I don't feel any pressure from fans. But I'm always in some kind of state of emotional turmoil. I would not describe myself as happy-go-lucky. That's not to say that I'm not happy.
Paul SimonRead
Not every song I write is ecstasy. And it can happen only one time. After that, when you sing the same melody and words, it's pleasure, but you don't get wiped out.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the transient nature of artistic inspiration and the difference between initial creativity and subsequent repetition.
Paul Simon highlights the unique emotional experience of creating a new song, which can be intense and overwhelming. However, once that song is performed multiple times, the raw emotional impact diminishes, turning into a more pleasurable experience rather than an ecstatic one. This captures the essence of how art can resonate differently with both the creator and the audience over time.
Themes
ArtMusicCreativityEmotionInspiration
In practice
Example use cases
During an interview about his songwriting process, Paul Simon's quote could be used to explain the difference between initial creativity and the subsequent performances of a song.
More from Paul Simon
All quotes →I sort of recognize it, as opposed to shaping it. Oh, that's a good idea, that's a good line. I wonder where I can use that. And when you get into a rhyme group like 'not,' you got a lot of rhymes, you got a lot of choices. The more you do it, the luckier you get.
Paul SimonRead
I am just a poor boy, though my story's seldom told, and I have squandered my resistance, for a pocket full of mumbles, such are promises. All lies in jest, still a man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest...la-la-la-la-la-la-la-lala-la-la-la-la...
Paul SimonRead
Who's gonna love you when your looks are gone?
Paul SimonRead
I don't believe what the papers are saying They're just out to capture my dime, Exaggerating this, exaggerating that.
Paul SimonRead
Improvisation is too good to leave to chance.
Paul SimonRead
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