Do You Know the Opening Lyrics For These '90s Songs?

By: Jouviane Alexandre
Estimated Completion Time
6 min
Do You Know the Opening Lyrics For These '90s Songs?
Image: YouTube

About This Quiz

"Oh baby, baby, how was I supposed to know..." that this was the right quiz for you! From all the popular hits of the '90s, can you pick out the opening lyrics to these chart-toppers?

Just like the previous decade, the 1990s was an iconic period in music. While Rock & Roll dominated the '80s, the music industry was opening up even more to a variety of different genres. 

Newcomer Mariah Carey debuted in 1990 and helped make R&B mainstream with 14 #1 singles. Rappers, Tupac Shakur, and The Notorious B.I.G., changed and shaped the world of hip-hop. The end of the decade brought the rise of newcomer Britney Spears and the boy bands of Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC.

With all these popular artists of the decade, they released hit after hit. Can you pick out the opening lyrics to their '90s classics? Mariah Carey might've started off "Hero" easily with the lyrics "There's a hero," but can you remember the opening line to her debut single, "Vision of Love?"

*NSYNC was singing "You're all I ever wanted" at the start of their 1997 track "I Want You Back," but how did they start off "Tearin' Up My Heart?" From songs like "No Diggity" to "Wannabe," could you belt out the opening lyrics to these '90s hits or would you flop in a karaoke battle?

Mics at the ready!

"... Baby One More Time" by Britney Spears
Oh, baby, baby, the reason I breathe is you
Oh, baby, baby, I shouldn't have let you go
Oh, baby, baby, how was I supposed to know
"...Baby One More Time" was the very first single from singer Britney Spears. Released on her debut album "...Baby One More Time," the song quickly rose the young star to fame. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 charts at #1.
Oh, baby, baby, there's nothing that I wouldn't do
"Tearin' Up My Heart" by *NSYNC
Baby I don't understand just why we can't be lovers
Baby don't misunderstand what I'm trying to tell ya
When we are apart, I feel it too
It's tearin' up my heart when I'm with you
"Tearin' Up My Heart" was the second single released from '90s boy band, *NSYNC. Released on their self-titled album, the song peaked at 59 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
"One Week" by Barenaked Ladies
Hold it now and watch the hoodwink
Five days since you laughed at me
It's been one week since you looked at me
"One Week" was released in 1998 by Canadian group, Barenaked Ladies. The song was released on the album "Stunt" and topped the Billboard charts at #1.
Gonna make a break and take a fake

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"Loser" by Beck
Dog food stalls with the beefcake pantyhose
Got a couple of couches sleep on the love seat
In the time of chimpanzees I was a monkey
"Loser" is the 1993 single released by Beck. The song appeared on the album "Mellow Gold" and peaked in the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
Don't believe everything that you read
"You Oughta Know" by Alanis Morissette
And I'm here to remind you of the mess you left
Cause the love that you gave that we made
I want you to know, that I am happy for you
"You Oughta Know" is the first single from Alanis Morissette's iconic 1995 album "Jagged Little Pill." The single topped the charts in many countries as well as peaking at #6 on the Billboards Hot 100.
Does she know how you told me you'd hold me until you died
"No Diggity" by BLACKstreet
Tell me who can stop when Dre makin' moves
The homies got RB, collab' creations
Shorty get down, good lord
You know what, I like the playettes
"No Diggity" is the 1996 single that R&B group BLACKstreet collaborated with Dr. Dre and Queen Pen on. Having peaked at #1 on the Billboard charts, the song also won a Grammy Award.

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"One" by U2
You say one love, one life
One love, we get to share it
Is it getting better or do you feel the same
"One" is the 1992 single by Irish band, U2. Released on their album "Achtung Baby," the song's proceeds were dedicated to AIDS research. It topped the charts in many countries, peaking in the Top 10 of the Billboard charts.
Did I disappoint you or leave a bad taste in your mouth
"Poison" by Bell Biv DeVoe
It's drivin' me out of my mind
Spyderman and Freeze in full effect
"Poison" is the iconic song from R&B group Bell Biv DeVoe. After the members' separation from New Edition, "Poison" was their first single and peaked at #3 on the Billboard charts.
That girl is... poison
Never trust a big butt and smile
"I Want It That Way" by Backstreet Boys
You are my fire, the one desire
"I Want It That Way" is the lead single from the Backstreet Boys' album, "Millennium," one of the best selling albums of all time. The single helped catapult the Backstreet Boys growing fame and topped the charts in many countries including peaking at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Am I your fire?
We are two worlds apart
Now I can see that we've fallen apart

