I'd say almost that words come first, melody second.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the primacy of lyrics over melody in music.
Julie Andrews highlights the importance of words in music, suggesting that the message conveyed by lyrics is more significant than the melody that accompanies them. This reflects a belief that the emotional and narrative content of a song has a profound impact on its effectiveness and resonance with listeners.
In practice
A music critique could reference this quote when discussing the importance of songwriting.
I've learned a lot of things about myself through singing. I used to have a certain dislike of the audience, not as individual people, but as a giant body who was judging me. Of course, it wasn`t really them judging me. It was me judging me. Once I got past that fear, it freed me up, not just when I was performing but in other parts of my life.
Singing has been a cherished gift, and my inability to sing has been a devastating blow.
My mother was terribly important to me, and I know how much I yearned for her in my youth, but I don't think I truly trusted her.
I come from a long line of below-stairs maids and gardeners. Good ol' peasant stock. My mother and her sister made a quantum leap out of that life. Then I made another quantum leap.
Every time I go out to perform, believe me. You never lose that fear of, 'I hope I do it right. I hope I don't fall flat on my face. I hope this will be good for them.'
Success is terrifying. Like happiness, it is often appreciated in retrospect. It's only later that you place it in perspective. Years from now, I'll look back and say, βGod, wasn't it wonderful.β
Music is a proud, temperamental mistress. Give her the time and attention she deserves, and she is yours. Slight her and there will come a day when you call and she will not answer. So I began sleeping less to give her the time she needed.
Singing in Spanish is much more honest, much closer to my roots. For me, Spanish is essential. I still think in Spanish, dream in Spanish. It's the melodies and arrangements that transmit meaning.
I'm doing one of three things: I'm writing. I'm staring out the window. Or I'm writhing on the floor.
So here I stand before you preaching organic architecture: declaring organic architecture to be the modern ideal.
Completing a book, it's a little like having a baby.
People call me the painter of dancing girls. It has never occurred to them that my chief interest in dancers lies in rendering movement and painting pretty clothes.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.