Katie Melua: What is the harshest thing anyone has said to you? — FLAPSS

The question

What is the harshest thing anyone has said to you?

Originally asked

The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A

A fixed Guardian Q&A prompt asked directly across respondents and years.

You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.

KM

Katie Melua

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

“Your lyrics are rubbish.” It was someone I was working with when I was in my early 20s. It turned out well because I then spent a long time studying and learning how to write good lyrics.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 11 November 2023 source ↗

Others on this question

View all 122 →

“You don’t stand a chance of succeeding as a writer in this country. The demographics are against you.” They were wrong. The only demographic that counts is the human heart.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 11 July 2026 source ↗

We’ve run out of champagne.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 27 June 2026 source ↗

That I am a terrible actor.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 October 2023 source ↗

“We’d love you to be on the cover of our magazine and we’ll give you a makeover.”

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 23 December 2023 source ↗

More from Katie Melua

View profile →

Question What most recently moved you to tears? Identity & self

I almost cried last night because of the lack of sleep.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 11 November 2023 source ↗

Question What one change would most improve the quality of your daily life? Daily life

Knowing everyone I love is always going to be healthy.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 11 November 2023 source ↗

Question How would you sum yourself up in three words? Identity & self

Living a fairytale.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 11 November 2023 source ↗

Question What do you believe happens when we die? Death & what remains

I am so curious. We had my son christened because there may be a god but, equally, my partner is a science teacher, so I am also completely open to the possibility that nothing happens.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 11 November 2023 source ↗

Question Which trait in yourself do you like least? Identity & self

I get distracted by anything and everything, so all my projects finish just before the deadline. Sometimes, it’s a bit too tight.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 11 November 2023 source ↗

Question What do you fear most? Identity & self

When I see older generations struggling with technology, I am afraid of it moving so quickly that I can’t use it.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 11 November 2023 source ↗

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