I Was Gonna Cancel by Kylie Minogue Lyrics Meaning – Empowerment through Reflection and Resilience
Lyrics
Knew the badness won’t prevent the sun to shine
I was gonna cancel then took a sec to realize
All the disappointment that would trail behind,
I was gonna cancel then you reminded me of who I am,
Everything is clearer than a mirror is to woman
Just the same as a dog is to man.
(Oh) Just hop out of the bed, (hey)
Go ahead face the day,
Who cares what you know,
Don’t let that in the way no way,
Shut out all the doubt, (hey)
Just get up and go,
What’s on the other side? (Yeah)
You will never know unless you,
Go, go, go, gi-i-irl,
Go, go, go, gi-i-irl,
Go, go, go, gi-i-irl,
Go, go, go, go girl.
I was gonna cancel then I thought about the strength
That I got from all of the prayers and what it meant,
I was gonna cancel then I realized
That time is just that money and the love watch how you spend,
I was gonna cancel until you reminded me of what I do,
Now I see it clearer, my best friend is a mirror look behind me
And I see all the things I’ve been through.
Just hop out of the bed, (hey)
Go ahead face the day,
Who cares what you know,
Don’t let that in the way no way,
Shut out all the doubt,
Just get up and go,
What’s on the other side?
You will never know unless you,
Go, go, go, gi-i-irl,
Go, go, go, gi-i-irl,
Go, go, go, gi-i-irl,
Go, go, go, go girl.
What’s wrong with saying I love you?
It’s nothing to kid about.
Some people going through a struggle,
Trying to scribble it out.
They say attention is a shovel,
It’s time to dig ’em out.
You can’t just let ’em stay in a bubble,
They’ll pop to get it out.
What’s wrong with love, love?
What’s wrong with love, love?
Just hop out of the bed, (hey)
Go ahead face the day,
Who cares what you know,
Don’t let that in the way no way,
Shut out all the doubt, (yeah)
Just get up and go, (hey)
What’s on the other side?
You will never know unless you,
Go, go, go, gi-i-irl,
Go, go, go, gi-i-irl,
Go, go, go, gi-i-irl,
Go, go, go, go girl.
At first glance, ‘I Was Gonna Cancel’ by Kylie Minogue could be written off as another pop anthem with a catchy hook. However, a deeper dive into the lyrics reveals a profound narrative on self-discovery, empowerment, and the importance of perseverance. With an infectious beat that underpins a message of personal resilience, Minogue delivers an unexpected depth that resonates with anyone facing the urge to give up.
The song, which at its core encourages listeners to face their doubts head-on and embrace the power within, draws from universal themes of hesitation and the internal conflict one often battles. Minogue’s personal touch and the lyrical sophistication transform the track into a beacon of light for those in need of motivation.
The Triumph Over Doubt
Minogue’s opening lines immediately set the stage for self-reflection and triumph. The mention of the ‘badness’ unable to prevent the ‘sun to shine’ metaphorically speaks to the concept that no matter the darkness that looms, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. This persistent optimism is a recurring theme that is artistically woven throughout the song, creating a sonic representation of finding hope amid despair.
The decision to ‘cancel’ can be perceived as the choice to succumb to negativity and self-sabotage. Minogue’s rejection of this act serves as an anthem for pushing through tough times. The lyrics suggest that even when cancellation seems like the easiest path, there is immense strength to be gained by moving forward.
A Mirror to the Soul: Self-Reflection’s Power
‘Everything is clearer than a mirror is to woman; Just the same as a dog is to man.’ These lines do not just stand out due to their poetic nature, but because they speak to the universal need for self-awareness and clarity. Minogue equates the act of self-reflection to looking in a mirror, highlighting the importance of understanding oneself as a precursor to growth and empowerment.
The ‘mirror’ symbolizes honesty and often, the hard truths that one must face. The clarity it provides allows for a more precise view of one’s circumstances and the potential to alter one’s own narrative—reinforcing the song’s overarching message that change begins within.
Unpacking the Mantra: ‘Go, Go, Go, Gi-i-irl’
The recurrent cry to ‘go’ serves as a much needed kick out of complacency. It’s a pep talk, a rallying cry for action. Whether it’s facing the day or confronting one’s fears, the simplicity of the word ‘go’ encapsulates the urgency and necessity of taking charge of one’s life. It’s a recognition that movement, no matter how small, is forward momentum.
This phrase, repeated like a mantra, embodies the spirit of the song. It’s not enough to merely aspire to greatness—one must actively pursue it. The iterative ‘go’ implies that the act of progression is constant and never-ending.
The Song’s Hidden Meaning: Struggle and Support
Minogue touches on a deeper layer in the bridge, stating that ‘some people going through a struggle,’ indicating an awareness of the collective human experience. The struggle is not singular but shared, and there’s communion in understanding that others are fighting similar battles.
The song subtly points out that it’s not just about the self, but also the support system that helps us realize our potential. When she sings ‘I was gonna cancel until you reminded me of what I do,’ it’s an acknowledgment of the power that comes from those who stand by us—reminding us of our worth and our purpose.
Memorable Lines: Time, Money, and Love
‘I was gonna cancel then I realized / That time is just that money and the love watch how you spend,’ Kylie sings, evoking the idea that time is our most precious commodity. This line hits at the core of the song’s meaning: about investing time wisely, in the same way one would with money, with love being the ultimate reward for spending it well.
The clever play on words between ‘the love’ and ‘the watch’ provides a visual element to these concepts. Minogue is not just encouraging the listener to use their time wisely but to do so with love and intention. It’s a poignant reminder that how we choose to live our lives, who we share it with, and the love we give and receive, is paramount.
