“I Want it That Way” is the Backstreet Boys’ signature song. It reached the number-one spot in more than 25 countries. Rolling Stone recognized the song’s importance by ranking it number 240 in their “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” “I Want it That Way’s” iconic lyrics provide vivid and at times poignant illustrations of several key SAT words. Let’s take a look:
The song’s opening lines leave no doubt about the Backstreet Boys feelings for a romantic partner when they UNEQUIVOCALLY declare, “You are my fire, the one desire.” But there is a very big problem. The relationship between BSB and their girl is TENUOUS or insecure at best. They are “two worlds apart” and despite their best efforts, BSB “can’t reach to your heart.”
The problem is that their girl wants things her way. This IMPEDES or blocks all hope of a reconciliation and leaves BSB with “nothin’ but a heartache.” The guys BESEECH or urgently beg her to “tell me why.” But she remains INTRANSIGENT and refuses to compromise. The situation thus becomes “nothin’ but a mistake” and the two will continue to live “two worlds apart.”
UNEQUIVOCAL – leaving no doubt; clear and unambiguous
TENUOUS – not strong; insecure
IMPEDE – to make forward progress difficult; get in the way
BESEECH – to urgently plea
INTRANSIGENT – stubbornly refusing to compromise