “I want it *that* way”, with, “I want it *my* way,” and it all makes perfect sense. I don’t get how it’s so confusing to people. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@miagrass]

@@jrpalomino4065 I don't know why this person who made the video trying to trash the 90s music 🤷 it's not the 90s music that this person needs to worry it's today music this generation music is trash period at lest my generation was fun we dance and the 90s has songs like this about love and we had cool rock roll king of pop , Britney S kindest lohan ,green day , soup for bowling, avril lavigne, like come on now we had great music.

[@glittery_cucumber]

@@miagrass He wasn't trashing it at all, he said multiple times that it's a great song and even the people who made it agree that the lyrics don't make any sense.

[@aery3854]

The songwriter, Max Martin, himself said that the lyrics to his songs are based on what phonetics sound nice and suitable to the melody, not what has meaning. So this song was never intended to make sense lyrically but phonetically :)

[@sthoughtsarchive2791]

Dayum lol

[@me15ist]

The man's a genius omg. No wonder he made so many hits

[@aeiouna]

They even tried writing lyrics that made more sense and it didn't work out. Look up "No Goodbyes" when you have a chance. Edit: I commented too soon. This is brought up in the video lol.

[@JadetheGoober]

Awesome song for people in the 90s to learn English.

[@Cevalip]

I get it😂 I also have a lot of favorite words because of the sound, not the meaning , and most people don't seems to understand me😂

[@mtblaho]

Am I losing my mind? Because the song makes perfect sense to me. I’ve never been confused about the song one bit...

[@JonahNelson7]

It makes sense emotionally, but the lyrics in isolation don't make sense

[@jasdanvm3845]

@@JonahNelson7 They Can make perfect sense, you just need creativity.

[@Minecraftlover73]

​@@jasdanvm3845*mental gymnastics

[@ytchannel6569]

Tell me why

[@Kudos_OG]

9:05 “it doesn’t matter what’s going on, it just has to sound good.” Red Hot Chilli Peppers in a nutshell. 😂

[@whatthefuck1852]

yeah, we all remember the entirety of can't stop, firstborn unicorn and harcore softporn lmao

[@mehpainter]

Why is this so true for them and 90’s music in general?

[@christopherrodarte9822]

You must've never heard of nirvana.

[@Kudos_OG]

@@christopherrodarte9822 I think everyone has heard of Nirvana.

[@GiulianaBruna]

If instead of meaning you just "give a general vibe" everything is more relatable.

[@TheMightyPika]

The boyfriend wants a close relationship and the girlfriend wants to keep the relationship at arm's distance. It's a one or the other situation and they can't reach a compromise. That's what the song is about.

[@ProGamer-jx1qt]

Yes exactly

[@alannothnagle]

Yes, I always thought this was perfectly clear.

[@DibIrken]

Exactly. Perfect response.

[@MrSomadude]

Nailed it.

[@pepsififa3205]

Well apparently you know more than the singers 😂

[@JakeGiguere]

The thought of Backstreet Boys serenading Marge Simpson is a thought I never thought I would have

[@raisa_cherry33]

Bwahahaha 💀💀💀💀

[@davis4555]

It makes sense when you realize that the song is about butt-stuff. He wants to do it, but she won't unless she gets to do it to him first. He, however, refuses and it then becomes a fight.

[@EliAs-ub6yf]

Huh...... What!?

[@thorfinnoars1443]

😂😂😂

[@kevinvassago]

Yea no, I've straight up thought this b4😂 what also makes sense is that its the emotional roller coaster of trying to date a girl; she wants you, then she distances herself and doesn't want you, then once you grow apart she wants you again, but the moment you and her start to get a meaningful connection she shuts herself off to you. Honestly, if you've ever been in a relationship with an emotionally unstable person, this song makes perfect sense.

[@JamesAcrossAmerica]

I was about to hypothesize this but no girl just the two guys arguing about it

[@davis4555]

@@JamesAcrossAmerica Meh, something tells me that, if they're in that discussion, either one would be fine with it.