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"Wannabe" by Spice Girls
If you want my future, forget my past
If you wanna get with me, better make it fast
Yo, I'll tell you what I want, what I really, really want
"Wannabe" is the 1996 debut single from the girl group, Spice Girls. The best-selling girl group of all time, "Wannabe" helps the 5 singers jump to instant fame. The single topped international charts, as well as the US Billboard Hot 100 where it topped the chart at #1.
If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends
"Nothing Compares 2 U" by Sinead O'Connor
It's been seven hours and fifteen days
"Nothing Compares 2 U" is the 1990 single from Sinead O'Connor. The song appeared on her album "I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got." Although originally recorded by Prince, the song rose in fame once O'Connor released it and landed her a #1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Since you been gone I can do whatever I want
It's been so lonely without you here
I could put my arms around every boy I see
"Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)" by Green Day
Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go
So take the photographs and still-frames in your mind
For what it's worth, it was worth all the while
Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road
"Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" is the 1997 single from band, Green Day. The song appeared on their album "Nimrod" and has since sold over 2 million copies.

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"Vision of Love" by Mariah Carey
Treated me kind, sweet destiny
"Vision of Love" was the very first single released by R&B singer Mariah Carey. Released in 1990 on her debut album, the song quickly catapulted her to international fame. The song topped the charts in many countries as well as gaining her the first #1 single of her career.
I had a vision of love
Prayed through the nights
Carried the weight on my own
"Semi-Charmed Life" by Third Eye Blind
And I speak to you like the chorus to the verse
I'm packed and I'm holding
"Semi-Charmed Life" is the 1997 single from the rock band Third Eye Blind. The single was released on their self-titled album and has since been featured in many films. The song topped the Billboard charts at #4.
I want something else to get me through this
I'm not listening when you say goodbye
"MMMBop" by Hanson
So hold on to the ones who really care
You have so many relationships in this life
"MMMBop" is the single from the '90s brother band, Hanson. The single was released on their album "Middle of Nowhere." The song topped the charts internationally as well as earning the brothers a #1 hit.
Plant a seed, plant a flower, plant a rose
It's a secret no one knows

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"Truly Madly Deeply" by Savage Garden
I'll be your dream, I'll be your wish, I'll be your fantasy
"Truly Madly Deeply" is the popular single from Australian group, Savage Garden. The single was released on their self-titled 1997 album. The song performed well internationally as well as earning the bang a #1 single on the Billboard Hot 100.
I'll be your hope, I'll be your love, be everything that you need
And when the stars are shining brightly in the velvet sky
The highest power, in lonely hours, the tears devour you
"My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion
Far across the distance
Every night in my dreams
"My Heart Will Go On" is the iconic single by Celine Dion. Originally recorded for the soundtrack of the film, "Titanic," the song also appeared on Dion's album "Let's Talk About Love." One of the best-selling records for the singer, the song became a #1 hit in over 10 countries, including the United States.
Love can touch us one time
Love was when I loved you
"I Don't Want to Wait" by Paula Cole
I don't want to wait for our lives to be over
So open up your morning light
"I Don't Want to Wait" is the 1997 single by Paula Cole. The song is featured on her album "This Fire" and is well known for being the theme song to the '90s show, "Dawson's Creek."
She had two babies, one was six months, one was three
You know that if we are to stay live

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"Believe" by Cher
No matter how hard I try
"Believe" is the 1998 single from Cher on the same-titled album. The song topped the charts in numerous countries as well as peaking at #1 in the US.
Do you believe in life after love
What am I supposed to do
It's so sad that you're leaving
"Baby Got Back" by Sir Mix-A-Lot
I like big butts and I can not lie
Oh baby, I wanna get witcha
And a round thing in your face you get sprung
Oh, my God Becky, look at her butt
"Baby Got Back" is the popular single from Sir Mix-a-Lot. Released in 1992, the song is featured on the album "Mack Daddy." The song peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
"Sabotage" by Beastie Boys
You're scheming on a thing that's a mirage
So listen up 'cause you can't say nothin'
I can't stand it I know you planned it
"Sabotage" is the 1994 single from the Beastie Boys. The song was released on their album "III Communication." This single is the most successful from the hip hop group.
I'm trying to tell you now it's sabotage

