One of the most famous aspects of the song is that its lyrics—written by Swedish songwriters Max Martin and Andreas Carlsson—don't technically make logical sense.
: Critics from Billboard have called the song a masterclass in boy band music, praising its "earworm chorus" and multi-layered harmonies that rival classic vocal troupes.
: The band actually recorded a grammatically "correct" version, but it lacked the magic of the original and was ultimately scrapped in favor of the version we know today.
: While often labeled as "bubblegum," reviewers at AllMusic argue the track "transcends its era," proving its longevity far beyond the initial boy band craze.
: The songwriters prioritized the "feeling" and phonetic flow of the words over literal meaning. For example, the iconic line "I never wanna hear you say, I want it that way" actually contradicts the earlier sentiment of the verses.
