tell me why it ain't nothin but a mistake

Carlsson talked to HitQuarters about writing this song: The lyrics were written by Max Martin and Andreas Carlsson, veteran Swedish hitmakers that began their careers at Cheiron Studios, which was largely responsible for the sound of pop in the ’90s.

They don’t necessarily make sense-and this is the subject of much the online discussion about this song. The lyrical interpretation of this song, however, is notoriously muddled. “I Want It That Way” is about a strained relationship. Yeah-eh-eh 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 nothing but a heartache Tell me why Ain't nothing but a mistake Tell me why I never wanna 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 nothing but a heartache Tell me why Ain't nothing but a mistake Tell me why I never wanna hear you say I want it that way 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 You are my fire The one desire You are (you are, you are, you are) 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 Tell me why Ain't nothing but a heartache Tell me why Ain't nothing but a mistake Tell me why I never wanna 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 wanna hear you say (never wanna hear you say, yeah) I want it that way 'Cause I want it that way

Tell me why it ain't nothin but a mistake