I Won't Say (I'm in Love): Difference between revisions

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"'''I Won't Say (I'm in Love)'''" is a song written by composer [[Alan Menken]] and lyricist [[David Zippel]] for [[Walt Disney Animation Studios|Disney]]'s animated film ''[[Hercules (1997 film)|Hercules]]'' (1997). Released on May 27, 1997 as part of the film's [[Hercules (soundtrack)|soundtrack]], the song iswas performedrecorded by American actress and singer [[Susan Egan]] in her role as [[Megara (Disney character)|Meg]], [[Hercules (Disney character)|Hercules]]' love interest, while singers Cheryl Freeman, [[Lillias White]], [[Vaneese Thomas]], [[LaChanze]], and [[Roz Ryan]] provideprovided [[girl group]]-style [[backupbackground vocals]] as the [[List of Disney's Hercules characters|Muses]]. The songwriters wrote "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" to replace "I Can't Believe My Heart", a slower [[Sentimental ballad|ballad]] that had been deemed too lucky for Meg's personality. Menken based "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" on songs he had written for the stage musical ''[[Little Shop of Horrors (musical)|Little Shop of Horrors]]'' (1982).

A stylistic departure from Disney ballads of the time period, "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" is a mid-tempo [[doo-wop]], [[R&B]], and [[Pop music|pop]] [[Sentimental ballad|ballad]]song reminiscent of 1950s1960s music that incorporates elements of [[Motown]] and [[Gospelgospel music|gospel]], influences. Similar in stylesimilar to songsthe recordedworks by Americanof girl groups such as [[the Ronettes]] and [[the Supremes]],. itsIts lyrics are about denying having [[romantic feelings|feelings]] for someone andin [[parody]]an thoseeffort ofto traditionalavoid romantic [[love songCliché|clichés]]s. In itsthe accompanying''Hercules'' musical sequence, Meg refuses to admit she is falling in love with Herculesthe [[title character]], while the Muses insist that she embrace her romantic feelings for him instead. "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" was written to replace "I Can't Believe My Heart", a slower, more emotional ballad Menken had originally intended for Meg; the latter song was discarded because Meg's animator Ken Duncan felt it did not complement her strong personality. Menken based "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" on songs he wrote for his musical ''[[Little Shop of Horrors (musical)|Little Shop of Horrors]]'' (1982).

"I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" has been positively receivedreviewed by both film and [[Music journalism|music critics]], whomany enjoyedof itswhom girldeemed group-inspiredit arrangement,the as well as Eganfilm's sultrybest deliverysong and thepraised song'sits refreshingcomposition. differenceDespite frombeing traditionalranked Disney ballads;among some criticsof even dubbed it the filmDisney's best song.songs Whileby notsome onemedia of Disney's most popular songspublications, "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" has also developed a reputation as one of the studio's most underappreciated. Among notable covers, American singer [[Belinda Carlisle]] recorded a [[pop rock]] version of "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" for the film's soundtrack., and American girl group [[The Cheetah Girls (group)|the Cheetah Girls]] covered the song in 2005.

== Writing and recording ==

[[File:Alan Menken 2013 (cropped).jpg|thumb|265x265px|"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. ]]

"I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" was written for [[Walt Disney Animation Studios|Disney]]'s animated film ''[[Hercules (1997 film)|Hercules]]'' (1997) by composer [[Alan Menken]] and lyricist [[David Zippel]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HZzDAQAAQBAJ&q=i+won%27t+say+i%27m+in+love+hercules&pg=PT78|title=Disney's Princess Collection - Complete (Songbook)|publisher=[[Hal Leonard Corporation]]|year=2002|isbn=9781458449719|___location=United States|via=Google Books}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=I Won't Say (I'm in Love) – ISWC: T9312959232 – Work ID: 390590682 |url=https://www.ascap.com/repertory#/ace/search/title/I%20Won't%20Say%20(I'm%20in%20Love)?at=true&searchFilter=SVW&page=1 |access-date=April 28, 2021 |website=[[ASCAP]]}}</ref> Menken originally wrote a "soaring" ballad entitled "I Can't Believe My Heart" for [[Meg (Hercules)|Meg]],<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Hill |first=Jim |date=October 19, 2012 |title=Disney favorite Susan Egan to perform this Sunday afternoon at LBCC's Music Scholarship Gala Concert |url=http://jimhillmedia.com/editor_in_chief1/b/jim_hill/archive/2012/10/19/disney-favorite-susan-egan-to-perform-this-sunday-afternoon-at-lbcc-s-music-scholarship-gala-concert.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240721193111/https://jimhillmedia.com/disney-favorite-susan-egan-to-perform-this-sunday-afternoon-at-lbccs-music-scholarship-gala-concert/ |archive-date=July 21, 2024 |access-date=March 3, 2016 |website=Jim Hill Media}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Wild |first=Stephi |date=March 14, 2020 |title=Video: Susan Egan Sings Cut Song From Hercules at Broadway Princess Party |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/VIDEO-Susan-Egan-Sings-Cut-Song-From-HERCULES-at-Broadway-Princess-Party-20200314 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507172100/https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/VIDEO-Susan-Egan-Sings-Cut-Song-From-HERCULES-at-Broadway-Princess-Party-20200314 |archive-date=May 7, 2021 |access-date=February 6, 2025 |work=[[BroadwayWorld]]}}</ref> [[List of Disney's Hercules characters|Hercules]]' love interest, which he had intended to show her realizing she is falling in love with the [[title character]].<ref name=":11">{{Cite web|last=Roulette|first=Matthew|title=The 10 Best Disney Songs You've Never Heard|url=http://thefw.com/best-disney-songs-you-never-heard/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190815103751/https://thefw.com/best-disney-songs-you-never-heard/|archive-date=August 15, 2019|access-date=March 3, 2016|website=[[The FW]]|date=11 October 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=May 15, 2013|title=18 Best Disney Songs You've Never Heard|url=http://www.glamour.com/entertainment/blogs/obsessed/2013/05/18-best-disney-songs-youve-nev|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306191128/http://www.glamour.com/entertainment/blogs/obsessed/2013/05/18-best-disney-songs-youve-nev|archive-date=March 6, 2016|access-date=March 3, 2016|website=[[Glamour (magazine)|Glamour]]}}</ref> However, creatives such as Meg's supervising animator, Ken Duncan, felt the character was "too tough" and "hardened by life" to perform such a delicate, emotional ballad.<ref name=":9" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Spiegel |first=Josh |date=September 10, 2019 |title=Time Has Been Kind To Disney's 'Hercules', A Flawed But Fascinating Attempt To Recapture The Magic Of 'Aladdin' |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/568984/hercules-revisited/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201153339/https://www.slashfilm.com/568984/hercules-revisited/ |archive-date=December 1, 2024 |access-date=February 6, 2025 |work=[[/Film]]}}</ref> Menken wrote "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" to replace "I Can't Believe My Heart", and based it on some of the [[girl group]] songs he had written for the stage musical ''[[Little Shop of Horrors (musical)|Little Shop of Horrors]]'' (1982).<ref name=":9" /> Although Meg's voice actress, [[Susan Egan]], liked the original song, she agreed that the slower "I Can't Believe My Heart" was "too straightforward and literal" for her character, whereas "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" expresses a similar sentiment, albeit "the way Meg would—without admitting any of it".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Miles |first=Jim |date=September 29, 2008 |title=Jim looks at some overlooked treasures from recent Disney music and DVD releases. |url=http://www.laughingplace.com/News-PID512390-512392.asp |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923104207/http://www.laughingplace.com/w/legacy/News-PID512390-512392.asp/ |archive-date=September 23, 2017 |access-date=March 3, 2016 |website=LaughingPlace.com}}</ref> Zippel described the final version as "a love song with a sense of humor" that embodies "the classic love song of ‘I’m not in love’ and we know she really is".<ref name=":37">{{Cite news |last=Atkins |first=Jamie |date=June 13, 2024 |title=‘Hercules’: The Music Of Disney’s Animated Greek Tale |url=https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/hercules-disney-music-animated-film-soundtrack-feature/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523005540/https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/hercules-disney-music-animated-film-soundtrack-feature/ |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |access-date=February 21, 2025 |work=[[uDiscoverMusic]]}}</ref>

Although Egan joked that although she had fun recording "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)", she joked that she felt much "[[Light skin|whiter]]" than usual recording alongsidewith the five Black singers who had been cast as the [[List of Disney's Hercules characters|Muses]] (Cheryl Freeman, [[Lillias White]], Vaneese Y. Thomas, [[LaChanze]], and [[Roz Ryan]]), who provided the song's [[back-up vocals|backup vocals]].<ref name=":9" /> Already familiar with their work on Broadway, Egan felt intimidated by their powerful voices and [[riffing]] abilities.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web|date=August 1, 2012|title=Susan Egan: Belle, Meg, Glamour and Goop - Part 2|url=http://www.themousecastle.com/2012/08/susan-egan-belle-meg-glamour-and-goop.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820102823/http://www.themousecastle.com/2012/08/susan-egan-belle-meg-glamour-and-goop.html|archive-date=August 20, 2019|access-date=March 3, 2016|website=The Mouse Castle}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite episode |title=Susan Egan on “Disney Princess – The Concert” |url=https://www.disneyfanatic.com/a-dream-come-true-susan-egan-discusses-her-hercules-characters-legacy-sc1/ |series=D23 Inside Disney |last=Henry |first=Sheri |last2=Blake |first2=Nzinga |network=[[Apple Podcasts]] |date=February 3, 2022 |number=125 |via=Disney Fanatics |access-date=February 7, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522135643/https://www.disneyfanatic.com/a-dream-come-true-susan-egan-discusses-her-hercules-characters-legacy-sc1/ |archive-date=May 22, 2024}}</ref> She recalled that while they were very comfortable improvising and [[Ad libitum|ad-libbing]] per Menken's requestinstruction, Egan would need to ask Menken to demonstrate her riffs on the piano note-by-note in order to replicate them, much to his disbelief.<ref name=":10" /> While it took Egan half an hour to solidify onlyas few as one of her riffs, the other singers recorded multiple takes of their own within the same timeframeamount of time.<ref name=":10" /> Egan was greatly humbled by the experience,<ref name=":10" /> having never riffed in her previous singing roles.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rudetsky |first=Seth |author-link=Seth Rudetsky |date=September 30, 2020 |title=When Susan Egan Auditioned for Hercules, Cynthia Nixon Was a Faker on To Tell the Truth, and Michael Cerveris Stayed in Character for Fame |url=https://www.playbill.com/article/when-susan-egan-auditioned-for-hercules-cynthia-nixon-was-a-faker-on-to-tell-the-truth-and-michael-cerveris-stayed-in-character-for-fame |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901105539/https://www.playbill.com/article/when-susan-egan-auditioned-for-hercules-cynthia-nixon-was-a-faker-on-to-tell-the-truth-and-michael-cerveris-stayed-in-character-for-fame |archive-date=September 1, 2023 |access-date=May 7, 2021 |website=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> However, she said White in particular remained encouraging, reassuring her that "everybody has soul somewhere; we just need to find yours".<ref name=":35" />

Menken also produced the songtrack.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Alan-Menken-David-Zippel-Disneys-Hercules-An-Original-Walt-Disney-Records-Soundtrack/release/2369985|title=Alan Menken, David Zippel – Disney's Hercules (An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack)|date=1997|website=Discogs|access-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref> [[Danny Troob]] arranged the song while Michael Kosarin conducted the orchestration.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Alan-Menken-David-Zippel-Disneys-Hercules-An-Original-Walt-Disney-Records-Soundtrack/release/3765414|title=Alan Menken, David Zippel – Disney's Hercules (An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack)|website=Discogs|date=27 May 1997 |access-date=June 18, 2016}}</ref> The song was released on May 27, 1997 as part of the film's [[Hercules (soundtrack)|soundtrack]].<ref name=":47">{{Cite news |title=I Won't Say (I'm in Love) |url=https://music.apple.com/ua/song/i-wont-say-im-in-love/1412859038 |access-date=February 26, 2025 |work=[[Apple Music]]}}</ref>

== Use in ''Hercules'' ==

In ''Hercules'', Meg is a [[double agent]] who works for [[Hades (Disney)|Hades]] despite beginning to fall in love with his adversary, Hercules,<ref name=":37" /> against her better judgement.<ref name=":39">{{Cite news |last=Schroeder |first=Zahraa |date=August 28, 2023 |title=15 Of The Greatest Disney Movie Songs Of All Time |url=https://smilefm.co.za/the-greatest-disney-movie-songs-of-all-time/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250225052228/https://smilefm.co.za/the-greatest-disney-movie-songs-of-all-time/ |archive-date=February 25, 2025 |access-date=February 24, 2025 |work=[[Smile 90.4FM]]}}</ref> Audiences learn that Meg has been in love before, only for her boyfriend at the time to leave her to pursue another woman after she had [[Deal with the Devil|sold her soul]] to Hades to save his life.<ref name=":21">{{Cite web |last=Tisdale |first=Jerrica |date=May 17, 2020 |title=Disney's Hercules: Every Song From The Animated Movie, Ranked |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2496200/disneys-hercules-every-song-from-the-animated-movie-ranked |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250105010126/https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2496200/disneys-hercules-every-song-from-the-animated-movie-ranked |archive-date=January 5, 2025 |access-date=April 27, 2021 |website=[[CinemaBlend]]}}</ref><ref name=":45">{{Cite news |last=Locke |first=Alexandra |date=March 3, 2023 |title=10 Best Disney Love Songs, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/disney-best-love-songs/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926153235/https://www.cbr.com/disney-best-love-songs/ |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |access-date=February 26, 2025 |work=[[Comic Book Resources]]}}</ref> Because falling in love too quickly had been a negative experience for Meg, she is left hesitant and in denial about her own feelings.<ref name=":28" /> Like most Disney heroines, she sings about falling in love with her film's hero,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hicken |first=Jackie |date=April 6, 2014 |title=15 Disney songs that were cut before they ever made it onto the big screen |url=https://www.deseretnews.com/top/2407/10/I-Cant-Believe-My-Heart-Hercules-15-Disney-songs-that-were-cut-before-they-ever-made-it-onto.html |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410130555/http://www.deseretnews.com/top/2407/10/I-Cant-Believe-My-Heart-Hercules-15-Disney-songs-that-were-cut-before-they-ever-made-it-onto.html |archive-date=April 10, 2014 |access-date=September 22, 2017 |website=[[Deseret News]]}}</ref> a revelation she is too proud to admit.<ref name=":28">{{Cite web |last=C |first=Sandy |date=2017 |title=The 30 best Disney songs |url=https://hiddenremote.com/2017/10/16/the-30-best-disney-songs/13/ |url-status=deaddeviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216074232/https://hiddenremote.com/2017/10/16/the-30-best-disney-songs/13/ |archive-date=December 16, 2018 |access-date=December 15, 2018 |website=Hidden Remote}}</ref> Therefore, she tries to convince herself that she is not falling in love,<ref name=":40" /> although her attempts remain unconvincing.<ref name=":41">{{Cite news |last=Ryan |first=Patrick |date=July 16, 2019 |title=Ranked: The 25 best classic Disney songs, from 'Mary Poppins' to 'The Lion King' |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2019/07/16/ranked-25-best-classic-disney-songs-mary-poppins-lion-king-aladdin-toy-story-little-mermaid-mulan/1702103001/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316082141/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2019/07/16/ranked-25-best-classic-disney-songs-mary-poppins-lion-king-aladdin-toy-story-little-mermaid-mulan/1702103001/ |archive-date=March 16, 2023 |access-date=February 24, 2025 |work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref>

"I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" expresses Meg's conflicting feelings about Hercules, who she insists she does not love, only for her claims to constantly be refuted by the Muses.<ref name=":27">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_zMrDwAAQBAJ&q=i+won%27t+say+%28i%27m+in+love%29+megara&pg=PA74|title=Musicological Identities: Essays in Honor of Susan McClary|last=Warwick|first=Jacqueline|publisher=[[Routledge]]|year=2017|isbn=9781351556750|___location=United Kingdom|pages=74|via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> Considered to be Meg's [[signature song]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.moviefreak.com/artman/publish/bluray_hercules_1997.shtml |title=Hercules (1997) - Special Edition (Blu-ray) |last=Fetters |first=Sarah Michelle |date=August 12, 2014 |website=MovieFreak.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308071233/http://www.moviefreak.com/artman/publish/bluray_hercules_1997.shtml |archive-date=March 8, 2016 |access-date=March 6, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> it explores the "misunderstood nature" of the character.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maccani |first=Chelsea |date=Jun 5, 2017 |title=Underrated Disney Songs You Totally Forgot About |url=https://www.sweetyhigh.com/read/underrated-disney-songs-060517 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241208194030/https://www.sweetyhigh.com/read/underrated-disney-songs-060517 |archive-date=December 8, 2024 |access-date=September 13, 2018 |website=Sweety High}}</ref> Upon realizing she has in fact begun to develop feelings for Hercules, much to her chagrin, the song allows Meg to work through her denial,<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Weber |first=Lindsey |date=July 25, 2014 |title=Disney's Hercules Is an Underrated Masterpiece |url=http://www.vulture.com/2014/07/disneys-hercules-is-an-underrated-masterpiece.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817071257/http://www.vulture.com/2014/07/disneys-hercules-is-an-underrated-masterpiece.html |archive-date=August 17, 2019 |access-date=March 3, 2016 |website=[[Vulture (magazine)|Vulture]]}}</ref> by "alternating between fantasizing about how delightful it would be to be loved by Herc, and stomping her foot in anger at the very thought".<ref name=":25">{{Cite web |last=Devotta |first=Sam |date=November 16, 2016 |title=(Un)Covered: I Won't Say (I'm in Love) |url=http://idobi.com/editorial/uncovered-i-wont-say-im-in-love/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250127150149/https://idobi.com/editorials/uncovered-i-wont-say-im-in-love/ |archive-date=January 27, 2025 |access-date=July 22, 2017 |website=[[idobi Radio]]}}</ref> Resembling an "admonishing" exchange between Meg and the Muses,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.bostonphoenix.com/archives/1997/documents/00442999.htm|title=Disney's Hercules is a heroic effort|last=Gantz|first=Jeffrey|date=June 26, 1997|website=[[Boston Phoenix]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151009130648/http://www.bostonphoenix.com/archives/1997/documents/00442999.htm|archive-date=October 9, 2015|access-date=March 2, 2016}}</ref> "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" is Meg's attempt to avoid the [[Cliché|clichéd]] storylines of her predecessors as she berates herself for previous poor decision-making.<ref name=":23">{{Cite magazine|last=Weatherby|first=Taylor|date=March 15, 2017|title=Every Song From the Disney Renaissance (1989-'99), Ranked: Critics' Take|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/movies/7727697/disney-renaissance-songs-ranking-beauty-and-the-beast|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620055708/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/movies/7727697/disney-renaissance-songs-ranking-beauty-and-the-beast|archive-date=June 20, 2018|access-date=March 28, 2017|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref name=":36" /> The song takes place followingafter Meg's date with Hercules in which she initially attempted to discover his weakness at the insistence of Hades,<ref name=":46">{{Cite news |last=Vitale |first=Micaela Pérez |date=August 6, 2022 |title=Hercules: Every Song in the Disney Animated Movie, Ranked |url=https://movieweb.com/hercules-disney-movie-songs/ |access-date=February 26, 2025 |work=[[MovieWeb]]}}</ref> and is described by Alexandra Locke of ''[[Comic Book Resources]]'' as "an ode to her desire to protect herself against vulnerable feelings".<ref name=":45" /> After strolling through a Greek courtyard while performing the song with the Muses,<ref name=":23" /> the character's resistance finally proves futile and she ultimately relents,<ref name=":0" /> the Muses having "taunt[ed] her into honesty".<ref name=":26">{{Cite web|last1=Shoemaker|first1=Allison|last2=Suzanne-Meyer|first2=Dominick|date=March 15, 2017|title=Ranking: Every Disney Song From Worst to Best|url=https://consequenceofsound.net/2017/03/ranking-every-disney-song-from-worst-to-best/full-post/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914022712/https://consequenceofsound.net/2017/03/ranking-every-disney-song-from-worst-to-best/full-post/|archive-date=September 14, 2018|access-date=September 13, 2018|website=[[Consequence of Sound]]}}</ref> "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" is also the only song in which the Muses duet with one of the film's main characters.<ref name=":21" /> During one scene, the Muses transform themselves into [[Bust (sculpture)|stone busts]], which Amory Rose of ''[[Business Insider]]'' believes is a possible reference to ''[[The Haunted Mansion]]'' attraction at [[Disneyland]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rose |first=Amory |date=September 20, 2020 |title=27 hidden references and clever jokes in 'Hercules' you probably missed as a kid |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/hercules-clever-interesting-details-that-went-over-your-head#the-muses-recreate-a-scene-from-disneys-popular-haunted-mansion-ride-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430050543/https://www.businessinsider.com/hercules-clever-interesting-details-that-went-over-your-head#the-muses-recreate-a-scene-from-disneys-popular-haunted-mansion-ride-25 |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=February 7, 2025 |work=[[Business Insider]]}}</ref> Excerpts from "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" are also used in some of the film's score, one of the few songs to do this.<ref name=":32">{{Cite web |date=May 26, 1997 |title=Filmtracks: Hercules (Alan Menken) |url=https://www.filmtracks.com/titles/hercules.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827110018/https://www.filmtracks.com/titles/hercules.html |archive-date=August 27, 2023 |access-date=May 3, 2021 |website=[[Filmtracks.com]]}}</ref>

[[Filmtracks.com]] described "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" as the film's "standard 'female song of longing'."<ref name=":32" /> According to Taylor Weatherby of ''Billboard'', the character "finally comes to a conclusion to which many a girl (or guy) can relate".<ref name=":23" /> Tracy Dye of [[Bustle (magazine)|''Bustle'']] described the scene: "Joined by The Muses, Meg attempts to vehemently deny her amour for Hercules",<ref name=":13">{{Cite web|last=Dye|first=Tracy|date=July 10, 2015|title=7 Reasons Meg From 'Hercules' Is The Most Underrated Disney Heroine Ever|url=http://www.bustle.com/articles/96508-7-reasons-meg-from-hercules-is-the-most-underrated-disney-heroine-ever|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914061518/http://www.bustle.com/articles/96508-7-reasons-meg-from-hercules-is-the-most-underrated-disney-heroine-ever|archive-date=September 14, 2018|access-date=March 3, 2016|website=[[Bustle (magazine)|Bustle]]}}</ref> and Zahraa Schroeder of [[Smile 90.4FM]] described it as "Meg’s brain fighting her heart".<ref name=":39" /> Additionally, the musical number predicts that one of Hercules' most difficult challenges will be trying to change Meg's opinion of him.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web|url=http://opinionmoviegoer.blogspot.ca/2014/06/hercules-ron-clements-and-john-musker.html|title=Hercules (Ron Clements and John Musker, 1997) Review|date=June 6, 2014|website=Opinionated Movie-Goer|access-date=March 6, 2016}}</ref> Writing for ''[[The Daily Dot]]'', Aja Romano cited the song as Meg's [["I Want" song]],<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Aja |date=December 11, 2015 |title=The definitive ranking of Disney 'Want Songs' |url=http://www.dailydot.com/fandom/ten-best-disney-want-songs/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618165408/http://www.dailydot.com/fandom/ten-best-disney-want-songs/ |archive-date=June 18, 2024 |access-date=July 6, 2016 |website=[[The Daily Dot]]}}</ref> whereas ''[[USA Today]]''<nowiki/>'s Patrick Ryan labeled it as the film's [[11 o'clock number]].<ref name=":41" /> In addition to her conflicted feelings about Hercules, "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" also demonstrates Meg's independence.<ref name=":31">{{Cite web |last=Wilkinson |first=Matt |date=March 5, 2021 |title=Disney+: Every Song In Hercules, Ranked Worst To Best |url=https://screenrant.com/disney-hercules-songs-ranked-worst-to-best/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507130139/https://screenrant.com/disney-hercules-songs-ranked-worst-to-best/ |archive-date=May 7, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2021 |website=[[Screen Rant]]}}</ref>

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== Music and lyrics ==

[[File:The Supremes 1970.jpg|thumb|276x276px|The song's background vocals and [[doo-wop]] arrangement have been compared to the work of American girl group [[the Supremes]].<ref name=":4" /> ]]

Lasting two minutes and twenty seconds in duration,<ref>{{Cite web|date=1997|title=Hercules - An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack – Various Artists|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-wont-say-im-in-love/id191999705?i=192000233|url-status=livedead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914061500/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/hercules-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1412858854|archive-date=September 14, 2018|access-date=March 4, 2016|website=[[iTunes]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Batdorf |first=Rodney |date=May 27, 1997 |title=Alan Menken – Hercules [Original Soundtrack] |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/hercules-original-soundtrack-mw0000024222 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126222757/http://www.allmusic.com/album/hercules-original-soundtrack-mw0000024222 |archive-date=January 26, 2025 |access-date=March 3, 2016 |website=[[Allmusic]]}}</ref> "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" is performed "freely" in the key of [[Key of C|C major]] at a tempo of 100 [[beats per minute]].<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|last1=Menken|first1=Alan|author-link=Alan Menken|last2=Zippel|first2=David|author-link2=David Zippel|date=1997|title=I Won't Say (I'm In Love) – From Walt Disney's Hercules - Digital Sheet Music|url=http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0057797|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914094244/http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0057797|archive-date=September 14, 2018|access-date=March 2, 2016|website=Musicnotes.com|publisher=[[Walt Disney Music Publishing]]}}</ref> A mellow 1960s [[girl group]] song,<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Tan |first=Irving |date=January 29, 2011 |title=Soundtrack (Disney) – Hercules |url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/41516/Soundtrack-Disney-Hercules/ |access-date=March 3, 2016 |website=[[Sputnikmusic]]}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Andruskevicius |first=Molly |date=November 9, 2024 |title=The Best Disney Songs: 44 Reasons To Feel The Love |url=https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/feel-the-love-the-best-of-disney/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241105100947/https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/feel-the-love-the-best-of-disney/ |archive-date=November 5, 2024 |access-date=January 31, 2025 |work=[[uDiscoverMusic]]}}</ref> Egan delivers the [[power ballad]] in a sultry manner.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ness |first=Mari |author-link4=Mari Ness |date=March 17, 2016 |title=I Can Go the Merchandising Route: Disney’s Hercules |url=https://reactormag.com/i-can-go-the-merchandising-route-disneys-hercules/ |access-date=February 6, 2025 |work=[[Reactor (magazine)|Reactor]]}}</ref><ref name=":5" /><ref name=":33">{{Cite web |date=August 9, 2019 |title=Get Ready for the 'Hercules' Musical With This Epic YouTube Spiral |url=https://www.todaytix.com/insider/nyc/posts/get-ready-for-the-world-premiere-of-the-hercules-musical-with-this-epic-youtube-spiral |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519092035/https://www.todaytix.com/insider/nyc/posts/get-ready-for-the-world-premiere-of-the-hercules-musical-with-this-epic-youtube-spiral |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |access-date=May 6, 2021 |website=[[TodayTix]]}}</ref> The mid-tempo [[Pop music|pop]] ballad<ref name=":39" /><ref name=":24">{{Cite magazine |last=Semigran |first=Aly |date=May 21, 2019 |title=The 12 Most Underrated Disney Songs |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8512540/disney-songs-underrated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508083932/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8512540/disney-songs-underrated |archive-date=May 8, 2021 |access-date=April 30, 2021 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite web|last=Ceron|first=Ella|date=February 24, 2014|title=The 16 Most Awesome Female Characters From Disney Movies|url=http://thoughtcatalog.com/ella-ceron/2014/02/the-16-most-awesome-female-characters-from-disney-movies/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190815103743/http://thoughtcatalog.com/ella-ceron/2014/02/the-16-most-awesome-female-characters-from-disney-movies/|archive-date=August 15, 2019|access-date=March 3, 2016|website=[[Thought Catalog]]}}</ref> incorporates elements of [[rhythm and blues|R&B]],<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |last=Curry |first=Oliver |date=July 17, 2024 |title=Why Disney Fans Still Love This Underrated ‘90s Hit |url=https://www.cbr.com/hercules-underrated-90s-disney-movie/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241229025838/https://www.cbr.com/hercules-underrated-90s-disney-movie/ |archive-date=December 29, 2024 |access-date=January 28, 2025 |work=[[Comic Book Resources]] |quote=an R&B inspired song}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Berger|first=Joseph|author-link=Joseph Berger (author)|date=July 13, 1997|title=His Tunes Make Disney's World Go Round|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/07/13/movies/his-tunes-make-disney-s-world-go-round.html|url-access=registration|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825081648/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/07/13/movies/his-tunes-make-disney-s-world-go-round.html|archive-date=August 25, 2019|access-date=April 29, 2021|website=[[The New York Times]]|quote=Mr. Menken's tunes ''The Gospel Truth'' and ''I Won't Say I'm in Love'' harked back to rhythm-and-blues groups like the Ronettes with a gospel edge.}}</ref> [[doo-wop]],<ref name=":34">{{Cite news |last=Dalebroux |first=Chantal |title=Our Top 10 Disney Princess Tunes |url=https://umusic.co.nz/moments/our-top-10-disney-princess-tunes/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250115084352/https://umusic.co.nz/moments/our-top-10-disney-princess-tunes/ |archive-date=January 15, 2025 |access-date=February 7, 2025 |work=[[Universal Music Group N.V.|umusic NZ]]}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=http://blogs.indiewire.com/animationscoop/blu-ray-review-disneys-hercules-and-tarzan-20140810|title=Blu-ray Review: Disney's Hercules and Tarzan|last=Ehrbar|first=Greg|date=August 10, 2014|website=[[Indiewire]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307104644/http://blogs.indiewire.com/animationscoop/blu-ray-review-disneys-hercules-and-tarzan-20140810|archive-date=March 7, 2016|access-date=March 2, 2016}}</ref> and [[Gospel music|gospel]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Windman |first=Matt |date=September 2, 2019 |title=‘Hercules’ review: Free Disney musical goes the distance |url=https://www.amny.com/entertainment/hercules-public-theater-review-1-35791376/ |access-date=February 7, 2025 |work=[[amNewYork Metro]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Snetiker |first=Marc |date=February 6, 2019 |title=Hercules stage musical is finally happening this summer |url=https://ew.com/theater/2019/02/06/hercules-musical/ |access-date=February 7, 2025 |work=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |quote=the gospel-inspired songs from the 1997 film (including “Zero to Hero,” “I Won’t Say (I’m in Love),”}}</ref> genres that deviate from the theatrical romantic ballads typically featured in Disney musicals.<ref name=":6" /> The song is also slower and more understated than most of the film's soundtrack.<ref name=":38">{{Cite news |last=M. |first=T. |date=May 25, 2023 |title=The 100 Greatest Disneyverse Songs of All Time |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-disney-songs-movies-tv/into-the-unknown-frozen-ii-2019/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114151833/https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-disney-songs-movies-tv/into-the-unknown-frozen-ii-2019/ |archive-date=January 14, 2025 |access-date=February 21, 2025 |work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> Musically, Irving Tan of [[Sputnikmusic]] described the track as "the closest the Herculean villa ever comes to approximating a [[Broadway theatre|Broadway show]]",<ref name=":5" /> while Ella Ceron of ''[[Thought Catalog]]'' called it "a pop song made on [[Mount Olympus|Olympus]]".<ref name=":12" /> It features "cooing [[Ad libitum|shooby-doos and sha-la-las]]" from the Muses,<ref name=":0" /> who contribute gospel-influenced backup vocals and riffs.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":10" /> [[Vulture.com|''Vulture'']]'s Lindsey Weber described it as "a traditional Disney [heroine's] lament" with a "unique [[Motown music|Motown]] edge".<ref name=":4" /> Allison Shoemaker of ''[[Consequence (publication)|Consequence]]'' likened the Muses to a [[Greek chorus]].<ref name=":26" /> Combined, the lead and background vocals span two octaves, from [[G (musical note)|G₃]] to [[C (musical note)|C₅]].<ref name=":7" /> Egan's voice has been described as sarcastic, smoky,<ref name=":20">{{Cite web|last=Fagan|first=Chelsea|date=May 10, 2011|title=The Five Most Refreshingly Honest Disney Songs|url=http://thoughtcatalog.com/chelsea-fagan/2011/05/the-five-most-refreshingly-honest-disney-songs/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914061215/http://thoughtcatalog.com/chelsea-fagan/2011/05/the-five-most-refreshingly-honest-disney-songs/|archive-date=September 14, 2018|access-date=June 16, 2016|website=[[Thought Catalog]]}}</ref> and soulful.<ref name=":23" /> Although the Muses are voiced by five singers, the song is only performed in three-part harmony.<ref name=":27" /> "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" has been compared to the works of girl groups [[The Ronettes]], [[The Supremes]], and [[The Blossoms]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":36">{{Cite news |last=Rank |first=Julia |date=August 15, 2024 |title=A guide to the songs from 'Hercules' |url=https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/a-preliminary-guide-to-the-songs-from-hercules |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250207143949/https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/a-preliminary-guide-to-the-songs-from-hercules |archive-date=February 7, 2025 |access-date=February 7, 2025 |work=London Theatre}}</ref><ref name=":27" />

<nowiki/>[[File:I_Won't_Say_(I'm_in_Love).ogg|thumb|left|25-second sample of the doo-wop song, featuring Egan's voice accompanied by girl group-style back up vocals performed in three-part harmony.<ref name=":27" />]]Lyrically, "I Won't Say (I'm in Love) is a "[[Torch song|torchy]]" [[love song]] about denial,<ref name=":43" /><ref name=":44">{{Cite news |last=Singer |first=Matt |date=February 5, 2025 |title=10 Disney Movies That Deserve Their Own Rides |url=https://screencrush.com/disney-rides-that-no-longer-exist/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250210132029/https://screencrush.com/disney-rides-that-no-longer-exist/ |archive-date=February 10, 2025 |access-date=February 25, 2025 |work=[[ScreenCrush]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Block|first=Tara|date=November 13, 2015|title=Feel the Love Tonight With This Romantic Disney Playlist|url=http://www.popsugar.com/love/Disney-Love-Songs-34752493|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128000824/http://www.popsugar.com/love/Disney-Love-Songs-34752493|archive-date=January 28, 2021|access-date=March 3, 2016|website=[[Popsugar]]}}</ref><ref name=":16">{{Cite web |last=Floro |first=Marty |date=April 30, 2016 |title=5 Underrated Disney Songs |url=http://www.onemusic.ph/news/5-underrated-disney-songs-632 |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914022546/http://www.onemusic.ph/news/5-underrated-disney-songs-632 |archive-date=September 14, 2018 |access-date=September 13, 2018 |website=[[One Music PH]]}}</ref> specifically its performer's reluctance to fall in love or surrender to romantic [[cliché]]sclichés.<ref name=":4" /> Meg voices how clichéd and insufficient love can feel,<ref name=":20" /> while mocking traditional love song tropes.<ref name=":2" /> "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" differs from standard Disney love songs by offering "a unique spin" on the heroine's dilemma.<ref name=":13" /> Rob Burch of ''The Hollywood News'' dubbed "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" an "[[Erotophobia|anti-love]] song".<ref name=":14">{{Cite web|last=Burch|first=Rob|date=September 11, 2013|title=Disney 53: Hercules|url=http://www.thehollywoodnews.com/2013/09/11/disney-53-hercules/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190612100019/http://www.thehollywoodnews.com/2013/09/11/disney-53-hercules/|archive-date=June 12, 2019|access-date=March 3, 2016|website=The Hollywood News}}</ref> Described as an "emotional barnstormer",<ref name=":18">{{Cite web|url=https://www.beamly.com/tv-film/the-best-ever-disney-songs-ranked|title=The best ever Disney songs: Ranked|last=Hall|first=Sophie|date=January 7, 2016|website=[[Beamly]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508153739/https://www.beamly.com/tv-film/the-best-ever-disney-songs-ranked|archive-date=2016-05-08|access-date=April 26, 2016}}</ref> the song begins with Egan singing "If there's a prize for rotten judgment I guess I've already won that",<ref name=":7" /> soon followed by "Been there, done that".<ref name=":3" /> ''Thought Catalog''<nowiki/>'s Chelsea Fagan believes the first verse "sums up in four lines everything that we’ve ever tried to convey while on our third drink out at the bar with the girls", joking, "I believe this song would come shortly after dancing in a circle with all women, but just before the tearful texting of your ex".<ref name=":20" /> Lyrics such as "No man is worth the aggravation / that’s ancient history, been there done that” and “I thought my heart had learned its lesson / It feels so good when you start out / My head is screaming get a grip girl / Unless you’re dying to cry your heart out” express Meg's initial distaste for romance, only for the Muses to encourage her to admit that she is falling in love.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=DiSessa |first=Kasandra J. |year=2020 |title=The Illusion of Empowerment: A Feminist Analysis of Disney's Hercules |url=http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1842/the-illusion-of-empowerment-a-feminist-analysis-of-disneys-hercules |journal=Inquiries Journal |volume=12 |issue=11 |pages=1}}</ref> ''Musicological Identities: Essays in Honor of Susan McClary'' author Jacqueline Warwick observed that the backup singers constantly contradict the lead singer in a [[Call and response (music)|call and response]] format, proving crucial to the denial theme.<ref name=":27" /> The Muses suggest that Meg “Face it like a grown-up/When you gonna own up that you got got got it bad”,<ref name=":29">{{Cite web |last=Busch |first=Caitlin |date=May 22, 2019 |title=Every Disney Renaissance Period Song, Ranked |url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/every-disney-renaissance-period-song-ranked |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924120617/https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/every-disney-renaissance-period-song-ranked |archive-date=September 24, 2021 |access-date=January 19, 2020 |website=[[Syfy Wire]]}}</ref> which Gantz described "admonishing".<ref name=":0" /> The song's last line is: "At least out loud, I won’t say I’m in love".<ref name=":23" /> Identifying the track as a "[[Self-awareness|self-aware]] ballad...filled with sly [[anachronism]]s", author Thomas S. Hischak observed it maintains the soundtrack's comedic tone in his book ''100 Greatest American and British Animated Films''.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YtJKDwAAQBAJ&q=i+won%27t+say+%28i%27m+in+love%29+susan+egan&pg=PA137|title=100 Greatest American and British Animated Films|last=Hischak|first=Thomas S.|publisher=[[Rowman & Littlefield]]|year=2018|isbn=9781538105696|___location=United States|pages=137|via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> Meg Pelliccio of ''[[Screen Rant]]'' believes the Muses ending the song with "Sha-la-la-la-la-la" could possibly be a reference to "[[Kiss the Girl]]" from ''[[The Little Mermaid (1989 film)|The Little Mermaid]]'' (1989), which share both composers and directors, and involve supporting characters attempting to convince a main character of their feelings through song.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pelliccio |first=Meg |date=May 26, 2020 |title=10 Things You Didn’t Know About Disney’s Hercules |url=https://screenrant.com/disney-hercules-facts-trivia/ |access-date=February 10, 2025 |work=[[Screen Rant]]}}</ref>

Kate Knibbs of ''[[The Ringer (website)|The Ringer]]'' summarized the track as "a love song from someone who doesn’t want to be in love, who knows enough to assume things aren’t going to work out".<ref name=":30">{{Cite web|last=Knibbs|first=Kate|date=July 17, 2019|title=The 40 Best Disney Songs, Ranked|url=https://www.theringer.com/music/2019/7/17/20696940/forty-best-disney-songs-ranked-lion-king|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817030046/https://www.theringer.com/music/2019/7/17/20696940/forty-best-disney-songs-ranked-lion-king|archive-date=August 17, 2019|access-date=January 19, 2020|website=[[The Ringer (website)|The Ringer]]}}</ref> Fagan believes it expresses "the hesitancy savvy women everywhere feel when trying to stop themselves from falling head over heels".<ref name=":20" /> Hischak deemed "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" a "contradictory love song ... in which Meg denies her true feelings yet admits that she is quite taken with the brawny and naive hero Hercules".<ref name=":17">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dimhg9t2TrUC&q=i+won%27t+say+i%27m+in+love+hercules&pg=PA91|title=The Disney Song Encyclopedia|last1=Hischak|first1=Thomas|last2=Robinson|first2=Mark A|publisher=[[Scarecrow Press]]|year=2009|isbn=9780810869387|___location=United States|pages=91|via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> According to [[D23 (Disney)|D23]], "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" is a love song "For those who don’t want to admit their hearts’ desires".<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |date=February 9, 2012 |title=Top 10 Disney Love Songs |url=https://d23.com/d23s-top-10-disney-love-songs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428093550/https://d23.com/d23s-top-10-disney-love-songs/ |archive-date=April 28, 2019 |access-date=March 3, 2016 |website=[[D23 (Disney)|D23]] |publisher=}}</ref> Additionally, some critics have observed feminist messages in the song's lyrics.<ref name=":41" /><ref name=":33" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ari |date=May 16, 2018 |title=Playlist: Feminist Disney Princess Jams |url=https://www.autostraddle.com/feminist-disney-princess-sing-along-playlist-418306/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250224204411/https://www.autostraddle.com/feminist-disney-princess-sing-along-playlist-418306/ |archive-date=February 24, 2025 |access-date=February 24, 2025 |work=[[Autostraddle]]}}</ref>

== Reception ==

"I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" has received positive reviews from film and music critics.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Welsh |first=Daniel |date=June 25, 2024 |title=This 90s Classic Is The Latest Disney Film To Be Adapted For The West End Stage |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/disney-classic-adapted-new-west-end-musical_uk_667ae772e4b017bda37a9336 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625170716/https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/disney-classic-adapted-new-west-end-musical_uk_667ae772e4b017bda37a9336 |archive-date=June 25, 2024 |access-date=February 21, 2025 |work=[[HuffPost UK]] |quote=It was particularly praised for its music, with soundtrack cuts including Zero To Hero, Go The Distance, I Won’t Say (I’m In Love) and The Gospel Truth.}}</ref> ''[[Rolling Stone Australia]]''<nowiki/>'s Barry Levitt called it excellent,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Levitt |first=Barry |date=November 23, 2023 |title=Every Walt Disney Animated Movie, Ranked |url=https://au.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-lists/disney-animated-movies-ranked-52738/the-fox-and-the-hound-1981-52748/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114175437/https://au.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-lists/disney-animated-movies-ranked-52738/the-fox-and-the-hound-1981-52748/ |archive-date=January 14, 2025 |access-date=February 21, 2025 |work=[[Rolling Stone Australia]]}}</ref> and Aja Romano of ''[[The Daily Dot]]'' described it as a ''Hercules'' highlight that "satisfies us every time".<ref name=":22" /> Writing for [[Indiewire|''IndieWire'']], Greg Ehbar named "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" his favorite song from the film, describing it as "truly great tune".<ref name=":3" /> Irving Tan of ''Sputnikmusic'' said the Muses' "[[pillow talk]] skills are right up there with the best of them".<ref name=":5" /> Tan concluded, "The track also works well as an alternative to modern pop's [[Teen pop|teenage heartbreak music]]", recommending that younger fans listen to it over artists such as [[Hilary Duff]].<ref name=":5" />

''[[BBC Music Magazine]]''<nowiki/>'s Sean Wilson reviewed it as "a witty, smart number ... Blessed with an extremely catchy melody and some clever lyrics".<ref name=":40">{{Cite news |last=Wilson |first=Sean |date=December 6, 2024 |title=Best Disney soundtracks: 11 of the best musical soundworlds conjured by the inimitable Mouse House |url=https://www.classical-music.com/features/tv-and-film-music/best-disney-soundtracks |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250210103006/https://www.classical-music.com/features/tv-and-film-music/best-disney-soundtracks |archive-date=February 10, 2025 |access-date=February 24, 2025 |work=[[BBC Music Magazine]]}}</ref> Tracy Dye of [[Bustle (magazine)|''Bustle'']] hailed the track as "one of Disney's most addictive pieces of ear-candy", appreciating that "it veers from the typical love-laced ballads we're used to".<ref name=":13" /> Similarly, Rob Burch of ''The Hollywood News'' called "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" a "refreshing change of pace".<ref name=":14" /> ''Nylon''<nowiki/>'s Taylor Bryant called it an impeccable song that remains "very much in line with the company's [[ethos]]".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bryant |first=Taylor |date=June 13, 2017 |title=Why 'Hercules' Has The Best Disney Soundtrack Of All Time |url=https://www.nylon.com/articles/hercules-movie-soundtrack-anniversary |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808034752/https://www.nylon.com/articles/hercules-movie-soundtrack-anniversary |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |access-date=April 29, 2021 |website=[[Nylon (magazine)|Nylon]]}}</ref> Meanwhile, Jerrica Tisdale of ''[[CinemaBlend]]'' crowned the ballad the best song from ''Hercules''.<ref name=":21" /> ''[[MovieWeb]]''<nowiki/>'s Micaela Pérez Vitale agreed that it is the film's best song, complimenting "its high-energy and fun rhythm".<ref name=":46" /> Both [[Ticketmaster]] contributor Caitlin Devlin and Matt Singer of ''[[ScreenCrush]]'' consider "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" to be among Disney's greatest songs.<ref name=":42">{{Cite web |last=Devlin |first=Caitlin |date=May 6, 2022 |title=The 20 best Disney movie musical soundtracks, ranked |url=https://discover.ticketmaster.co.uk/theatre/the-20-best-disney-movie-musical-soundtracks-ranked-53203/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127061108/https://discover.ticketmaster.co.uk/theatre/the-20-best-disney-movie-musical-soundtracks-ranked-53203/ |archive-date=November 27, 2024 |access-date=May 10, 2022 |website=[[Ticketmaster]]}}</ref><ref name=":44" />

''[[Screen Rant]]'' ranked "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" ''Hercules''<nowiki/>' second best song, with author Matthew Wilkinson praising Meg's independence and Egan's performance.<ref name=":31" /> Conversely, [[Filmtracks.com]] accused the song of wasting Egan's talent.<ref name=":32" />

==Live performances and cover versions==

Egan has performed "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" live on several occasions. At the 2017 [[D23 Expo]] to conclude the event's "Zero to Hero: The Making of ''Hercules''" panel,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://animatedviews.com/2017/2017-d23-expo-exclusive/|title=2017 D23 Expo Exclusive|last=Short|first=Dan|date=August 4, 2017|website=Animated Views|access-date=August 28, 2018}}</ref> the original animated sequence was played in the background while Egan sang, accompanied by backup vocalists.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.disneyinyourday.com/2017/09/26/zero-to-hero-the-making-of-hercules-at-the-d23-expo-2017/|title=Zero to Hero: The making of Hercules at the D23 Expo 2017|last=Ginther|first=Becky|date=September 26, 2017|website=Disney in your Day|access-date=August 28, 2018}}</ref> The performance was met with a [[standing ovation]] from the audience.<ref>{{Cite web|date=July 17, 2017|title=Every Magical Moment From D23 Expo 2017|url=https://d23.com/live-from-d23-expo-2017/|access-date=August 28, 2018|website=[[D23 (Disney)|D23]]}}</ref> Egan has also sang the song during the Broadway Princess Party concert series in 2019 and 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lee|first=Ashley|date=November 22, 2019|title=Inside the 'Broadway Princess Party,' a sweet soiree of Disney songs|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2019-11-22/broadway-princess-party-disney-songs-laura-osnes|access-date=May 5, 2021|website=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Schilz|first=Libby|date=January 20, 2019|title=Review: "The Broadway Princess Party" a dream come true for young fans|url=http://www.dailynebraskan.com/culture/review-the-broadway-princess-party-a-dream-come-true-for-young-fans/article_91f0ea18-1cff-11e9-a02d-53820ccaa5a6.html|access-date=May 6, 2021|website=[[The Daily Nebraskan]]}}</ref> During an October 2019 performance, Egan performed a duet arrangement with actress [[Krysta Rodriguez]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vianna |first=Katiúscia |date=October 20, 2019 |title=Hércules: Meg performers in animation and theater come together in a duet of "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" |url=https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=pt&u=http://www.adorocinema.com/noticias/filmes/noticia-151310/&prev=search&pto=aue |access-date=May 6, 2021 |website=[[AdoroCinema]] |language=Portuguese}}</ref> who originated the role of Meg in a stage adaptation of ''[[Hercules (musical)|Hercules]]'' (2019) and sang the song in the show.<ref>{{Cite web|date=October 12, 2019|title=Video: Susan Egan and Krysta Rodriguez Perform 'I Won't Say I'm in Love' From Hercules|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/VIDEO-Susan-Egan-and-Krysta-Rodriguez-Perform-I-Wont-Say-Im-in-Love-From-HERCULES-20191012|access-date=May 6, 2021|website=[[BroadwayWorld]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Scheps|first=Leigh|date=August 31, 2019|title=Krysta Rodriguez Inherits the Torch From Susan Egan as Meg in Hercules|url=https://broadwaydirect.com/krysta-rodriguez-inherits-the-torch-from-susan-egan-as-meg-in-hercules/|access-date=May 6, 2021|website=Broadway Direct}}</ref> In April 2020, Egan performed "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" as part of Disney's #DisneySingAlong [[social media campaign]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Barton|first=Rebekah|date=April 28, 2020|title=Susan Egan, Meg from "Hercules" and Broadway's Original Belle, Sings From Home!|url=https://insidethemagic.net/2020/04/susan-egan-singing-i-wont-say-im-in-love-rwb1/|access-date=May 4, 2021|website=Inside the Magic}}</ref> The video was recorded in her own home due to quarantining measures as a result of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]],<ref>{{Cite web|date=Apr 27, 2020|title=Susan Egan Performs "I Won't Say" from Disney's "Hercules" In Her Home|url=https://www.laughingplace.com/w/news/2020/04/27/susan-egan-performs-i-wont-say-from-disneys-hercules-in-her-home/|access-date=May 4, 2021|website=Laughing Place}}</ref> while Broadway actors [[Courtney Reed]], [[Laura Osnes]], [[Adam Levy (actor)|Adam J. Levy]] and Benjamin Rauhala provided background vocals as The Muses.<ref>{{Cite web|date=April 27, 2020|title=Video: Watch Susan Egan Sing 'I Won't Say (I'm In Love)' from Home!|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/VIDEO-Watch-Susan-Egan-Sing-I-Wont-Say-Im-In-Love-from-Home-20200427|access-date=May 4, 2021|website=[[Broadway World]]}}</ref>

