OK, lyrics are a funny thing. We all sing along at the top of our voices to the latest songs to catch our attention. A catchy line stays in my mind for ever. I can forget my own phone number but a catchy lyric is just sandblasted onto my brain. My housemate sings the wrong thing most of the time....sometimes his version's better!
And the BSBs have more than their fair share of dodgy, weird or just downright baffling lyrics. I figured I'd place a few examples up on here to illustrate my point...OK, I'm bored but hey...
By the way, some of my comments are to specific Boys who may not be singing that particular lyric but hey, just work with me here!
OK, I Want It That Way...
The whole song is damn confusing. One minute they're telling us they want it that way and the next they never wanna hear us say we want it that way...huh? I've seen many interviews with Nick struggling to figure this one out but I think I've got it. Oh yep...it's like Cat Stevens' Father And Son, where he sings a verse as Daddy dearest and one as the Son. The chorus is basically the two sides of a relationship where one person wants to end it and the other is begging them not to. So Nick sings "Tell me why?" and the others tell him he "ain't nothin' but a mistake" ...kinda harsh I think but hey...!
Show Me The Meaning...
Beautifully poetic but like most poetry, damn cryptic with it. OK, what's a "crimson love"? How can nights be light? Particularly if you're feeling kinda lonely and depressed. Life DOES end, eyes of stone kinda last forever so how can they "never say forever gaze"? Plus if "it's hard to see in a crimson love So hard to breathe", chances are you need a doctor pronto honey! And that damn line that Nick sings - what the hell IS it? "Guilty roads to an endless love" or "Beauty roams through an endless love"? Answers on a postcard please.
It's Gotta Be You...
OK, this is cool, not cryptic at all...even explains a few things. Like Nick being such a klutz...he can't see the world he's walking through cos all he can see is you. Yep...cool. That first line though...guaranteed to make me giggle any day. Baybayit'sthewayyoumakeme kindagetmetogocrazay neverwannastop it'sgottabeyou uhhuhuhhuh. Yeah, you go Nick....lay off on the helium tho honey. Always makes me think of that time Nick burst out with "Idon'treallyhaveasexliferightnow"
I Need You Tonight...
Again Nick feels the need to explain stuff. The words come out "so wrong"...oh yeah, we know.
The One...
OK, "so out of trust and I knew no more than mysteries and lies"....huh?! Sounds great but what does it mean?!! And "my faith is gone and I want to take you from darkness to light"...hmmm, sounds like you're the one who needs a helping hand not me!
Back To Your Heart...
“It's not that I can't live without you It's just that I don't even want to try”
So, you CAN live without me you’re just too damn lazy to try? Way to make a girl feel wanted.
“If I wasn't such a fool Right now I'd be holding you”
Oh, I’ll overlook the fool thing, but only for you Nicky…
“The words to say”
Try “Hey honey, I’m home”
“The road to take”
Ok, take the first left off the highway and…
“What can I do To get to you”
I’m a sucker for chocolates and flowers but failing that… You. Naked. Now.
OK, last chorus...does anyone else get this great mental image of Howie throwing himself down to sing "I beg and plead, fall to my knees"?
Spanish Eyes...
Ok, so we're in the arms of each other but still we go on searching for each other...huh?! Honey, I'm right here...in your arms, remember?
"It's a place I've never been And it comes from deep within And it's telling me that I'm about to win first prize"
Man, the only thing my insides tell me is when it's time to eat.
All I Have To Give...
“Does his gifts come from the heart? Does his friends get all your time?”
Whoah, somebody flunked English.
But I have to say that on my Black & Blue CD I have an acapella version and AJ actually sings it right. Whoa!
As Long As You Love Me...
“Although loneliness has always been a friend of mine”
Loneliness was your friend? Oh sure, I guess you met at kindergarten, went to his place for cookies and the rest’s history.
“People say that I'm crazy”
And your point is…?