[@xBoringPerfectionx]

I always just assumed it referred to a breakdown in a relationship where the 2 people always want different things. They will always say 'I want it that way' I.e I want the opposite of what you want to everything. Sometimes even disagreeing with the other person for the sake of it because the relationship is breaking down. The song has always made sense to me.

[@jerrychacko2661]

My man said Marge Simpson was the hottest woman of the 90s, bet!

[@spaceinbetween6591]

nah man Joanne Guest

[@addietatwawadi8953]

He ain't lying

[@mgtocrateezspeaks3971]

Have you seen Marge with her hair down? Sexy as fuck!

[@shadex3736]

Alfo: "I want it that way" don't make sense! Me: Tell me why?

[@okiedokie3795]

😂

[@missaisohee]

Ain't nothin but a heartache, man 😂

[@zenxtraordinary1095]

@@missaisohee headache

[@alexie832]

@@missaisohee Tell me why! 🎶

[@francescapowell1538]

🤪🤣🤣🤣

[@JoJo-ig2jj]

Backstreet boys doesn't make sense. Chainsmokers: Hold my beer.

[@josephbedwell3164]

Fun fact: this song is dedicated to their manager who they sued because they never got paid for the time they worked for him and he used their money to create NSYNC who also sued him for the same reason. After the lawsuits were settled. Backstreet Boys released "I Want It That Way" and NSYNC released "Bye Bye Bye" respectively with both songs being dedicated to their former manager.

[@misterauctor7353]

Makes sense now.

[@mooedy]

When I become a teacher, I'm making my students do an analysis paper on this song.

[@E4439Qv5]

That's awful. Good luck to you. 🙂

[@patriciabass9502]

Lol. I'd ace it if I were a student. I bet you would get all sorts of interesting points of view

[@kuyam6340]

Same. Gonna be teaching in 4 years

[@E4439Qv5]

@Jason Shoots Gesundheit.

[@SpectraStarShooter]

“He,” loves her, and wants it that way. “She,” wants to leave, that’s the way she wants Makes sense to me lol

[@laurenj432]

Yeah it makes sense to me too but the lyrics aren’t written that way lol

[@kingcraft4683]

It is written that way tho

[@garrettw1424]

Yeah this is always how i interpreted it even going line by line

[@imakrewitatl]

@@kingcraft4683 Naw man its written THAT way

[@MultiPanda213]

Yeah, it's not a subtle or well written song lyrically, but the confusion experienced by verse 2 of the narrator lead to my not being able to finish the video. If easy to interpret lyrics are confusing, I understand how the video ends.

[@goldenreel]

The way he wants it: “You are my fire The one desire..” But he can’t reach her heart when she’s wanting it to be the way of them being two worlds apart. The way she wants it: “..two worlds apart” “But we are two worlds apart Can't reach to your heart When you say That I want it that way”

[@allengifford1939]

BY GEORGE...I THINK YOU'VE GOT IT!!! 😄😄😄

[@Pidiwidy]

Ikr, it’s not even that hard to understand. I the story is like the guy messed up, but he still loves her, that’s why he said “i know it’s too late, but I want it that way”. The girl already have had enough, she wants to be apart from him. But the guy, being a guy, still wants her even tho he knows he messed up

[@eliship962]

I’ve been a BSB fan since the 90s. It used to annoy me that this was their most iconic song. However, as I got older, I started to realize that one of the reasons it resonates with so many people IS the ambiguity. People can write in their own experiences between the lines, and it makes the song sound like it’s speaking directly to their situation... and even if it doesn’t make complete sense, they’ve managed to insert so much emotion into each line that you can’t help but listen. A lot of modern music is all about the sound. The Boys have an awesome sound, but they also bring the feels.

[@Halocene]

It's really simple... The song is about a guy wants more from a girl (he wants it that way), and she wants them remain friends OR nothing at all (she wants it that way), he wants more... There are 2 perspectives of who wants what. This is incredibly apparent and simple. The heartache lines etc are from the man's perspective. He's in pain cause he can't have it his way, which is loving her and it being reciprocated.

