The Backstreet Boys Fought Label To Change 'I Want It That Way' Lyrics

AJ McLean from The Backstreet Boys has referred to the band's hit song 'I Want It That Way' as "the song that makes no sense," admitting he and the group fought their label to keep the version that was released, 

“The record label actually fought us on the original version because they felt that because of the lyrics it didn’t make sense. They had us go in and rerecord the chorus.”

According to AJ, the label’s alternative chorus went: “No goodbyes / No more lies / I love it when I hear you say / I want it that way.”

The band did record the label's version, however they had a different vision. 

“It just didn’t feel right. We went with our gut and we fought the label on it tooth and nail.”

Following their instincts, the band proceeded with the version known today, including the lyric "Tell me why." 

“By the grace of God, we made the right decision."

The song went on to become the signature song for the band, and is still globally popular decades later. It reached No. #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 following its release, and was nominated for three Grammys in 2000.

The music video, filmed at the Tom Bradley Terminal of LA International Airport, also has a history.

It was filmed in 1999, and was the second, and last time a video was set at the terminal prior to the 9/11 terrorist attacks in September 2001.

Since, restrictions have been put in place, which now prevent anyone filming videos at the airport.

“It was a really, really cool experience,” he said, recalling the parody video made by Blink-182 in response.

"That’s the biggest form of flattery, and those guys are awesome. They’ve become friends over the years.”

Despite the history, AJ is proud of the song, and knows the band made the right choice lyrically.

“It was a moment. That song will forever go down in history as the song that makes no sense.”