“I don't care who you are”
Well, gee you could at least PRETEND you’re interested in me for my mind…
“Where you're from”
England actually. Does the accent turn you on?
“What you did”
I’m kinda on America’s Most Wanted but hey… Long story.
“As long as you love me”
Oh I’ll love you GOOD babay…
Boys Will Be Boys...
“And I hear you saying that you think that we should wait And I can't hold on anymore
My body's calling for you So please don't hesitate”
Hmm, can we say “rape” anybody?
Darlin'...
“Baby, can I talk to you?”
Sure, I’m listening.
“I know something's wrong”
Oh?
“Things just ain't the same”
Oh… *sulks and then throws a plate at his head*
“But deep down inside I know you still care”
Want ice for that shiner?
“So tell me what to do To get things back The way they used to be”
Maybe glue that plate together? It was Mom’s favorite.
“If your words have meaning”
Huh? My words DON’T have meaning? How can that be? I'm gonna call that Dictionary right up and tell it.
“If your words have reasons Then they would turn away from me”
My words have reasons now, but no meaning? Huh? I’m confused now. And my words are ignoring you as well… Blimey, they’ll be gunning for a movie role next.
Don't Wanna Lose You Now...
"Whatever reason to leave that I've had My place was always beside you"
He's had reasons to leave ME? ME?! Huh.
"Don’t wanna lose to loneliness"
No, no, no. Loneliness is your FRIEND, remember?
Backstreet's Back...
"Oh my god we’re back again"
Oh My God is right. Said Chandler-style.
"You better rock your body now"
How EXACTLY do I rock my body again? Curl up on the floor and make like a rock?
"So everybody everywhere Don't be afraid"
It's only AJ. He's quite normal really. No, REALLY.
Get Down...
"Get Down Get Down And move it all around"
Get down? What, hit the floor? Honey, I only do that if bullets are flying. And move what all around? Right now I'm holding my mouse, I could swing that if you like...
"Bang, bang, bang Here we come Here we slam It's the Fun Factory with the BSB's Get on your knees Tryin' to scream Or touch me please Backstreet Boys are you with it? A.J. hit it Come on girl and get down Smack it up Flip it And move it all around Here it is if you wanna get with this Put you at the top of my list"
Huh?! Ok, bang bang - bullets flying - I'll hit the floor. And is AJ outlining his recipe for the perfect sex session or the perfect pancake? Smack it up, flip it and move it all around. Hmm.
Wanna Be With You...
"I wanna be with you It's crazy but it's true"
Yeah, I know it's crazy wanting to be with me. I mean I just spend my time ragging on ya...
"I'd like to know your policy When it comes to me"
Well, I guess the policy would have to cover fire, earthquake and natural disasters...
I’ll Never Break Your Heart...
"As time goes by, You will get to know me A little more better"
A little more better? AJ, it's you what flunked English right?
If You Want It To Be Good...
"If you want it to be wild You gotta know just who to dial, baby And that's me"
Yup, I got you on my speed-dial. 1-800-I-like-it-freaky-with-AJ
"If you really like it hot Get someone who hits the spot, honey Oh yes If you want to get it done babe You gotta get the one The one who's got it goin' on If you wanna make it last Gotta know just who to ask Baby's got to be the best And that's me"
Whoah, you REALLY rate yourself dontcha?
Gotta Be You...
"I can't control it anymore I've never felt like this before Mmm, you really make me lose my head My hungry heart must be fed (uh huh, uh huh)"
*Singing along happily until...* Hungry heart must be fed?! Wha...? *Tosses some Twinkies Nick's way*
Just To Be Close...
"This is for the lovers Strictly for the lovers You got someone to get close to Then get close to this"
So, if I'm not a lover I can't listen? Damn. And just how close do you want me to get to this?
Like A Child...
"And if you take away the loving arms that suit around me Then I may break down and cry just like a child"
Ok, this is probably just me but whenever I hear this line I think of the guys in suits and wonder just how arms can be a suit... Hmm. I'd be a jet black Armani suit myself...
