I Want It That Way

by Backstreet Boys
Loading song
Fetching song
1
Play in Kid Mode

Other arrangements of I Want It That Way

Pick a learning view.

Lyrics

You are

my (D)fi (A)re, the one

de (D)si (A)re.

Be lieve (F#m)know

when (A)I say

that (F#m)I want it (E)that (A)way.

But we

are (D)two (A)worlds a part.

Can’t (D)reach (A)to your heart (F#m)know

when (A)you say

but (F#m)I want it (E)that (A)way.

But we (E)that (A)way.

Tell me (D)why.

Ain’t noth in’ but a (E)heart (F#m)ache.

Tell me (D)why.

Ain’t noth in’ but a (E)mis (F#m)take.

Tell me (D)why.

I nev er wan na (E)hear you (A)say

(F#m)I want it (E)that (A)way.

Am I (C#sus)that (C#)way.

(F#m)Now I can see that we’ve fall en a part from the (D)way that it used to be, yeah.

No (F#m)mat ter the dis tance, I (A)want you to know that (D)deep down in side of me

(E)you are

my (E)fi (F#m)re, the one

de (E)si (F#m)re.

You are, you are, you are, you (A)are.

Don’t wan na hear you (E)say...

noth in but a (F#)heart (G#m)ache.

(E)Ain’t noth in but a (F#)mis (G#m)take.

(E)I nev er wan na (F#)hear you (B)say

I

want it (F#)that (B)way.

Tell me (E)why.

Ain’t noth in’ but a (F#)heart (G#m)ache.

Tell me (E)why.

Ain’t noth in’ but a (F#)mis (G#m)take.

Tell me (E)why.

I nev er wan na (F#)hear you (B)say

(G#m)I want it (F#)that (B)way.

Tell me (E)why.

Ain’t noth in’ but a (F#)heart (G#m)ache.

Tell me (E)why.

Ain’t noth in’ but a (F#)mis (G#m)take.

Tell me (E)why.

I nev er wan na (F#)hear you (B)say

(G#m)I want it (F#)that (B)way.

Tell me (F#)that (B)way.

’Cause (G#m)I want it (F#)that (B)way.

I Want It That Way — Simple Sheet Music

21 people have learned this song

"I Want It That Way" in simplified sheet music format — the bridge between beginner modes and real sheet music. Color-coded notes with lyrics scrolling horizontally. Perfect for learning to read music. Key of A, 100 BPM.

Teacher’s notes

This arrangement is a great way to build confidence with an oompah bass pattern in your left hand — that steady root-chord, root-chord pulse at 100 BPM gives the ballad its gentle drive, so keep it relaxed and even before you add anything on top.

Your biggest challenge will be the eleven chords, especially moving between C♯sus4 and C♯, and Esus4 to E — those sus4 resolves need to feel smooth, so isolate them and drill the finger swap slowly until it's automatic.

I'd suggest learning hands separately first, locking in the left-hand bass until it feels almost boring, then layering in the right-hand melody.

Watch the F♯m to G♯m transition; that whole-step shift up can catch you off guard mid-phrase.

Once it clicks, loop the chorus a few times at around 70 BPM and gradually bring it up to tempo.

This is the song that'll really solidify your sus4 resolutions and make them feel like second nature.

About “I Want It That Way

How does Simplified Piano Arrangement differ from full sheet music for "I Want It That Way"?
Simplified Arrangement keeps the melody and chords on a simplified staff with lyrics, color-coded for easy recognition. It's a learner-bridge between Beginner mode and the classic engraved Sheet Music — same song, less visual density.
What key is "I Want It That Way" by Backstreet Boys played in?
I Want It That Way is arranged in the key of A on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "I Want It That Way"?
The arrangement plays at 100 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "I Want It That Way" easy to play on piano?
This is a medium-difficulty arrangement. Most players can learn it within a few practice sessions using the speed control.
Can I download sheet music for "I Want It That Way"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "I Want It That Way"?
"I Want It That Way" was originally performed by Backstreet Boys. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What chords are used in "I Want It That Way"?
This arrangement uses 11 chords: A, B, Bm, C#, C#sus4, D, E, Esus4, +3 more.
What other songs by Backstreet Boys can I play here?
Try "NEVER GONE", "INCOMPLETE", "AS LONG AS YOU LOVE ME". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
Is Simple Sheet good for learning to read sheet music?
Yes! Simple Sheet bridges the gap between beginner color-coded modes and traditional notation. Notes are displayed on a simplified staff with colors, lyrics, and chords — helping you build music reading skills gradually while still enjoying "I Want It That Way". Key of A, 100 BPM.
What's the difference between Simple Sheet and Lead Sheet?
Simple Sheet shows a more streamlined, horizontally scrolling view with color-coded notes on a staff and lyrics below — like a simplified version of real sheet music. Lead Sheet shows melody with chord symbols above and full lyrics. Simple Sheet is the next step toward reading traditional notation.

More songs you might like