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"Waterfalls" by TLC
A lonely mother gazing out of her window
"Waterfalls" is the hit song from R&B girl group, TLC. The single was released on their iconic album "CrazySexyCool." The song went on to top the Billboard Hot 100 charts at #1.
Don't go chasing waterfalls
Little precious has a natural obsession for temptation
He can't seem to keep his self out of trouble
"Losing My Religion" by R.E.M.
That's me in the corner
I thought that I heard you laughing
Every whisper of every waking hour
Life is bigger
"Losing My Religion" is the 1991 single from R.E.M. The single was released on the album "Out of Time." The song peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
"My Name Is" by Eminem
Hi kids! Do you like violence?
Hi! My name is ...
"My Name Is" is the 1999 single from rapper, Eminem. The song is featured on his album "The Slim Shady LP." While the song peaked at #36 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, it earned the rapper his first Grammy.
I'm tryin' to get my head straight
Can I have the attention of the class?

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"Jump Around" by House of Pain
I came to win, battle me that's a sin
From the kids on the Hill plus my mom and my pops
Pack it up, pack it in, let me begin
"Jump Around" is the hit single from hip hop group, House of Pain. The single was released in 1992 on their self-titled album. The single peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
I came to get down, I came to get down
"Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana
With the lights out, it's less dangerous
I'm worse at what I do best
And for this gift, I feel blessed
Load up on guns
"Smells Like Teen Spirit" is the iconic single from Kurt Cobain-led group, Nirvana. The single was released on their 1991 album "Nevermind." The song peaked in the top 10 of the Billboard charts at #6.
"Livin' La Vida Loca" by Ricky Martin
Upside inside out
She's into superstitions
"Livin' la Vida Loca" is the hit single by Ricky Martin. The song is featured on his 1990 self-titled album. In addition to topping the charts in numerous countries, the single topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart at #1.
She's into new sensation
She's livin' la vida loca

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"Wonderwall" by Oasis
Backbeat, the word was on the street
And all the roads we have to walk are winding
Today is gonna be the day
"Wonderwall" is the 1995 single by rock band Oasis. The song is featured on their album "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?" The single peaked in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart at #8.
Because maybe, you're gonna be the one that saves me
"Say My Name" by Destiny's Child
Any other day I would call and you would say
Say baby I love you
Say my name, say my name
"Say My Name" is the 1999 single from R&B girl group, Destiny's Child. The single was released on their album "The Writing's on the Wall." The song hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
I know you say that I'm assuming things
"Vogue" by Madonna
Come on, vogue
All you need is your own imagination
Let your body move to the music
Strike a pose
"Vogue" is the 1990 single released by singer, Madonna. The song was featured on her album "I'm Breathless." One of the singer's more iconic singles, the hit topped the Billboard charts at #1.

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"All Star" by Smash Mouth
Hey now, you're an all-star
Somebody once told me the world is gonna roll me
"All Star" is the popular single from the band, Smash Mouth. The song was featured on their 1999 album "Astro Lounge." After peaking at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, the song was notably used in the "Shrek" film.
Well the years start coming and they don't stop coming
It's a cool place and they say it gets colder
"Killing Me Softly" by The Fugees
Strumming my pain with this fingers
In 1996, the Fugees recorded a cover of "Killing Me Softly With His Song." The song was featured on their album, "The Score." The single also won a Grammy in 1997.
I heard he sang a good song
I felt all flushed with fever
Killing me softly with his song
"Genie in a Bottle" by Christina Aguilera
I feel like I've been locked up tight
"Genie in a Bottle" is the lead single from Christina Aguilera's self-titled 1999 album. One of the biggest hits of her debut album, the song topped the Billboard charts at #1.
If you wanna be with me
I'm a genie in a bottle
The music's fading and the lights down low

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"I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston
if I should stay
Originally recorded by Dolly Parton, Whitney Houston released her own version of "I Will Always Love You" for her film, "The Bodyguard." The song won every award that it was nominated for, including Record of the Year at the Grammy Awards.
And I will always love you
Bittersweet memories
I hope life treats you kind
"Nuthin' but a G Thang" by Dr. Dre
Snoop Doggy Dogg and Dr. Dre is at the door
One, two, three and to the four
"Nuthin' But a G Thang" is the 1992 Dr. Dre single featuring rapper, Snoop Dogg. The song is featured on Dr. Dre's album, The Chronic. The single peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
It's like this and like that and like this and uh
Now it's time for me to make my impression felt
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