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
What this quote means
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.
Themes
SuccessMusicCareerSustainabilityAspiration
In practice
Example use cases
Use this quote in a motivational speech about following one's passion.
More from Tracy Chapman
All quotes →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.
Tracy ChapmanRead
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.
Tracy ChapmanRead
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.
Tracy ChapmanRead
Now love's the only thing that's free /We must take it where it's found /Pretty soon it may be costly
Tracy ChapmanRead
I think it's important, if you are an artist, to use your music to stand up for what you believe in.
Tracy ChapmanRead
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