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 want to 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 want to 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 want to hear you say
Ain't nothin' but a heartache
Ain't nothin' but a mistake (don't want to hear you say)
I never want to hear you say
(Oh yeah) I want it that way

Tell me why
(Ain't) Ain't nothin' but a heartache
Tell me why
(Ain't) Ain't nothin' but a mistake
Tell me why
(I) I never want to 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 want to hear you say (never want to hear you say it)
I want it that way

'Cause I want it that way


Lyrics submitted by Boonechic_21, edited by sobabypull

I Want It That Way Lyrics as written by Martin Karl Sandberg Andreas Mikael Carlsson

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

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I Want It That Way song meanings
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  • +1
    General Comment

    It's from the perspective of a guy pursuing a relationship.

    The first verse is a statement of desire for romance. He wants it "his" way.

    The second verse concedes that she has her own desires, her own world. She might want something different. She wants it "her" way.

    It's intentionally unclear if "his way" & "her way" match. Both parties are afraid to admit they want "that". They fear rejection.

    The chorus reflects some anguish about a POTENTIAL disconnect. "Tell me why" is his demand for an explanation, if rejected. "Ain't nothing but a heartache, ain't nothing but a mistake" is how he'd react to rejection. Sour grapes.

    Third verse, he reveals some angst about his own delay in pursuing her. Does she think of him as friend? He decides to risk that & ask if their desires are compatible.

    Fourth verse, he accepts the possibility of rejection. He wishes her well in spite of this. "No matter the distance, I want you to know..."

    The rest of the song explains itself.

    SteveOramaon September 04, 2013   Link

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