Every time you pick up your guitar to play, play as if it's the last time.
Eric ClaptonRead
I used to do crazy things that people would bail me out of, and I'm just grateful that I survived. But the music got very lost; I didn't know where I was going, and I didn't really care. I was more into just having a good time, and I think it showed.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on past reckless behavior and the sense of relief and gratitude for surviving those experiences.
Eric Clapton's quote illustrates a period of his life filled with chaos and misguided priorities, where he sought pleasure without considering the consequences. He acknowledges that while he indulged in reckless escapades, he is ultimately thankful for still being alive, even if it meant losing direction in his musical journey. This recognition highlights a journey of growth and self-awareness, as he seems to express a newfound appreciation for life despite its ups and downs.
Themes
SurvivalGratitudeRecklessnessMusicExperience
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared in a motivational speech about overcoming harmful behavior.
More from Eric Clapton
All quotes →There are people these days who can do things on the guitar which are beyond my reach. There's one guy who plays with Queen who can do things I would dream of doing. I sincerely mean that.
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My original interests and intentions in guitar playing were primarily created on quality of tone, for instance, the way the instrument could be made to echo or simulate the human voice.
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When I saw Jimi Hendrix I knew immediately that this guy was the real thing ... and when he played it was like a rough sketch of what he was going to become ... this guy was our generation, and he wasn't in a suit .. he played a Howlin' Wolf song 'Killing Floor', and then we (The Cream) had to carry on the set. It was pretty hard to follow.
Eric ClaptonRead
My definition of Blues is that it's a musical form which is very disciplined and structured coupled with a state of mind, and you can have either of those things but it's the two together that make it what it is. And you need to be a student for one, and a human being for the other, but those things alone don't do it.
Eric ClaptonRead
My selective memory of what drinking was like told me that standing at the bar in a pub, on a summer's evening with a long, tall glass of lager and lime was heaven, and I chose not to remember the nights on which I had sat with a bottle of vodka, a gram of coke and a shotgun, contemplating suicide.
Eric ClaptonRead
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