We're all just animals. That's all we are, and everything else is just an elaborate justification of our instincts. That's where music comes from. And romantic poetry. And bad novels.
Elvis CostelloRead
And I don't feel any form of music is beyond me in the sense of that I don't understand it or I don't have some love for some part of it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses an open-minded appreciation for all forms of music.
Elvis Costello emphasizes his belief that no genre of music is foreign to him; he finds value and affection for all aspects of music, suggesting that music transcends boundaries and resonates with a universal human experience. This statement reflects a deep respect for artistic expression and the emotional connections that music can foster.
Themes
MusicAppreciationArtUnderstandingLove
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech at a music festival to encourage unity among artists of different genres.
More from Elvis Costello
All quotes →There are five things to write songs about: I'm leaving you. You're leaving me. I want you. You don't want me. I believe in something. Five subjects, and 12 notes. For all that, we musicians do pretty well.
Elvis CostelloRead
It's the damage that we do and never know. It's the words that we don't say that scare me so.
Elvis CostelloRead
Happiness isn't a fortune in a cookie. It's deeper, wider, funnier, and more transporting than that.
Elvis CostelloRead
I've had a lot of different experiences in music over the years.And not everything you do can satisfy everybody's idealised version of you.
Elvis CostelloRead
I believe that music is connected by human passions and curiosities rather than by marketing strategies.
Elvis CostelloRead
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