I Was Gonna Cancel

Album: Kiss Me Once (2014)
Charted: 59
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This futuristic R&B tinged number was inspired by a recording session Minogue nearly canceled. The singer, who worked on the song with Pharrell Williams in Los Angeles during May 2013, admitted she was having a bad day before getting in the studio, but remained determined to keep herself together. "It was a dream come true because I've wanted to work with him for a long time," she told Capital FM about collaborating with Pharrell. "I had two days with him, and we did two songs, one of which is on my album and it's called 'I Was Gonna Cancel.'"

    "Because I was having the worst day," Minogue continued, "you know... when you're having one of those days. Everything was too much!"

    "So my second day going in I was literally talking to myself saying, 'Keep it together, this is a very important day, it's Pharrell'... And then I burst into tears as soon as I got there," she added. "That's why he wrote 'I Was Gonna Cancel' because I really didn't feel like going, but I kind of had to go."
  • Around 30 professional dancers were shortchanged when they were asked by Warner Music and the production company to work on this song's eleven-hour video shoot for free or below the legal minimum rate. After complaints, some were then offered AUS$100 (about $90). It was only after the Equity Australia union got involved that the dancers were paid the standard rate for their performances.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

James Bond Theme Songs

James Bond Theme SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the 007 theme songs?

Andy McClusky of OMD

Andy McClusky of OMDSongwriter Interviews

Known in America for the hit "If You Leave," OMD is a huge influence on modern electronic music.

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"They're Playing My Song

As a songwriter and producer, Narada had hits with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Starship. But what song does he feel had the greatest impact on his career?

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-Outs

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-OutsSong Writing

The 10 biggest "retirement tours" that didn't take.

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & Tears

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & TearsSongwriter Interviews

The longtime BS&T frontman tells the "Spinning Wheel" story, including the line he got from Joni Mitchell.