When I die, they'll bury the blues with me. But the blues will never die.
John Lee HookerRead
If they played more blues, people would just get it - they try to hold it back but just about can't hold it back now because the blues is really going.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The power of blues music can connect deeply with people, revealing emotions they often suppress.
John Lee Hooker emphasizes the profound impact of blues music on human emotions and experiences. He suggests that when more blues music is played, it resonates with people on a fundamental level, allowing them to confront and express feelings they might typically try to hide. The blues serves as a means of connection and authenticity, breaking through emotional barriers.
Themes
BluesMusicEmotionsExpressionConnection
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about music therapy, this quote can highlight how blues music helps in emotional healing.
More from John Lee Hooker
All quotes →The blues tells a story. Every line of the blues has a meaning.
John Lee HookerRead
Like you and your woman ain't gettin' along and you're in love. You can't sleep at nights. Your mind is on her - on whatever. You know, that's the blues. You can't hug that money at night. You can't kiss it.
John Lee HookerRead
I don't play a lot of fancy guitar. I don't want to play it. The kind of guitar I want to play is mean, mean licks.
John Lee HookerRead
They wasn't gonna give you nothin'. I didn't care as long as they let me play my music. Cash on the spot... You cheat me and I'm gonna get me some money, too.
John Lee HookerRead
You can go to Europe, and there's no turnin' back - any parts of Europe. Wherever you are, there is no stop and go for the blues. The blues go but it don't stop.
John Lee HookerRead
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