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"I Wanna Go" (stylized as "I wanna go") is a song by American recording artist Britney Spears. It served as the third single from her seventh full length studio album, Femme Fatale. It was released on June 13, 2011, by Jive Records.

Background[]

It was written and produced by Max Martin and Shellback, with additional writing by Savan Kotecha. Spears first posted a snippet of the track in February 2011, prior to the album's release. Following a poll on her official website in which fans could choose the third single of the album, "I Wanna Go" was announced as a single on May 13, 2011. The cover art was released on June 6, 2011.

Lyrics[]

[Verse 1]
Lately, I've been stuck imagining
What I wanna do and what I really think
Time to blow out
Be a little inappropriate
'Cause I know that everybody's thinking it
When the light's out

[Pre-Chorus]
Shame on me
To need release
Un-un-uncontrollably

[Chorus]
I-I-I wanna go-oh-oh all the way-ay-ay
Taking out my freak tonight
I-I-I wanna sho-o-ow all the di-i-irt
I got running through my mind, woah
I-I-I wanna go-oh-oh all the way-ay-ay
Taking out my freak tonight
I-I-I wanna sho-o-ow all the di-i-irt
I got running through my mind, woah

[Verse 2]
Lately, people got me all tied up
There's a countdown waiting for me to erupt
Time to blow out
I've been told just what to do with it
To keep both my hands above the blanket
When the light's out

[Pre-Chorus]
Shame on me
To need release
Un-un-uncontrollably

[Chorus]
I-I-I wanna go-oh-oh all the way-ay-ay
Taking out my freak tonight
I-I-I wanna sho-o-ow all the di-i-irt
I got running through my mind, woah
I-I-I wanna go-oh-oh all the way-ay-ay
Taking out my freak tonight
I-I-I wanna sho-o-ow all the di-i-irt
I got running through my mind, woah

[Bridge]
Sh-sh-sh-sh-sh-sh-shame on me (Shame on me)
To need release (To need release)
Un-un-un-uncontrollably (Uncontrollably, -lably, -lably, -lably...)

[Chorus]
I-I-I wanna go-oh-oh (I wanna go...) all the way-ay-ay
Taking out my freak tonight
I-I-I wanna sho-o-ow (I wanna show...) all the di-i-irt
I got running through my mind
I-I-I wanna go-oh-oh all the way-ay-ay
Taking out my freak tonight
I-I-I wanna sho-o-ow all the di-i-irt
I got running through my mind, woah


Composition[]

"I Wanna Go" is a dance and Hi-NRG song that features a heavy bass line and drum fills reminiscent of New Order. The pre-chorus has a whistled hook that received comparisons to the music of Bob Sinclar and Frankie Knuckles. Spears' vocals are processed, and she squeals and stutters throughout the song. The lyrics of "I Wanna Go" feature Spears singing about losing inhibitions. The song received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Some praised it for being effective and highlighted its hook, while others dismissed the processed vocals. The song was treated with different remixes, including a Bollywood mix with guest vocals by Sonu Nigam, and another one by DJ Frank E and Alex Dreamz.

Chart Performance[]

After the release of Femme Fatale, "I Wanna Go" charted due to digital sales in the lower regions of the US Billboard Hot 100 and the Canadian Hot 100, and also topped the South Korean International chart. Following its release as a single, the song reached the top ten in several music markets, including Canada, France, Finland and the United States. However, it became one of her lowest peaking singles in countries such as Australia and New Zealand, and was the first single of her career that failed to chart in the United Kingdom. In the United States, "I Wanna Go" made Femme Fatale the first album by Spears to have three top ten singles.

Music Video[]

An accompanying music video for the song, directed by Chris Marrs Piliero, premiered on June 22, 2011. It depicts Spears daydreaming at a press conference about a series of events, including being chased by paparazzi cybrogas and being rescued by actor Guillermo Diaz. Marrs Piliero explained the video as "a ridiculous, exaggerated rumor about her life and career." The video references films such as Half Baked, Crossroads, Terminator 2: Judgement Day and Michael Jackson's Thriller. It received positive reviews from critics, who praised its fun spirit. Spears has performed "I Wanna Go" at the Femme Fatale Tour (2011).

Single Artwork[]

 
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