[@maddniko4249]

Exactly

[@RexusprimeIX]

It seems like having more than 1 perspective (without a change in vocals) is too confusing for people

[@MissEasyPeasySleasy]

Like, duh! I can’t get how this meaning is difficult to grasp. You explained it so well.

[@amyixo8339]

You're on point. What's so difficult to understand bout this song blurgh

[@warfaretera6311]

Finally someone realises it

[@alannothnagle]

This song always made perfect sense to me. Back when it came out, I was in a relationship that was summed up entirely by these lyrics. She truly was my fire, my one desire. But by the time she had completely become my fire and one desire, I was no longer hers, and I could no longer reach her heart. I wanted it my way, she wanted it her way - I adored her but she was lukewarm about me - and we were two worlds apart. So it all fell apart, I realized it was too late, and in the end it was nothing but a heartache and very definitely a mistake. The song spoke directly to my condition, and even though she is long since married and has a child and is otherwise out of my life for good, it still touches my heart today. It basically sums up eight years of my life in three and a half minutes.

[@rebeccakrijt6026]

This is quite possibly the most incredible personal experience relating to a song I’ve ever read.

[@Me-vn3gz]

I hope you’re doing well now dude

[@alannothnagle]

@@dols.art_ You have my best wishes. What I learned is that there are no shortcuts. The only way out is through.

[@alannothnagle]

@@Me-vn3gz Thank-you, but no worries there. It finally burned itself out, and that was the best thing for both of us.

[@standardofexcellence]

Just go red pill dude

[@fetmar]

You listen to the lyrics like I listen to people talk. I hate it when things don't make sense. I'm always asking questions and asking for clarification and thank you so much for making this 😂

[@somebraveapollo8211]

Sounds like a Swedish dude trying to comprehend American pop after being exposed to it over the span of six years, and then having enough confidence as a songwriter to forge a career in said pop music. That's because it is all of those things. "It's Gonna Be Me", which I'm guessing was written by that same dude in a bet to see if he could do it again a second time, also has that vocal layering in the bridge and key change. Edit: I spoke too soon.

[@Coffeeisnecessarynowpepper]

Roomie official totally

[@sjrjridjfnendnf]

So when they are saying "I want it that way" it's referring to the fire and desire part meaning they want to keep loving the girl in the way that they do and want her to remain their fire and desire. Anytime they say I want it that way they are referring to this when they say it in first person. When the girl says it she is referring to verse 2 when he says they are worlds apart and can't reach her heart because she's happy she is no longer in love with them and wants the distance between them to remain the same so anytime they say You say "I want it that way" they are referring to this. With this logic the song makes sense throughout to me at least.

[@holgerlarsson7531]

Wow it actually make sense when you put it that way

[@no1u521]

@@holgerlarsson7531 I see what you did there

[@ProGamer-jx1qt]

Nice!!

[@rileyvan2252]

I was just about to comment that. The fire and desire should be referred to about what they love surely.

[@devindavis6766]

Thank you! Problem solved

[@colten6465]

I did not wake up today expecting to hear someone ask if Nick from the Backstreet Boys is gaslighting Marge Simpson. Perfect video 10/10

[@SergMilli]

lol! This comment wins.

[@improveyamood6651]

previously unsaid sentences in human history

[@randavecajoles]

He is wooing her back but she doesn’t want to anymore.

[@Precil13]

As a songwriter I can only aspire to be this convoluted yet so infectious

[@scikick]

There's no girl. Brian is singing to Nick. Simple.

[@arkia...a]

damn

[@est4307]

lmao i ship it

[@dokidoki719]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@derangedyarn6544]

*chokes on air*

[@ThirteenCastles]

lol no

[@miag2830]

"are you gaslighting marge simpson right now?!" dead

[@carultch]

What is Homer's response to this song: "You can't just *want* it that way, you have to *earn* it that way."

[@MLBlue30]

@@carultch Homer isn't that insightful, he would be distracted by beer or donuts.

[@carultch]

@@MLBlue30 It's a reference to Homer arguing with a parrot at the mall.

