About the song
“Any Way You Want It” by Journey is an enduring classic in the realm of American rock music, released in February 1980 as the lead single from their album Departure. Penned collaboratively by lead vocalist Steve Perry and guitarist Neal Schon, the song quickly became a staple not only on the charts but also in the hearts of rock enthusiasts worldwide.
With its infectious energy and catchy melodies, “Any Way You Want It” climbed to number 23 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking a significant achievement for the band. Its popularity transcended its initial release, earning a place on multiple live albums such as Captured and Greatest Hits Live, underscoring its status as a concert favorite and a standout track on classic rock radio.
The song’s influence extends beyond its musical footprint. It has been prominently featured in popular culture, making appearances in films like Caddyshack and even being part of a memorable multi-language acapella cover in Pitch Perfect 2. In the realm of television, “Any Way You Want It” found its way into the finale of Glee’s first season, further embedding itself in the cultural zeitgeist.
Compositionally, the song reflects the band’s dynamic synergy, drawing inspiration from encounters with Irish hard rock legends Thin Lizzy during a pivotal tour across the United States. Perry attributes elements of the song’s structure to these interactions, particularly noting the rhythmic interplay between vocals and guitars that became a hallmark of their sound.
The music video for “Any Way You Want It,” directed by Kim Paul Friedman, debuted shortly after the song’s release. It features a mix of studio performance footage and a playful narrative centered around a jukebox, culminating in a reveal that ties the visual narrative back to the band’s lead singer, Steve Perry.
Critically, the song was praised for its tight rhythm section and memorable guitar hooks, elements that contributed to its broad appeal and lasting impact. Cash Box highlighted the band’s refined musicality, while Record World lauded its soaring hooks and guitar breaks, encapsulating the song’s broad appeal and enduring popularity.
As “Any Way You Want It” continues to resonate with audiences over four decades since its release, it remains a testament to Journey’s prowess in crafting timeless rock anthems that bridge generations and musical tastes alike.
Video
Lyrics
Any way you want it
That’s the way you need it
Any way you want it
She loves to laugh
She loves to sing
She does everything
She loves to move
She loves to groove
She loves the lovin’ things
Ooh, all night, all night
Oh, every night
So hold tight, hold tight
Ooh baby, hold tight
Oh, she said
Any way you want it
That’s the way you need it
Any way you want it
She said, any way you want it
That’s the way you need it
Any way you want it
I was alone
I never knew
What good love could do
Ooh, then we touched
Then we sang
About the lovin’ things
Ooh, all night, all night
Oh, every night
So hold tight, hold tight
Ooh baby, hold tight
Oh, she said
Any way you want it
That’s the way you need it
Any way you want it
I said, any way you want it
That’s the way you need it
Any way you want it
She said ohh, hold on, hold on, hold on
Oh, she said any way you want it
That’s the way you need it
Any way you want it
Any way you want it
That’s the way you need it
Any way you want it
She said any way you want it
That’s the way you need it
Any way you want it
Any way you want it
That’s the way you need it
Any way you want it
Any way you want it
That’s the way you need it
Any way you want it
Any way you want it
That’s the way you need it
Any way you want it
Any way you want it
That’s the way you need it
Any way you want it
Any way you want it
That’s the way you need it
Any way you want it
Any way you want it
That’s the way you need it
Any way you want it
Any way you want it
That’s the way you need it