Sometimes I sound like gravel, and sometimes I sound like coffee and cream.
Nina SimoneRead
Everything that happened to me as a child involved music. It was part of everyday life, as automatic as breathing.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Music deeply influenced Nina Simone's childhood, becoming an integral part of her daily life.
In this quote, Nina Simone reflects on the profound impact that music had on her childhood, suggesting that it was not merely an activity she engaged in, but a fundamental aspect of her existence. She compares the necessity of music in her life to the natural and automatic act of breathing, highlighting its importance and influence in shaping her identity and experiences.
Themes
MusicChildhoodLifeInfluenceBreathingIdentity
In practice
Example use cases
In a music appreciation class, when discussing the role of music in personal development.
More from Nina Simone
All quotes βJazz is a white term to define black people. My music is black classical music.
Nina SimoneRead
I only knew classical music, which to me was the only true music. The only way I could survive at the bar was to mix the classical music with popular songs, and that meant I had to sing. What happened was that I discovered I had a voice plus the talent to mix classical music together with more popular songs, which at the time I detested.
Nina SimoneRead
I didn't get interested in music. It was a gift from God.
Nina SimoneRead
This may be a dream, but I'll say it anyway: I was supposed to be married last year, and I bought a gown. When I meet Nelson Mandela, I shall put on this gown and have the train of it removed and put aside, and kiss the ground that he walks on and then kiss his feet.
Nina SimoneRead
I have to be composed; I have to be poised. I have to remember what my first piano teacher told me: 'You do not touch that piano until you are ready and until they are ready to listen to you.
Nina SimoneRead
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