[@ladycenobia5147]

This is the first video I've ever seen from you and I immediately subbed lol. Had a great time listening to this while I was drawing xD

[@fedp3197]

I watched a few videos of yours. At Marge here I paused the video, liked and activated the bell. I really laughed out loud by myself. Thanks dude

[@Nomvuyo111]

Little Mix wrote Sweet Melody based on this song.... "I wasn't crazy about the words but the melody was sweet" 🙃

[@natoriousyes3773]

wait, is this really confirmed??

[@Nomvuyo111]

@@natoriousyes3773 Hey I was just joking

[@vanshika3290]

I thought they were talking about some 1D song like “Na, Na, Na” 😂

[@TheBshwckr]

This is pop perfection 101: No sense just vibes OR just rhymes no reason

[@nerasomnia]

That’s my musical nightmare xD I need the songs I listen to to be deep emotionally or lyrically.

[@rivallo251]

no rhymes just vibes

[@u-thix2436]

@@nerasomnia *vibes to big big chungis*

[@FrozenSkyes1]

For years I've asked this question which is the reason I clicked. Great video

[@yudiezekiel4031]

This is the best yet explaining video i have ever seen.

[@milo_mimo]

When I wasn't fluent in English I thought these songs didn't make sense cause my English was bad, now I know that they don't make sense regardless how bad my English is

[@knownow1959]

😂😂😂

[@scherzva]

I’m a native speaker and trust me, the song doesn’t make sense to native speakers.

[@milo_mimo]

@@scherzva thank you for reassuring me on the fact that, it indeed, makes no sense

[@scherzva]

@@milo_mimo neither does our president.

[@milo_mimo]

@@scherzva who's your president? I'm asking cause idk what english country you're from (I'm assuming you're from an English country since you said you're a native speaker)

[@zehrazahoor7855]

So when they released the sense-making version the audience really said "nah, we want it that way"

[@Catastropheshe]

Tell me whyyy ...? 😄

[@GreatOkere]

@@Catastropheshe ain’t nothing but a headache

[@snarlz]

LMFAO. The video, the topic, the begrudging snark of a real fan in the delivery. This video is a next level gem of video essay where the topic collides with the perfect combination external forces, and is very entertaining because of those happy accidents; both for the song and the video.

[@rayneozier]

I thought about this video while I was at work today, and it so happened to be on my home feed.

[@glassofmyopinion]

He wants commitment, she doesn't want relationship. Guys are singing from the perspective of the same guy

[@ThiagoCRocha-fh6lg]

Right?!

[@ChristopherP]

Thank u

[@3THREEIII]

I was confused the entire video because the lyrics makes sense to me this way. Exactly as you said

[@mobyali5064]

This Is The Way I Interpretted the song too 😂 This Guy made it Confusing Af😂

[@jimmyromeo4087]

Click bait probably, it does make sense

[@birdy5275]

They’re talking about a break up. The girl is trying to break up with the boy. And he doesn’t want that. Edit: this is my first commented that had over 100 likes I’m shook thanks yall ✨ subscribe to ya girl 😂

[@helenamirian908]

Right? Ain't nothing but a heartache.

[@leomedalla4142]

That’s how I understood it.

[@alejoalegria69a]

👍🏼

[@juxt_aposition9935]

@@helenamirian908 ain't nothing but a mistake

[@RiderGeats]

That's why in the Second Verse, "You are" were replaced with "Am I?" like the boy was still asking if he was truly the fire, "your one desire".

[@laurelflorio7292]

omg..this was the best and was so funny ...made me laugh which I appreciate...loved it

[@blakepotter7937]

This was great. Thank you.

