I Don't Care

Album: Only Human (2014)
Charted: 1
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This sweary single finds Cheryl singing: "I don't care, and it feels so f--king good to say, I swear that I don't care." She told Capital FM: "It sums up pretty much how I feel right now. [It's] very pop, but fun pop!"
  • Cheryl co-wrote the song with Katy Perry's frequent songwriting partner Bonnie McKee, along with Joakim Ahlund, who collaborated with Chrissie Hynde on her 2014 debut solo album Stockholm and "Love Me Again" singer John Newman.
  • Cheryl said about the feisty lyrics: "I'm a woman now; I'm at that age that things don't bother me like they used to. I still care about things, but I've discovered what's important to care about, and what's most definitely not."
  • The music video, directed by Colin Tilley, finds Cheryl lounging on the beaches of Spain. Tilley formerly collaborated with the singer on the video for the album's lead single "Crazy Stupid Love," which was shot at The Underground Club in London.
  • Cheryl became the first British female solo artist to have five #1 singles in the UK when this entered the Official Charts at the summit. The singer overtook Geri Halliwell and Rita Ora who both had clocked up four chart-toppers.
  • Bonnie McKee was less than impressed with how the track turned out. "That was my 10th #1, so I'm grateful for it but I didn't want to give it up," she told The Idolator. "It was a song I had written for myself. They tweaked a couple lyrics and changed the title."

    "The original title was 'Waking Up Diagonal.' It's the first line of the song," McKee continued. "I just thought it was more interesting than 'I Don't Care,' which is such a boring title to me. When I hear that song it breaks my heart a little bit because it's my story."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."

John Lee Hooker

John Lee HookerSongwriter Interviews

Into the vaults for Bruce Pollock's 1984 conversation with the esteemed bluesman. Hooker talks about transforming a Tony Bennett classic and why you don't have to be sad and lonely to write the blues.

Who Wrote That Song?

Who Wrote That Song?Music Quiz

Do you know who wrote Patti Smith's biggest hit? How about the Grease theme song? See if you can match the song to the writer.

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.

Ian Astbury of The Cult

Ian Astbury of The CultSongwriter Interviews

The Cult frontman tells who the "Fire Woman" is, and talks about performing with the new version of The Doors.

Donny Osmond

Donny OsmondSongwriter Interviews

Donny Osmond talks about his biggest hits, his Vegas show, and the fan who taught him to take "Puppy Love" seriously.