I Won't Say (I'm in Love) facts for kids

"I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" is a popular song from Disney's animated movie Hercules (1997). It was written by composer Alan Menken and lyricist David Zippel. The song is sung by actress and singer Susan Egan, who voices the character Meg.

In the song, Meg is the main singer. She is joined by five other singers: Cheryl Freeman, Lillias White, Vaneese Y. Thomas, LaChanze and Roz Ryan. These singers play the Muses, who are like a girl group singing backup.

"I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" is a mid-tempo song with a mix of R&B and doo-wop styles. It sounds like music from the 1950s, with parts that remind you of Motown music and teen pop. The song is similar to those sung by famous girl groups like The Ronettes and The Supremes. Its lyrics are about someone who doesn't want to admit they are falling in love.

In the movie, Meg starts to realize she has feelings for Hercules. But she keeps trying to deny it. The Muses, however, keep telling her to accept her feelings. Many critics liked the song, especially its girl group sound and Egan's singing. Some even called it the best song in the movie.

How the Song Was Made

"I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" was created by composer Alan Menken and lyricist David Zippel. Menken first wrote a different song for Meg called "I Can't Believe My Heart." This song was meant to show Meg falling in love. However, Ken Duncan, the animator for Meg, felt that the song didn't fit her personality. He thought Meg was too strong and tough for such a soft song.

"I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" was written to replace a song composer Alan Menken had originally written for Meg because it did not suit the character's independent personality.

So, Menken decided to write "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" instead. He based its style on songs he had written for his musical Little Shop of Horrors. Susan Egan, the voice of Meg, agreed that the first song was "too straightforward." She felt that "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" showed Meg's feelings in a way that fit her character better, by not admitting them directly.

Egan found it fun to record the song. But she also felt a bit nervous singing with the Muses' powerful voices. The Muses were played by experienced Broadway singers. Alan Menken also produced the song. Danny Troob arranged the music, and Michael Kosarin conducted the orchestra.

What the Song is About

Like many Disney heroines, Meg sings about falling in love. But she is too proud to admit it. "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" shows Meg's mixed feelings about Hercules. She insists she doesn't love him, but the Muses keep disagreeing with her. This song is seen as Meg's "signature song" and her big moment of realizing her romantic feelings in Hercules.

Before this song, the audience only sees Meg's cynical side. The song finally shows that her tough attitude is a way to hide her romantic feelings. It helps us understand her better. "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" reveals that Meg has fallen in love too quickly before. This bad experience makes her hesitant and afraid to make the same mistake with Hercules.

Despite trying her best, Meg realizes she is developing feelings for Hercules. The song lets her "work through her denial." She imagines how wonderful it would be to be loved by Hercules, but then gets angry at the thought. The Muses act like a Greek chorus, teasing her into being honest. By the end of the song, Meg's resistance fades, and she finally gives in to her feelings.

Music and Lyrics

"I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" is two minutes and twenty seconds long. It is played in the key of C major at a speed of 100 beats per minute. The song is performed in the style of a mellow 1950s girl group song. It shows off Egan's smooth voice. The song has R&B and pop elements, with a strong doo-wop sound.

The song's background vocals and doo-wop arrangement have been compared to the work of American girl group The Supremes.

The Muses add "shooby-doos and sha-la-las" and gospel-like backup vocals. Critics have compared Egan's voice to The Ronettes and the Muses to The Supremes. The song has a unique Motown feel. It is also described as a "self-aware ballad" that keeps the funny tone of the movie's soundtrack. Egan's voice is described as "sarcastic" and "smoky."

The lyrics of "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" are about denying love. Meg talks about how love can feel too simple or clichéd. The song makes fun of classic love songs by offering a different view. It's sometimes called an "anti-love song." The song starts with Meg singing, "If there's a prize for rotten judgment I guess I've already won that." She also sings, "My head is screaming ‘get a grip, girl!’ unless you're dying to cry your heart out."

The Muses constantly challenge Meg's denial. They sing, "Face it like a grown-up/When you gonna own up that you got got got it bad." This shows that Meg is denying what everyone else, including the Muses and the audience, can clearly see. The song expresses the hesitation many smart people feel when they are about to fall deeply in love. The lyrics are also full of funny anachronisms, which are things that don't fit the time period.

Despite being a parody, "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" is still considered a love song. It's for those who don't want to admit their true feelings. The very last line of the song is: "At least out loud, I won’t say I’m in love."

Other Versions and Performances

To help promote the movie, American singer Belinda Carlisle recorded a pop rock version of "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" in 1997. Her version was included on the film's soundtrack along with Susan Egan's original. Carlisle's song was released as a single in France and Germany and was well-received.

The American girl group The Cheetah Girls recorded their own version of the song for the 2005 album Disneymania 3. Their cover focused more on the pop and R&B parts of the song. Some critics felt their version didn't have the same power as the original.

A shorter version of "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" has been performed in the musical Disney's on the Record. Singer and music teacher Evynne Hollens also released a cover of the song in 2017. Susan Egan performed the song live at the 2017 D23 Expo. The original animated scene played behind her as she sang, and the audience gave her a standing ovation.

In April 2020, singer Ariana Grande performed a cover of the song for the ABC special Disney Family Singalong. Grande's performance was praised by critics and fans. Billboard called it one of the best moments from the special. They noted that Grande dressed up like Meg and delivered a beautiful vocal performance.

Certifications

• Full lyrics of this song at MetroLyrics

See also

In Spanish: I Won't Say (I'm in Love) para niños