[@crexendo0745]

How my essay is on my mind: No Goodbyes What I actually wrote: I Want It That Way

[@patriciabass9502]

🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@eadbound]

From what it sounds to me, it sounds like the boys want to be in a relationship and Marge wants to keep their worlds apart. As in she doesn't want to be in a relationship with them. Verse 2 is that the boys pleading with her, asking if deep down she does really love them, but unfortunately it's too late for them to be in a relationship-- as in, she's already found someone else, but the boys "want it that way" meaning that they want to be her desire. Still is a confusing song tho

[@GiGi2O11]

This was hilarious! 😂❤❤❤

[@carrastealth]

I'll translate the song meaning for you all. It's the song about longing for someone that wants to keep you at a distance or friendship after the relationship not working out. You want to get back together, they want to stay broken up. This can also be about a relationship that is falling apart where she thinks it might be for the best if they do break up, but he doesn't want that to happen and downright refuses to consider it. You need to understand both perspectives(in the first two verses) and then the song makes complete sense. His "I want it that way" is being back together with her, like it used to be. Her "I want it that way" is them being broken up and kept at a distance(like friends, or such but not being a couple anymore). Think of it like a conversation like this. Her: Why do you love me and want me back and for me to love you like I used to when we were together? Him: Because that's how I wish it still was, and how I still want it to be. Why do you keep me at a distance where we won't ever be together again? Her: Because that's how I want it to be. Him: I really wish it wasn't that way. Her: But it is. Him: It still hurts whenever you say it. So think of it from that perspective and now all the lyrics make sense, you just need to understand both sides of "I want it that way" coming from the both of them. I'll spell it out more so. Lyrics: [Brian:] You are my fire The one desire Believe when I say I want it that way Translation: Straightforward, she is still his love, and he wants her back. Thats how he "wants it". Them together. [Nick:] But we are two worlds apart Can’t reach to your heart When you say That I want it that way Translation: They have broken up and no longer together. Now the part that holds people up is "When you say, that I want it that way.". When she says "I want it that way", its referring to them being "two worlds apart" where he "cant reach to" her heart. So now we have the first verse and second first translations. First verse is him telling her, how he loves her and wants her back. That's how he wants it. Second verse is him acknowledging how apart they are and not getting back together. Thats how SHE wants it. The first verse is what he "wants", the second verse is how she wants to keep it. [Chorus:] 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 Translation: Straightforward when you understand the first two verses now. He's asking her, why their relationship was nothing but heartache, and why she considers them having been together a mistake which is why she won't take him back(as those parts are her answers to his 'Tell me why'. She's either answering him, or he's recounting her words whenever it comes up). He's basically asking her why she feels that way and she is answering. He ends it with saying he never wants to hear her say that's how she wants it. Because as we know, her "way she wants" is them remaining apart. So you can understand why he "never" wants to hear her say that. [AJ:] Am I your fire Your one desire Yes I know it’s too late But I want it that way Translation: He's asking her if she still has feelings for him. He now acknowledges that he knows they won't be back together. But he still asks in vain because he wants her answer to be yes, that he still is her true love. He asks, eventhough he knows its fruitless. But he does it because it's the one thing he wants. [Kevin:] Now I can see that we’re falling 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… [Howie:] You are my fire The one desire You are You are, you are, you are Translation: He is acknowledging that their relationship is different and can never go back to the way it was before. But he's saying that no matter if they won't get back together, or nor how they'll drift apart, deep down in his heart, he will always love her and she will always be his one/first true love. [Chorus:] 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 Translation: Same as the chorus prior. He never wants to hear her say that being apart is the way she wants it. Because it means they are truly through. That again, is why he "never wants to hear" her say that she "wants it that way" as in, the distance they currently are, ie: not together. [Chorus:] Tell me why Ain’t nothin’ but a heartache Ain’t nothin’ but a mistake Tell me why I never wanna hear you say (never wanna hear you say) I want it that way ‘Cause I want it that way Translation: Self explanatory to the above. He ends it with "Cause I want it that way", essentially him saying, the reason he never wants to hear her say that she prefers it when they're apart, is because he wants them to get back together. That is the gist of the song, which you probably get right now. SO THERE YOU GO!! The song that so many people have claimed "makes no sense" has been translated, and it all starts with understanding that the second verse is what SHE wants, which is why he DOESN'T want that, given all she means to him in the first verse. You're welcome!! XD

[@ameliasv222]

This is my favorite type of content from you. It's such a roller-coaster 😂😂🤣🤣

[@louiselavigne5085]

YAAS😂😂😂

[@mr.worldwide4758]

YES PLEASE, MORE CONTENT LIKE THIS

[@raisa_cherry33]

😄😄😄

[@megansazebra]

To me it just sound like he “desires” a girl that’s not into him. He’s trying get her but she isn’t interested.

