We've Got It Goin' On

Album: Backstreet Boys (1996)
Charted: 3 69
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was the first single from The Backstreet Boys, although they had sung backup on other singles.
  • The European success of this song led to the garnering of the Best Newcomers Award at the Smash Hits Awards in the UK.
  • The single was originally released in 1995. It failed to have much success in the US. The album was not released in the US until 1997, despite the massive success in other markets.
  • Several songs from this self-titled debut appeared on their sophomore effort, Backstreet's Back. Even the covers where almost exactly identical. For some reason, that album did much better commercially than its predecessor. This song did not appear on Backstreet's Back.
  • This was written by up-and-coming Swedish hitmaker Max Martin and his mentor Denniz Pop, who produced Ace of Base's chart-topping debut, Happy Nation. Martin co-wrote many songs for the Backstreet Boys, including "I Want It That Way" and "Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)," before going on to write and produce hits for Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, and Katy Perry.

Comments: 16

  • Ash from Pallet TownI love BSB!
  • Oliver from Ontario, CanadaSo true Jennifer
  • Jacklyn from New York, NyTo leigha: It's called Backstreet's Back because they had returned to the US. Their first single (We've got it going on) didn't do that great in the states so they toured in Europe first.
    To nobody in particular: Why are we discussing Pink Floyd, Led Zepplin, and other groups on a page about a Backstreet Boys song? (not dissing, just wondering)
  • Tom from East Lyme, CtHey, what are you talkin' about, Young Lust ROCKS!
  • Stefanie from Rock Hill, ScI meant to say that Pink, Floyd did what I consider to be meaningful lyrics. I'm not a fan of the Backstreet Boys, but I'm not going to bash anyone who likes their stuff.
  • Stefanie from Rock Hill, ScYoung Lust might not be a great song, but Pink Floyd did different lyrics. That said I think I'm with Stephanie from Denver.
  • Lars from Surrey, CanadaI dont mean to bash Zach or anything but I'm kinda with steph on this. If you enjoy the music then that song was worthwhile. Therez no good or bad. If someone enjoys backstreet boys vocal harmonies over led zepp riffs so be it. There never were any rules for music and we should stop having them. It would be elitist for me to say that my taste in music is better than yours.
    All that said i love Pink floyd. :)
  • Megan from Sobieski, WiGive Jennifer a break...when girls get out of elementary school they generally grow out of the 'boy band' stage. I'm sure she'll grow up.
  • Ashley from Los Angeles, Cai love this song!!!!!!
  • Stephanie from Denver, CoZach: Give me a break. Led Zeppelin's lyrics sometimes have no meaning to them. Sometimes the lyrics make no sense at and repeat themselves constantly. What seperates the Backstreet boys from Led Zeppelin is talent. The rhythm was excellent and the musicians such as Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and John Bonham were multi-talented and could really play their instruments.
    Now you say that Backstreet Boy lovers that they sould "lighten up on this pop crap" and then you said that you respected their love for these guys. What are you trying to say here? Are you trying to say gently that maybe they should stop listening to it and listen to artists like Pink Floyd which also produced the super annoying song, 'Young Lust' which made as much sense as this song, 'We've got it goin' on'. Music isn't about writing 'meaningful' lyrics and making sense, its about having fun with music and expressing your personal thoughts through music.
  • Rob from Castaic, Cajennifer, bsb arent a band, they are a musical group. They shouldn't be classified in the same group as any real band.
  • Zach from ..., PaI respect those of which love the backstreet boys. (I used to, too.) However, I have been shown the light and everybody who says the Backstreet boys are the greatest need to be shown the light too. What this [basically] means is that you should lighten up on this pop crap and listen to real music like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and the other artists of their time. This is because Zeppelin and such bands seem to be the only ones that seem to write meaningful lyrics in their songs, and I think that everybody should give them a chance, even if they broke up 20+ years ago; true songs last forever.
  • Dave from Cardiff, WalesThis song was based on MN8's 1995 hit "I've Got A Little Something For Ya", as was 911's 1997 hit "Bodyshaking".
  • Michelle from Bournemouth, Englandthere debut album isnt backstreets back...its backstreet boys :)....was released in europe first and did really well :)
  • Leigha from New York, Nydoes anyone know why the album was called backstreets back if it was their debut?
  • Jennifer from Carters Cove N.f.l.d, CanadaThe Backstreet Boys are the best band in the world.
    They are my Gods and I respect all 5 of them.
    they deserve everything in the world I love them thanks for being around for me.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

16 Songs With a Heartbeat

16 Songs With a HeartbeatSong Writing

We've heard of artists putting their hearts into their music, but some take it literally.

Tom Bailey of Thompson Twins

Tom Bailey of Thompson TwinsSongwriter Interviews

Tom stopped performing Thompson Twins songs in 1987, in part because of their personal nature: "Hold Me Now" came after an argument with his bandmate/girlfriend Alannah Currie.

Judas Priest

Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford, Richie Faulkner and Glenn Tipton talk twin guitar harmonies and explain how they create songs in Judas Priest.

Butch Vig

Butch VigSongwriter Interviews

The Garbage drummer/songwriter produced the Nirvana album Nevermind, and Smashing Pumpkins' Gish and Siamese Dream.

Loudon Wainwright III

Loudon Wainwright IIISongwriter Interviews

"Dead Skunk" became a stinker for Loudon when he felt pressure to make another hit - his latest songs deal with mortality, his son Rufus, and picking up poop.

David Bowie Lyrics Quiz

David Bowie Lyrics QuizMusic Quiz

How well do you know your David Bowie lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.