Pop icon Cyndi Lauper's journey to recording her breakout hit, "Girls Just Want To Have Fun," wasn't as straightforward as one might think. A new documentary, "Let the Canary Sing," reveals Lauper's initial resistance to the song, penned by Robert Hazard. The documentary chronicles Lauper's life and career, highlighting this pivotal moment.

Lauper's hesitation stemmed from the song's origin as a male perspective on women's desire for fun. She expressed concerns about the original lyrics, feeling they portrayed women in a negative light. However, recognizing the song's potential, Lauper collaborated with her producer, Rick Chertoff, to reshape the narrative. They worked on numerous demos, aiming to infuse the song with a sense of joy and liberation, drawing inspiration from sources as diverse as Raceway Park commercials.

The documentary also sheds light on the creation of the iconic music video. Lauper championed diversity, ensuring the video featured women from various backgrounds. This inclusive approach resonated with audiences and contributed to the song's widespread appeal. Boy George, featured in the documentary, emphasized the positive message the video conveyed, particularly to young girls.

Adding a personal touch, Lauper cast her own mother, Catrine, in the video, further solidifying the theme of female empowerment and connection. Catrine also appeared in Lauper's subsequent videos for "Time After Time" and "The Goonies 'R' Good Enough." Lauper spoke about the importance of family at the Tribeca Film Festival premiere of the documentary, reflecting on the experience of sharing her success with her mother and siblings.

"Girls Just Want To Have Fun" became a global phenomenon, propelling Lauper to stardom. The song's enduring legacy is a testament to Lauper's vision of creating an anthem that celebrates female joy and empowerment, resonating with generations of women.