[@FireWyvern870]

This make sense

[@admiralmu4353]

And they are falling apart, and he likes it that way... Sounds like a masochist to me lol

[@Taveren]

"are we human or are we dancer" i dont understand it. But i FEEL it

[@saiyanc137]

Thank you, this song has always baffled me.

[@GhostSanctuary7]

The boys have said that the lyrics are supposed to be mysterious and abstract. Its one of those songs that's subjective, so its meaning comes from how you feel or interpret it. Originally they had Andreas Carlsson and Max Martin rewrite the song to have it make more sense, but they feel it lost its "magic." So they went back to the original, this version. This is a song about loss, a loss that occurred because the 2 people wanted things their way. But what they each wanted is polarized.

[@hilotakenaka]

Personally, I think this is what the song is meant to convey: The boy (the backstreet boy(s), if you will) is singing to the girl that he loves her a tonne. However, the girl is able to see that their relationship is deteriorating and is trying to convince him to give up on her. However he doesn’t listen to her and is still convinced they are going strong. As the song continues he realises they ARE drifting apart like she said, but instead of giving up, he reinforces his love for her and tries to convince her that they can make it work

[@redngreen922]

That “I’m lost” part always got me!😂😂🤣

[@dididonna92]

I f***ing love this video ❤

[@richardkorpel3251]

This song was (back)streets ahead

[@Kairosbb]

I love this

[@JayTechZM]

ALRIGHT!!!

[@izzie481]

streets head? what a famous expression

[@amara_the_god2145]

I really adore this.

[@brandonb1881]

Alfo's my boi. The in-depth look at music that most other music KZbinr's that I watch sets him apart. Keep it up 🤙🏽

[@RachelAnnPotter]

This channel is a gem 🤣

[@sportsfaniguess154]

Chills. Literal chills.

[@justanotakugirl5821]

'I want it that way': exists. Everyone: tell me whyyyyy??

[@ThirteenCastles]

'I want it that way': Just coz

[@goonerOZZ]

Ain't nothing but a heartache...

[@matthusriis8632]

Tell me why

[@burpyy5158]

Ain't nothing but a mistake

[@laidbackrey]

Tell me why

[@thesmith2920]

Its a breakup song. He wants to stay in it, she doesn't. When she says "i want it that way" means she wants to break up. Honestly, its simple.

[@targaryenXoolf]

this video is so chaotically calm. i love it

[@RefactoringRyan]

This was hilarious, loved it

[@dangjus]

It’s easy, they’re singing to each other because they’re all in a gay polyamorous relationship

[@ian3087]

Lmao.

[@tommytomthms5]

"which backstreeeet booyy is gayyy, okay we're alllll gay!"

[@joetowers4804]

That makes the whole song make sense.

[@stevenandrewchua542]

@@tommytomthms5 good one

[@noorerishan7910]

Same thing happened with other massively hit songs: Bohemian Rhapsody Stairway to Heaven Smells like teen spirit All along the watchtower

[@Philmccracken790]

those songs still make sense imo, you can just interpret them differently. This one no one knows

[@feebleking21]

Bohemian rhapsody: guy kills a man, goes to jail, sells soul to the devil. Stairway to heaven: woman dies and tries to use money from life to get to heaven. Smells like teen spirit: kids doing dumb shit with the lights out U r wrong these all make sense

[@MelMelodyWerner]

I think Rishan is referring to the fact that the meanings of these songs are still being discussed, not that they make no sense.

[@feebleking21]

@@MelMelodyWerner either his comment made no sense or it's meaning is still being discussed by us right now

[@Philmccracken790]

@@MelMelodyWerner but the video is saying the lyrics to this song make no sense, so if he said the "same thing happened with other massively hit songs" then he'd mean that these songs also make no sense.

