The lyric from the Backstreet Boys’ “I Want It That Way” finishes with “heartache.” The phrase is repeated in the chorus as part of a series of questions about a painful relationship.
The song was released in 1999 as the lead single from the group’s third studio album, Millennium. It was written by Max Martin and Andreas Carlsson, with Martin producing the recording. The polished mid-tempo pop arrangement and layered harmonies became characteristic of the group’s late-1990s sound.
Despite its emotionally direct chorus, the song has been discussed for its unusual and sometimes unclear grammar. The lyrics were revised during the writing and production process, partly to make the song work internationally and partly to fit the melody. That ambiguity did not prevent the chorus from becoming highly memorable.
“I Want It That Way” reached number one in more than twenty countries and earned Grammy nominations for Record of the Year and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. It remains one of the Backstreet Boys’ signature songs.