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Because I was lazy today, I decided to share my more popular Backstreet Boys LiveJournal posts. I guess everyone can relate to misheard lyrics.

Say What?

Don’t worry if you are a non-native English speaker questioning your listening ability after listening to some Backstreet Boys songs. The songs have confused native speakers as well. Even the best singer sometimes doesn’t enunciate certain parts. We also mishear lyrics because our brains trick us as well. That keeps happening to me with one despite having read the correct line.

We’ve  Got It Going  On

For me, We’ve Got It Going On is the gold mine of misheard lyrics.

What I thought it was: We’ve got it goin’ on for you.

What it is: We’ve got it goin’ on for years.

The phrase for years was quite an overstatement since they were only together two years upon the song’s release.  “For days”  would have sounded better. However, in retrospect, the line was oddly prophetic.

What I thought it was: Crazy wall of static 

What it is Crazy wildin’ static

My misheard version sounds a little more natural, but I still don’t get it.  Because it is by an Afrobritish co-writer, I do not understand it. 

What I thought it was: Rule this when I get wet.

What it is: I get ruthless when I get wet.

My misheard version fits the tone better. The second one sounds angrier. It must have been how Wicked Witch of the West must have felt when Dorothy dumped water on her.

Brian I like you, but sing a little clearer

Is it a coincidence that Brian sings the following lines? Perhaps he didn’t always sing clearly,

Darlin

What I thought it was: And if by chance we should find/That it can’t be for you and me Then girl, I’ve tried. 

What it is: And if by chance we should find/That it can be for you and I Then girl, I’ll try.

Both make sense in context, but I never knew which one Brian was singing.

I’ll Be There For You(Millennium bonus track)

What I thought it was: Deep in my soul, Baby, you’ll find the truth.

What it is Deep in my soul, Baby, you’ll find a dream (?)

 Usually, I can hear the right word once I read it. However, that’s not the case here.  The term truth makes the most in light of the context of the song. 

What I thought it was: Forever in sight

What it was: Forever inside

 I think I’m mishearing this one constantly because what it is saying makes no sense. The concept of time refers to intent, not inner character. However, it might be a fancy way of saying that he will be faithful. I’d like the ask the writer about this one.

Related

I wrote this completely forgetting about Sara Taylor’s post on the subject I commented on More Than That.

It indeed seems relatable because a search on Google and Bing reveals many posts on this very topic.

Say What?! 34 Misheard Backstreet Boys Lyrics – What Happens On The Backstreet (wordpress.com)

(1) misheard backstreet boys lyrics – Bing

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