The phrase 'So what's wrong with takin' the backstreets?' originates from the 1999 hit single 'All Star' by the American rock band Smash Mouth. While the song became a global phenomenon and an anthem of the late 90s, its association with the 'Shrek' film franchise cemented its status as a core piece of internet culture. The specific line serves as a philosophical nod to nonconformity and finding one's own path, even if it's less traveled. In meme culture, it is often used to justify unconventional methods, celebrate 'life hacks' that bypass traditional systems, or simply to express a carefree attitude towards society's expectations. Its usage spans from wholesome nostalgia to ironic humor regarding shortcut-taking and alternative lifestyles.