Using that rejection as motivation, Wilder asked to be released from his contract. He then re-recorded the track with his own money and shopped it to other labels. It eventually hit #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 through Private-I Records. Key Themes in the Story
The lyrics about not letting anyone "slow me down" were indirectly aimed at the industry executives who doubted his vision.
After hearing the song, Arista's legendary boss Clive Davis reportedly sent Wilder a memo saying, "Interesting song, but not a hit".
