Unlike most boy bands, they formed independently and were later picked up by a record label, rather than being assembled by a label or a producer. They have sold over 10 million records worldwide and achieved eight top 40 singles in the U.S. In the late 90s to the early 00s, the group reached top-five on the Billboard Hot 100 with the songs "Give Me Just One Night (Una Noche)", "Because of You", "The Hardest Thing" and "Thank God I Found You" (with Mariah Carey and Joe); the latter as featured artists, topping the chart also making it their first and only number-one song.
The group reunited for a one-time performance at Mixtape Festival in Hershey, PA in August 2012. After the performance, the reunion expanded into a new album and a spot on "The Package" tour in 2013.
The Way You Want Me To
98º Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't wanna put you through
Those lies you lived before
Girl, I can give you more
Baby, take my hand
And try to understand
That I'll be here for you
Just the way you want me to
Feel like you're wasting all of your time
You're going out of your mind
From all the tears you've been crying
And I know all the things he's putting you through
The cheating no one can prove
You never know what to do, yeah
Just tell me what you feel inside
Don't be consumed by foolish pride
'Cause I can see with my two eyes
The pain that you've been holding tight
It's time that you begin to feel
The kind of love that's really real, yeah
Girl, let me tell you the deal
Won't throw no shade on you
Don't wanna put you through
Those lies you lived before
Girl, I can give you more
Baby, take my hand
And try to understand
That I'll be here for you
Just the way you want me to
It's time for you to decide
What you want from your life
No room for compromise
'Cause I can give you everything that you need
Open your eyes and you'll see
That I can set you free, baby
So come to me with the broken heart
You'll feel the love from the very start
I think it's time for you to part
From a man that leaves you in the dark
You're the type that needs romance
Someone to break you from your trance
Now, baby, here is your chance
Won't throw no shade on you
Don't wanna put you through
Those lies you lived before
Girl, I can give you more
Baby, take my hand
And try to understand
That I'll be here for you
Just the way you want me to
I know just what you're going through
You need a love that will always be true
Look in my eyes, girl, I'll give it to you
The way you want me to
Won't throw no shade on you
Don't wanna put you through
Those lies you lived before
Girl, I can give you more
Baby, take my hand
And try to understand
That I'll be here for you
Just the way you want me to
The song "The Way You Want Me To" by 98º is a love song that assures the subject of the singer's sincere love and commitment. The first verse affirms that the singer won't judge or manipulate the subject, as they have experienced before, and promises that they can offer more genuine love. The chorus repeats the chorus and emphasizes the singer's commitment to supporting the subject any way they need. The second verse urges the subject to make their own choices about their life and love while accepting that the singer can offer everything they need in a partner. The bridge explains that the singer has empathy and insight into the subject's struggles and wants to give them the kind of love they deserve.
The lyrics of "The Way You Want Me To" reflect the typical themes of a pop ballad, which center around love, devotion, and empathy. The song's melody is also characteristic, following a verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus structure, which is common in pop music. Despite being initially marketed as a "boy band," 98º is notable for writing and performing many of their songs, including this one.
Line by Line Meaning
Won't throw no shade on you
I won't criticize or shame you
Don't wanna put you through those lies you lived before
I don't want you to go through the pain of being deceived like you have in the past
Girl, I can give you more
I can provide you with more love, dedication, and loyalty than you have received before
Baby, take my hand
Come with me and trust me
And try to understand
Be willing to comprehend and accept my intentions
That I'll be here for you
I will be here to provide support and care for you
Just the way you want me to
I will cater to your desires and needs
Feel like you're wasting all of your time
You believe that you are not making progress or achieving anything
You're going out of your mind
You feel like you are losing your sanity
From all the tears you've been crying
You have been shedding a lot of tears recently
And I know all the things he's putting you through
I am aware of the hardships and stress that he is causing you
The cheating no one can prove
He is being unfaithful, but there is no clear evidence of it
You never know what to do, yeah
You are uncertain about what actions to take
Just tell me what you feel inside
Confide with me and let me know what is on your mind
Don't be consumed by foolish pride
Do not let pride blind you or cloud your judgment
'Cause I can see with my two eyes
I am confident in my own perception and observation
The pain that you've been holding tight
You have been keeping your pain bottled up inside
It's time that you begin to feel
Now is the moment for you to start experiencing
The kind of love that's really real, yeah
True and genuine affection is what you deserve and need
Girl, let me tell you the deal
Let me explain what I have to offer
It's time for you to decide
You need to make a choice
What you want from your life
Determine what your goals and aspirations are
No room for compromise
There is no room for settling or negotiating
'Cause I can give you everything that you need
I have the capability of providing for all of your necessities
Open your eyes and you'll see
Be aware of the opportunities available to you
That I can set you free, baby
I can liberate you from your current circumstances
So come to me with the broken heart
Come to me with your emotional vulnerability
You'll feel the love from the very start
From the very beginning, you'll feel my love for you
I think it's time for you to part
It's time for you to break away
From a man that leaves you in the dark
From someone who keeps you ignorant or unaware
You're the type that needs romance
You require romance in a relationship
Someone to break you from your trance
Someone to awaken or inspire you
Now, baby, here is your chance
This is your opportunity to experience what you need and desire
I know just what you're going through
I am aware of the difficulties you are facing
You need a love that will always be true
You require unconditional and lasting love
Look in my eyes, girl, I'll give it to you
Find assurance in my gaze, I can provide that for you
The way you want me to
I will give you the kind of love and affection you desire
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: ANDERS BAGGE, ANDREW LACHEY, ARNTHOR BIRGISSON, NICK LACHEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind