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 was recorded 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]] contributedprovided [[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, more emotional[[Sentimental ballad originally intended for Meg|ballad]] that had been deemed too softlucky for the characterMeg'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 1960s music withthat incorporates influenceselements of [[Motown]] and [[gospel music|gospel]]., Similarsimilar to the works of American girl groups such as [[the Ronettes]] and [[the Supremes]],. itsIts lyrics are about denying having [[romantic feelings|feelings]] for someone andin an effort to refusingavoid romantic [[Cliché|clichés]]. 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)" 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 ==
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Although Egan had fun recording "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)", she joked that she felt much "[[Light skin|whiter]]" than usual recording with the five Black singers 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 instruction, 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 as few as one of her riffs, the other singers recorded multiple takes of their own within the same amount 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 track.<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'' ==
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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)|G<sub>3</sub>]] to [[C (musical note)|C<sub>5</sub>]].<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 clichés.<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 ==
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==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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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}}