No One Else Comes Close...
"When we turn out the lights The two of us alone together Something's just not right But girl you know that I would never Ever let another's touch, come between the two of us"
You just dare and I'll be gone faster than you can say "It wasn't me"
Quit Playin’ Games...
"Even in my heart I see You're not bein' true to me"
Your heart can SEE? Wow. Impressed.
"Sometimes I wish I could turn back time Impossible as it may seem But I wish I could so bad baby"
I guess you don't have that time machine then. Too bad, I'll lend you mine next time I'm in this century.
"Don't leave me hangin' here forever"
*Thinking of AJ/Nick/Brian/Kev/Howie tied up on my bed* Oh, you said something? *Blushes*
That's The Way I Like It...
"Girl you make me want to groove It's a price I've got to pay For all the things you do"
Since when is grooving bad? I thought it was pretty cool. I mean you DID tell me to rock my body earlier.
That's What She Said...
"There are people Say what you wanna hear Even on a rainy day They'll tell you the sky is clear"
And you BELIEVE them? Oh dear, all you have to do is take a look outta that window...
Got It Goin’ On...
"If you really wanna see What we can do for you Send the crazy wildin' static Sing it"
So what's crazy wildin' static when it's at home then? I guess I could always untune my radio and point it in your direction... I'm singing it! No idea what it means but singing it!
"Well I'm creepin' up on your left Straight up funky when I get with you I get ruthless when I get wet Keep the party packed in my corner Tough like granite to keep the crowd hype Get up on this just to get right What you want is what you're gonna get Backstreet's got the special effects, uh"
Ok, another one of Backstreet's crazy raps. You get ruthless when you get wet? Hmm, better not jump in any puddles then.
Okey doke, so the Boys have released another wicked album. But the lyrics are still sometimes strange, kinky or downright questionable! Here goes…
Everyone...
“We've been through days of thunder Some people say they don't belong”
Hmm, are we talking about the movie here? Well, I guess if we sat through that together we’d feel pretty bonded… So, some people say they don’t belong? Well, let them go then!
“Let's get on with the show”
Would that be the horizontal show? Uh huh.
“(Let's get started)”
OK, calm yourselves! I’m just getting into the big bed…
“Turn the lights down low”
Who, me? Aw shucks, I just got into bed…
“(Turn the lights down low)”
We got a parrot in here or what?
“You were there from the start”
Well, I sure am glad you didn’t start without me… wink, wink, nudge, nudge LOL
“(You were there)”
Yup, I know
“We know who you are and this one goes out to you”
I should damn well hope so…
“We've been inside the circus (circus music) We take the pleasure with the pain I guess there's something about us”
Yup, you’re FREAKS! Roll up, roll up for the amazing tattooed man! The man who can inhale household items with his nostrils! The man who resigns in Florida! The incredible slow-speaking man! The man with a world record for how many winks he can do in a minute!
Get another Boyfriend...
“Listen”
Just a minute… I wanna hear the end of this show.
“I mean it”
Oh, ok then. What’s so important I got to miss the end of Friends?
“There’s nothing that he’s worthy of”
What, nothing at ALL?
“He’s just another player playing in the name of love”
In the name of LOVE?! Gee, what is this world comin’ to? Now if he was playin' in the name of bootie, that'd be fine...
“I’ve seen enough, now this must come to an end”
You been watching us?
“Get another boyfriend”
Ok, you offering?
“Let’s talk about what he’s done To become your number one”
Well, he’s cute, blonde, dumb…
“Was it all the promises of diamonds, pearls and party dresses that turned you on?”
I’d be scared if I got turned on by party dresses…
How Did I Fall...
“Remember when, we never needed each other The best of friends, like Sister and Brother”
Now I’m scared. Sister and brother? Didn’t people say Mandah looked like Nick’s sister BJ? Hmmm.
“I hear your voice And I start to tremble Brings back the child that I resemble”
Honey, if I wanted a child I’d swing by the local KidsRUs store.