To promote the film, American singer [[Belinda Carlisle]] recorded a [[pop rock]] cover of "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" in 1997,<ref name=":19">{{Cite web|title=Belinda Carlisle – I Won't Say (I'm In Love)|url=https://www.discogs.com/Belinda-Carlisle-I-Wont-Say-Im-In-Love/master/372850|access-date=May 25, 2016|website=[[Discogs]]|date=1997 }}</ref> which was included on the film's soundtrack. Produced by [[Gary Wallis]] and [[Tony Chapman|Toby Chapman]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Belinda-Carlisle-I-Wont-Say-Im-In-Love/release/1797509|title=Belinda Carlisle – I Won't Say (I'm In Love)|website=Discogs|date=1997 |access-date=May 25, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Belinda Carlisle - I Won't Say (I'm in Love)|url=https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=nl&u=https://dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp%3Fkey%3D154667%26cat%3Ds&prev=search&pto=aue|access-date=May 6, 2021|website=[[Dutch Charts]]}}</ref> Carlisle's version was released as a single exclusively in France and Germany,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Belinda Carlisle|url=http://www.radioswissclassic.ch/en/music-database/musician/49899c8cba3c74051cdb348ec2a1f6035b4d2/biography|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330083452/http://www.radioswissclassic.ch/en/music-database/musician/49899c8cba3c74051cdb348ec2a1f6035b4d2/biography|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 30, 2017|access-date=March 29, 2017|website=[[Radio Swiss Classic]]}}</ref> on May 26, 1997.<ref name=":19" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=I Won't Say (I'm In Love) – Belinda Carlisle|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/I-Wont-Say-Im-Love/dp/B001WJABOS|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330083243/https://www.amazon.co.uk/I-Wont-Say-Im-Love/dp/B001WJABOS|archive-date=March 30, 2017|access-date=March 29, 2017|website=[[Amazon.com]]}}</ref> The single garnered critical acclaim.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.music-news.com/news/UK/90593/Read|title=Belinda Carlisle releasing singles collection|date=July 6, 2015|website=Music-News.com|access-date=March 29, 2017|quote=Critically lauded nuggets such as I Won’t Say I’m In Love (from Disney’s Hercules)...}}</ref> American girl group [[The Cheetah Girls (group)|The Cheetah Girls]] covered the song for the 2005 [[compilation album]] ''[[Disneymania 3]]'' marking the group's first song as a trio.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Disneymania 3 Enhanced, Compilation|url=https://www.amazon.ca/Disneymania-3-Disney/dp/B0007CNY7C|access-date=May 25, 2016|website=[[Amazon.ca]]}}</ref> Their version exchanges harmonizing for handclaps while emphasizing the pop aspects of the song over R&B.<ref name=":25" /> The cover was released as a single.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=X7ZYsnTPIhwC&q=the+cheetah+girls+i++won%27t+say+i%27m+in+love&pg=PA361|title=Encyclopedia of African American Actresses in Film and Television|last=McCann|first=Bob|publisher=McFarland|year=2009|isbn=9780786458042|___location=United States|pages=361}}</ref> Writing for [[Idobi Radio|idobi]], Sam Devotta felt The Cheetah Girls' version "lacks the power [and frustration] of the original", preferring Egan's interpretation.<ref name=":25" /> An abridged version of "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" appears on stage in the jukebox musical ''[[Disney's On the Record|Disney's on the Record]]'', performed by Andrew Samonsky, with Meredith Inglesby, [[Andy Karl]], Tyler Maynard and Keewa Nurullah providing backup vocals.<ref name=":17" /> Singer and music teacher [[Evynne Hollens]] released a cover of "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" as a single in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 15, 2017|title=I Won't Say (I'm in Love) - Single|url=https://itunesmusic.apple.com/us/album/i-wont-say-im-in-love-single/id12373373011237337301|access-date=July 20, 2017|website=[[iTunes]]}}</ref>

In April 2020, singer [[Ariana Grande]] performed a cover of the song on the [[ABC Studios|ABC]] special ''Disney Family Singalong''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/3163433/ariana-grande-disney-singalong-i-wont-say-im-in-love-video/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200419074615/http://www.mtv.com/news/3163433/ariana-grande-disney-singalong-i-wont-say-im-in-love-video/|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 19, 2020|title=ARIANA GRANDE WAS HER OWN BACKING CHOIR FOR HER DISNEY SINGALONG PERFORMANCE|date=April 16, 2020|website=MTV|access-date=April 16, 2020}}</ref> Grande's rendition received acclaim from critics and fans. ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' named Grande's performance as one of the 10 best moments from the special, stating that Grande "got in full make up and costume, paying homage to Meg by wearing all purple, for the tender and vocally stunning video that she completed with a flower as her only prop. But with a voice like hers, what more do you need?" <ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9360143/disney-family-singalong-10-best-moments|title=The Disney Family Singalong: 10 Best Moments|date=April 16, 2020|magazine=Billboard|access-date=April 16, 2020}}</ref> Bill Keveney of ''[[USA Today]]'' stated that Grande had "the most professional-looking performance".<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2020/04/16/beyonce-ariana-grande-demi-lovato-perform-disney-family-singalong/5148585002/|title=Beyoncé dedicates 'When You Wish Upon a Star' to health workers in 'Disney Family Singalong'|date=April 16, 2020|magazine=Billboard|access-date=April 16, 2020}}</ref> Monica Sisavat of ''Popsugar'' praised Grande's rendition calling it a "gorgeous rendition of ''Hercules'''s "I Won't Say I'm in Love" from her home."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/ariana-grande-disney-family-singalong-performance-video-47392207|title=Ariana Grande Channels Her Inner Meg as She Sings "I Won't Say I'm in Love" From Hercules|date=April 16, 2020|website=Popsugar|access-date=April 16, 2020}}</ref>

