“Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely” is an emotional ballad by the Backstreet Boys, released in December 1999 as the third single from their album Millennium. It is one of the group’s most heartfelt and introspective songs, known for its melancholic lyrics and dramatic orchestration.
The song explores themes of heartbreak, loss, and emotional pain, expressing feelings of loneliness and longing. Unlike the group’s usual upbeat pop songs, this track dives into deeper, more mature emotions, resonating with fans on a personal and emotional level.
“Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely” features a soft yet dramatic arrangement, blending acoustic guitar, orchestral strings, and a slow, steady beat. The Backstreet Boys’ harmonized vocals—especially AJ McLean’s raspy delivery and Brian Littrell’s soaring melodies—add to the song’s raw emotional power.
The song was a commercial success, reaching No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching the top 3 in many countries, including the UK and Canada. It further solidified the Backstreet Boys’ status as one of the biggest pop acts of the late 90s.
The music video, directed by Stuart Gosling, takes a cinematic and symbolic approach, depicting each member dealing with personal real-life loss or heartbreak in surreal, dreamlike settings. The video’s dark, moody visuals perfectly complement the song’s melancholic tone, making it one of the group’s most memorable and emotionally charged videos.