“What did I say, what did you do? How did I fall in love with you?”
Well, you said “Hi, I’m Nick and I resign in Florida.” And I jumped you.
“Oh I want to say this right”
Go on then. It’s not hard. Unless, of course, you're Nick... Or Kevin...
I Promise You...
“I see you look at me When you think I’m not aware
You’re searching for clues Of just how deep my feelings are”
Well, actually Nicky. I’m searching for how deep your mind goes. And well, put it this way, I’ve jumped in puddles deeper.
It's True...
“Even a lover makes a mistake sometimes Like any other Fall out and lose his mind”
Nicky, you HAD a mind? Wow.
More Than That...
“I heard him promise you forever But forevers come and go”
Huh? Forever’s FOREVER, it doesn’t come and go. If it does, somebody really needs to tell that Stephen Hawking bloke.
“Baby he would say whatever It takes to keep you alive”
Words keep me alive? Really? And there’s me thinkin’ it was that big ole thing that pumps blood around my body… (Ok, ok... I know it's not "alive", it's actually "blind" but I sang that for ages so it counts!)
Shape Of My Heart...
“Stay here don't put out the glow”
Ok, I’ll let that fire burn the house down then.
“Hold me now”
Oh sure… ;)
“Don't bother”
What? I’m holding you.
“If every minute it makes me weaker”
Wow, I must have a hell of a grip. Or maybe I’m just your Kryptonite.
“You can save me from the man that I've become”
Oh I can save you now. Make up your mind!
“Sadness is beautiful Loneliness is tragical”
What makes sadness better than loneliness anyways? Anyways, I thought loneliness was your friend?
Shining Star...
“Baby when you do the things you do I wanna be close to you ‘Cause I need to feel your every move, oh”
Yeah, I bet. wink, wink, nudge, nudge LOL
“You know that I adore you Wanna be there everyday for you To satisfy your every needs my baby, baby You know that I adore you Wanna be there everyday for you To satisfy your every needs my baby, baby”
Ok, feelin’ smothered/stalked now.
Answer To Our Life...
“You see me sitting here A smile upon my face”
Yeah and I know just what you’ve been up to as well.
The Call...
Girl: "Hello?"
AJ: "Hi it's me what's up baby? I'm sorry listen I'm gonna be late tonight so don't stay up and wait for me ok?"
Girl: "Where are you?"
AJ: "Wait, wait say that again?"
Girl: "Hello?"
AJ: "You're really dropping out I think my battery must be low. Listen if you can hear me we're goin to this place nearby, all right? Gotta go" (click)
Oh, like it’s gonna run like that really.
Me: Hello?
AJ: Hi it's me what's up baby? I'm sorry listen I'm gonna be late tonight so don't stay up and wait for me ok?
Me: Oh fine. Just send that piece of dumb blonde ass around.
AJ: Wait, wait say that again?
Me: You heard. Gotta go. Bye! (click)
AJ (looking around cos people are eavesdropping and pretending somebody’s still on the line): You're really dropping out I think my battery must be low. Listen if you can hear me we're goin to this place nearby, all right? Gotta go
What Makes You Different...
“You don't run with a crowd You go your own way”
Yup, and it’s usually the wrong way. I’m just crap at map-reading.
“You don't play after dark You light up my day”
Just call me your own personal torch.
“Got your own kind of style That sets you apart”
No, you’re talking about AJ there now.
“What makes you different, makes you beautiful”
Well, it’s great to finally find a guy who can see past the hump.
I'm not the only one! I got an email from a fan called Meggie and this is what she had to say.
"Actually just today I was listening to I think it was "Boys will be Boys," and I heard a line that went something like "my heart starts beating whenever you're around." So frankly (this waz AJ singing) AJ's heart doesn't beat unless his girl's around? I don't get it. Wouldn't he be dead? And if he was dead, how would he know she was around? Answers on a postcard PLEAZE!"