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"I Won't Say I'm in Love" has been included on various Disney song rankings by several media publications.<ref name=":39" /><ref name=":42" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zafar |first=Aylin |date=April 21, 2014 |title=The Definitive Ranking Of The 102 Best Animated Disney Songs |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/azafar/the-definitive-ranking-of-the-102-best-animated-disney-songs#.wmrR4yVl6 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250210113047/https://www.buzzfeed.com/azafar/the-definitive-ranking-of-the-102-best-animated-disney-songs#.wmrR4yVl6 |archive-date=February 10, 2025 |access-date=March 2, 2016 |website=[[BuzzFeed]]}}</ref> According to ''[[Good Housekeeping]]'', "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" is the 12th best Disney song of all-time.<ref name=":43">{{Cite news |last=LaScala |first=Marisa |date=April 16, 2019 |title=The 42 Best Disney Songs of All Time |url=https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/entertainment/g26886855/best-disney-songs/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240623024054/https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/entertainment/g26886855/best-disney-songs/ |archive-date=June 23, 2024 |access-date=February 24, 2025 |work=[[Good Housekeeping]]}}</ref> In 2024, ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' named "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" the 18th best Disney song,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Levitt |first=Barry |date=November 27, 2024 |title=The 50 Best Disney Songs, Ranked |url=https://time.com/7178930/best-disney-songs/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250213113453/https://time.com/7178930/best-disney-songs/ |archive-date=February 13, 2025 |access-date=February 4, 2025 |work=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]}}</ref> and ''[[Cosmopolitan (magazine)|Cosmopolitan]]'' ranked it 39th.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Truffaut-Wong |first=Olivia |last2=Hanrahan |first2=Laura |date=October 23, 2023 |title=The 50 Best Disney Songs of All Time, From 'The Lion King' to 'Frozen' |url=https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/music/g32268415/best-disney-songs/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241124181654/https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/music/g32268415/best-disney-songs/ |archive-date=November 24, 2024 |access-date=February 24, 2025 |work=[[Cosmopolitan (magazine)|Cosmopolitan]]}}</ref> Dalin Rowell of ''[[/Film]]'' called it "one of the greatest songs in Disney history",<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Rowell |first=Dalin |date=October 13, 2024 |title=The 20 Most Under Appreciated Disney Animated Characters |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/805230/the-20-most-under-appreciated-disney-animated-characters/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430174437/https://www.slashfilm.com/805230/the-20-most-under-appreciated-disney-animated-characters/ |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=January 28, 2025 |work=[[/Film]]}}</ref> and ''Billboard'' named it the 45th greatest song from the "Disneyverse", out of 100.<ref name=":38" /> [[Beamly]] ranked it fifth on the website's list of "Best Ever Disney Songs", with author Sophie Hall nicknaming Meg "The [[Celine Dion]] of the cartoon world".<ref name=":18" /> [[BuzzFeed]] and [[D23 (Disney)|D23]] ranked the song Disney's ninth and 10th greatest love song, respectively,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Newman |first=Heather |date=February 5, 2014 |title=The Definitive Ranking Of Disney Love Songs |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/hnew92/a-definitive-ranking-of-the-greatest-disney-love-s-9qja#.ra16vEyPg |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126061322/https://www.buzzfeed.com/hnew92/a-definitive-ranking-of-the-greatest-disney-love-s-9qja#.ra16vEyPg |archive-date=January 26, 2025 |access-date=March 2, 2016 |website=[[BuzzFeed]]}}</ref><ref name=":8" /> while ''Comic Book Resources'' ranked it sixth.<ref name=":45" /> [[USA Today|''USA Today'']] ranked it the ninth-best "classic" Disney song, which author Patrick Ryan said "strike[s] just the right balance of side-eye and sweetness".<ref name=":41" /> In an article describing the song as "one of the greatest [[g-rated]] love songs of the last century", ''[[Time Out (magazine)|Time Out]]'' ranked "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" the seventh-best Disney song.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Levine |first=Nick |last2=Bavera |first2=Camille |date=April 10, 2024 |title=The 33 best Disney songs |url=https://www.timeout.com/music/best-disney-songs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250116084808/https://www.timeout.com/music/best-disney-songs |archive-date=January 16, 2025 |access-date=February 4, 2025 |work=[[Time Out (magazine)|Time Out]]}}</ref> ''Billboard'' named it the 21st best song of the [[Disney Renaissance]].<ref name=":23" /> ''[[Consequence of Sound|Consequence]]'' ranked it the 61st best Disney song of all-time,<ref name=":26" /> and [[UDiscoverMusic]] ranked it 34th.<ref name=":2" /> While ranking it Disney's 36th best song, ''[[The Ringer (website)|The Ringer]]'' welcomed "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" as "a refreshing change of pace for Disney" that in turn makes Meg "a relatable queen".<ref name=":30" /> Meanwhile, [[Universal Music Group|umusic NZ]] ranked it the eighth-best Disney Princess song.<ref name=":34" /> ''[[MovieWeb]]'' ranked it Menken's 10th best original composition, describing the song as a "cultural reset".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gawaran |first=Alyssa |date=December 6, 2022 |title=Disney: Best Original Songs Composed by Alan Menken |url=https://movieweb.com/disney-songs-alan-menken/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230727193742/https://movieweb.com/disney-songs-alan-menken/ |archive-date=July 27, 2023 |access-date=February 21, 2025 |work=[[MovieWeb]]}}</ref> In 2022, ''[[The Scotsman]]'' reported that "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" was the 22nd most streamed Disney song on [[Spotify]], having amassed nearly 207 million streams.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jack |first=Lauren |date=June 29, 2023 |title=Disney: The most popular Disney songs in the world, according to Spotify streams |url=https://www.scotsman.com/arts-and-culture/film-and-tv/here-are-the-30-most-popular-disney-songs-in-the-world-3572585 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416203056/https://www.scotsman.com/arts-and-culture/film-and-tv/here-are-the-30-most-popular-disney-songs-in-the-world-3572585 |archive-date=April 16, 2024 |access-date=February 24, 2025 |work=[[The Scotsman]]}}</ref>

Contrarily, "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" has earned a reputation as one of Disney's most underrated songs.<ref name=":16" /><ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Travis |first=Abi |date=March 22, 2021 |title=Good News! 'The Disney Family Singalong' Is Officially on Disney Plus |url=https://www.distractify.com/p/will-the-disney-singalong-be-on-disney-plus |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126130750/https://www.distractify.com/p/will-the-disney-singalong-be-on-disney-plus |archive-date=January 26, 2025 |access-date=April 30, 2021 |website=[[Distractify]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Adams |date=May 22, 2019 |title=The 12 Most Underrated Disney Songs |url=https://us933fm.com/news/the-12-most-underrated-disney-songs/ |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430140517/https://us933fm.com/news/the-12-most-underrated-disney-songs/ |archive-date=April 30, 2021 |access-date=April 30, 2021 |website=[[WBTU|US 93.3]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ciriaco |first=Andrea |date=April 24, 2023 |title=10 Classic Disney Animated Soundtracks, Ranked |url=https://collider.com/classic-disney-soundtracks-ranked/ |access-date=February 26, 2025 |work=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]}}</ref> While ranking the track the 16th best song of the Disney Renaissance, [[Syfy|Syfy Wire]]'s Caitlin Busch called Meg "an underrated heroine with an underrated love song", which she described as "funny, poignant, and a perfect transition".<ref name=":29" /> [[Moviepilot]] included the song in a similar listicle, with author Jeremiah Paul describing it as a "hidden gem" and praising Egan's performance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Paul |first=Jeremiah |date=August 24, 2015 |title=10 Of the Most Underrated Disney Songs of All Time! |url=http://moviepilot.com/posts/3486824 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160520230229/http://moviepilot.com/posts/3486824 |archive-date=May 20, 2016 |access-date=March 2, 2016 |website=[[Moviepilot]]}}</ref> Jerrica Tisdale of ''CinemaBlend'' described the song's underappreciation as "nearly criminal".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tisdale |first=Jessica |date=April 17, 2020 |title=Big Hero 6 And 11 Other Underrated Movies To Watch On Disney+ |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2494329/big-hero-6-and-other-underrated-movies-to-watch-on-disney |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808034751/https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2494329/big-hero-6-and-other-underrated-movies-to-watch-on-disney |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |access-date=April 30, 2021 |website=[[CinemaBlend]]}}</ref> Calling it one of Disney's 12 most underrated classic songs, ''Billboard''<nowiki/>'s Aly Semigran said the song deserves to be a "karaoke mainstay".<ref name=":24" />

In an interview with music magazine ''[[The Fader]]'', members of American rapper [[Chance the Rapper]]'s band [[The Social Experiment]] identified "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" one of the favorite Disney songs from their childhood.''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trammel |first=Matthew |date=February 4, 2015 |title=The Definitive Disney Songs Of Our Childhood, According To The Social Experiment |url=http://www.thefader.com/2015/02/04/the-social-experiment-pick-their-favorite-disney-songs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250220154355/http://www.thefader.com/2015/02/04/the-social-experiment-pick-their-favorite-disney-songs |archive-date=February 20, 2025 |access-date=July 20, 2017 |website=[[The Fader]]}}</ref>'' [[TodayTix]] named the song "everyone’s favorite Disney feminist anthem".<ref name=":33" />

== PersonnelCredits and personnel ==

Credits adapted from [[Apple Music]]:<ref name=":47" />

* Lead vocals by [[Susan Egan]] as Megara

* Background vocals by Cheryl Freeman, [[Lillias White]], [[Vaneese Thomas]], [[LaChanze]] and [[Roz Ryan]] as the Muses

* [[Susan Egan]] – lead vocals

* Instrumentation by the Disney Orchestra

* Background vocals by Cheryl Freeman, [[Lillias White]], [[Vaneese Thomas]], [[LaChanze]], and [[Roz Ryan]] as– thebackground Musesvocals

* Michael Kosarin – vocal conductor, vocal arranger

* John Miller, Bobbi Page, [[Fonzi Thornton|Fonzi Thonrton]] – performer

* [[Alan Menken]] – composer

* David Zippel – lyrics

* [[Danny Troob]] – orchestrator, arranger

* Brian Besterman, [[Michael Starobin]] – orchestrator

==Certifications==

{{Certification Table Top}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|award=Silver|artist=Susan Egan|title=I Won't Say (I'm In Love)|relyear=1997|certyear=2020|access-date=November 6, 2020|id=16832-5434-1}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|award=Platinum|number=12|type=single|title=I Won't Say (I'm in Love)|artist=Susan Egan|relyear=1997|certyear=20222025|accessdate=AugustJuly 291, 20222025|refname=RIAA}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true|nosales=true|noshipments=true}}