[@peapod6747]

The song is about one-sided love. Simple.

[@bmilano1580]

Lol! You soo deserved my subscription with this!^^

[@qorv4973]

Simple. "I want it that way" makes no sense because it's a love song. So its a paradox because love itself makes no sense

[@charlesemusicofficial]

"What does that even mean?" "No one knows what it means, it's provocative....it gets the crowd going"

[@yogurtfordinner]

I laughed all the way through this video. I can't. Too good lmao

[@supernarl]

The "are we human or are we dancers" made me sleepless for 10 years

[@zachbrown1630]

duuuude AJs run on the word “desire”. i thought i was the only one who fully appreciated that little run 💜

[@davidgoode1090]

“are you gaslighting marge simpson rn”

[@neilherries8751]

To me it’s clear. To me, it’s a song about a couple during a break up. He still wants to be with her, but she wants to leave him. He knows it’s too far gone, and she’s decided she wants to keep it like that. The “Tell me why”s are him asking what went wrong, and the other two lines are him saying he knows they’re are both hurting and that there were mistakes in the past. The “I never wanna hear you say, That I want it that way” is him saying he doesn’t want to hear that she’s leaving him. In short, she’s leaving him, he wants to know why she’s leaving and is try to change her mind from leaving to staying

[@CeltadzManicure]

Great video. That was the most intelligent discussion of any cute boy pop music group 'stuff' I've ever heard! I always thought it was just the slick pop music producers throwing together the most catchy hooks they could to draw in as many teenage girls, who ate this music up back in the 90's, but you put together some thought-provoking ideas behind the song and brought in more depth to this whole thing.

[@ronstoppable5659]

Would love for you to do a video exactly like this but on mid-late 2000s Fall Out Boy

[@aliceramenhead]

YES. Half of Fall Out Boy's early 2000's stuff make no fuckin sense lyrically and Pete Wentz can't even hide behind the language barrier excuse for any of it lmfao

[@AmaraJordanMusic]

Or, as my father called them, “The Upside Down, Hangin off the Ceiling... Guys.” Not one word right. 🤣 I paused, furiously scanned my brain, wondering if I was having a stroke. “.... You mean... Fall Out Boy?” “That’s the one.” 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@me15ist]

Y E S

[@laurenc4138]

aliceramenhead lol it makes sense if you were deep into the FOB lore in the early 2000s, like an unhealthy amount haha Almost all of his lyrics were written as bigger part of live journal or blog spot entries (he had a couple secret ones too) and they make sense in those, they’re super metaphorical usually, but then he cherry picked the “coolest” one liners and put them to music. So it became this weird amalgamation in, well all of their music.

[@nickspeelman9174]

Twist: The Backstreet Boys ARE one super-human being.

[@vellbariaofficial]

This song made them popular. #unpopularopinion

[@kaigeplays6905]

Besides the ambiguity of “that,” I always thought the song made sense. Or maybe I tried to make sense of it. My interpretation: At the beginning of a relationship, it’s hot, passionate and full of desire. It’s more lust than love. And it’s fun. It’s exciting and he wants to keep it that way. But as the relationship continues, he spots an obvious barrier or distance between them. A barrier he can’t overcome. And despite his love for her, he is afraid she will leave him, that she will want it THAT way. But in the end it doesn’t matter. In spite of wanting the relationship to last, it is obvious that it won’t. And in the end, It finally ended THAT way. And even though the word “that” has so much controversy, I think it works because of the double meaning.

[@derekhanscom5892]

Great breakdown dude

[@martinlovegoodie]

When he says" I want it that way" hes saying the way that it used to be. When the girl says it. She means she wants it a different way. Explains the whole song ."now I can see that we're falling apart from the way that it used to be" and just before the last course he sings "don't want to hear you say" "ain't nothing but a mistake". He's saying that he made a mistake but he wants her back but the girl says she wants it a different way. There's more than one way that's just a fact. The same person who says Marge Simpson was the hottest girl in the 90s.now I think that the guy who wrote the lyrics to the song is making more sense to me than you are.

