I picked up the guitar at 11, but even before then, I was writing songs on the organ.
Tracy ChapmanRead
As I started to consider a career in music, I hoped for success, truthfully. I didn't imagine anything that would amass the level of the first record, but I hoped that I would be able to sustain a career.
Interpretation
This quote reflects a humble aspiration for a sustainable career in music rather than immediate fame.
Tracy Chapman's quote highlights the realistic expectations she had when pursuing a career in music. She acknowledges her desire for success but emphasizes that her primary goal was to maintain a lasting career, indicating a deep understanding of the unpredictable nature of the music industry. This mindset speaks to the value of perseverance and dedication over the pursuit of fleeting popularity.
In practice
Use this quote in a motivational speech about following one's passion.
I picked up the guitar at 11, but even before then, I was writing songs on the organ.
Stand up for yourself and fight for your right to be the artist that you want to be. There's plenty of pressure from outside; people tell you how to dress and how to sing or what to sing, but I always felt like if I'm going to fail or succeed, I want to do it on my own terms.
I can't think of anything worse, really, than to try to live up to someone else's expectations of what you should be. You don't make art by consensus.
My older sister encouraged me from early on and bought me one of the first guitars I had. She listened to all of the crappy songs that I wrote when I was 8 years old and encouraged me to keep doing it.
Now love's the only thing that's free /We must take it where it's found /Pretty soon it may be costly
I think it's important, if you are an artist, to use your music to stand up for what you believe in.
In all things, you need a good organization. You can have the best player in the world; if you do not have the best team, you will not win.
Spectacular achievements come from unspectacular preparation.
When you want success as badly as you want the air, then you will get it. There is no other secret of success.
My game is a lot about footwork. If I move well, I play well.
I've done everything I've wanted to do. I have three children, I have grandchildren, I have books, I did movies, I've directed movies; I've done almost everything I've wanted to do.
Honor your calling. Everybody has one. Trust your heart and success will come to you.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.