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.
The group reunited for a one-time performance at Mixtape Festival in Hershey, PA in August 2012.
Give It Up
98 Degrees Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Now here's a story
One we both know
About two people
When they lost their self control
If we're not careful
It might be you and me
When things are good
Why you wanna play me around
Why you wanna mess with this love that we've found
Why you wanna tear us apart
If you're trying to break my heart
You better give it up, give it up
'Cause I'm not gonna take anymore
Yeah, my heart has made mistakes like this before
So if you don't start treating me right
I'm gonna give it up, give it up, give it up
Starting with tonight
Oh baby, oh yeah
Starting with tonight
I'm gonna make it right
Oh, oh yeah
Why you wanna play me
Play me around
Oh, baby, calm down
The lyrics of 98 Degrees's song "Give It Up" tell a relatable story about a couple that had a moment of weakness and lost control of their feelings for each other. Both parties in the relationship are aware of the danger of their desires and the possibility that they might get hurt in the end. The singer begs his partner to stop playing games with him and their love, and to start treating him right. He takes a stand, stating that he won't tolerate any more mistreatment or heartbreak, and he decides to turn things around and make things right, starting from tonight.
The theme of the song is universal and can capture the attention of anyone who has been in a complicated relationship. The lyrics convey the emotions of love, temptation, vulnerability, and fear of loss. The lines "If we're not careful, it might be you and me" and "Why you wanna tear us apart?" show how the singer is aware of how easy it is to lose everything they have built and doubts whether they could put up with another heartbreak.
In essence, the song is a plea to his lover to treat him with respect and kindness, and if she can't, he would rather end things than suffer the pain of a tumultuous relationship. The song is a reminder that while love is a wonderful thing, it can also be challenging and painful.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey, yeah
Introducing the start of the story with optimistic energy
Now here's a story
Transitioning into narrating a specific story
One we both know
Acknowledging familiarity between the singer and listener
About two people
Describing the characters in the story
When they lost their self control
Explaining the conflict that arises in the story
If we're not careful
Warning the listener to learn from the story
It might be you and me
Connecting the story to the listener's own life
When things are good
Acknowledging the value of positive experiences
You gotta let them be, oh
Encouraging the listener to appreciate good moments without disrupting them
Why you wanna play me around
Questioning the motives of the person causing the conflict in the story
Why you wanna mess with this love that we've found
Explaining the value of the love that is being threatened
Why you wanna tear us apart
Describing the specific harmful actions the other person is taking
If you're trying to break my heart
Highlighting the potential consequence of the other person's behavior
You better give it up, give it up
Issuing a direct warning to the other person to stop their behavior
'Cause I'm not gonna take anymore
Establishing boundaries and asserting the singer's value
Yeah, my heart has made mistakes like this before
Revealing the artist's vulnerability and past experiences
So if you don't start treating me right
Offering a way for the other person to change the situation
I'm gonna give it up, give it up, give it up
Reiterating the warning and intention to end the relationship
Starting with tonight
Emphasizing the time urgency of the situation
Oh baby, oh yeah
Expressing emotion and emphasizing the message
I'm gonna make it right
Promising to take control of the situation
Oh, oh yeah
Repeating the message with enthusiasm
Why you wanna play me
Repeating the question to reinforce its importance
Play me around
Describing the other person's behavior and its impact on the artist
Oh, baby, calm down
Offering reassurance and urging the other person to change their behavior
Contributed by Lillian K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.