[@MangoMuffin]

I think what they "want" are all different things hence why there's so much conflict and turmoil. But in the end they still love each other.

[@julcaos]

This was fuckin brilliant! Subbed!

[@Mr_Blue25]

Alfo: *trying to understand "I want it that way"* *A few minutes laters* Solves quantum mechanics and creates the god's equation

[@domonichumphrey7811]

"I don't know what's worse you not know what's going on in a song or you just not caring."... this line after Gangnam Style and what does the fox say happened

[@henryjonahtudela5229]

I literally understood this at 10 yrs old and I still understand it now.... It's literally not confusing at all.

[@nolongerwannadie3025]

I felt that in the second part of the first verse he’s saying that they’re two worlds apart (not on the same page or just completely different) , and she’s accusing him of wanting to keep it like that (probably doesn’t see him as making an effort to getting any closer or understand her) and because of that he finds it hard to connect.

[@jenellebelle9828]

Weird Al’s “eBay” is a lot more narratively coherent.

[@ThirteenCastles]

Some one said it! yay!

[@keatonpotatoes4552]

Well duh! Weird Al is king.

[@calvinfolan1736]

An Absurdist Philosophy-based analysis of a cheesy 90s track. This is the type of content that KZbin was created for.

[@joelieastell244]

Nice one. I can’t believe I have never even thought to think about what this song is about.

[@pauljoseph3081]

It's a one-sided relationship. 1st part of song: Boy fell in love with girl. Girl ain't feeling the same way as the boy. Chorus: Boy kept on asking why but couldn't get an answer, and then asked again "why" but got trolled by his bros. 2nd part of song: verified the one-sided love affair stated on the 1st. Rest of the song: Concludes the guy being so pathetic, still loving and believing it will stay the way he wants it. That's why he "want it that way"

[@onesyphorus]

I feel like sometimes writers block can influence/spawn stuff like this, but it's always going to be a win win situation

[@KirbyMArt]

They want different things (two different that ways) he only wants to hear his own

[@Gencoil]

This reminds me of Tupac's "Changes" where half the time he's talking about how things will never be the same but then he says some things will never change.

[@TheRealPsychoetry]

His point is listing shit that needs to change but that these things won't change. It ate at him a lot.

[@raymanandeze]

4:30 you're making my day is what you are doing good sir

[@NeecyGG]

I feel like yall have no imagination if this song makes no sense. Lemme break it down. “Yeah You are my fire The one desire Believe when I say I want it that way” He loves her, shes the one for him, and thats how he wants it “But we are two worlds apart Can't reach to your heart When you say That I want it that way” Its a fight/disagreement/breakup. They are on different pages about something. And SHE is giving him the cold shoulder (cant reach to your heart) and SHE wants its that way (different than what he wants/them to be over or something) “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” The lines after “tell me why” are not answers, theyre apart of the question. Tell me why this is nothing but hearthache. Tell me why this is a mistake. I dont want to hear you say you want it that way (being over) “Am I your fire? Your one desire Yes I know it's too late But I want it that way” Hes not taking the breakup well. Arent I your fire? The one you want? I know youre trying to say its over, but *I* (the boys) want it to be like that again. “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)” Alright, the boy can see that its over. But he will always love her. “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” Boy hates hearing that its just heartache and mistakes for her. Hates hearing she wants to be over. “Tell me why Ain't nothin' but a heartache Tell me why Ain't nothing but a mistake Tell me why I never want to hear you say (Never 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 want to hear you say (Don't want to hear you say) I want it that way 'Cause I want it that way” Same as before, why is it heartache, why was a mistake? I dont want to hear you say you want it that way (being over) because I want it the way it was. Thank you for coming to my TEDTalk

[@juanpaoloignacio5251]

Yo.. This actually made so much sense. Thank you.

[@haruyoshida2338]

Thank you for taking the video seriously.

[@aly4599]

Yeah thanks I didn’t even watch the video after reading this comment