You've got your passion. You've got your pride. But don't you know that only fools are satisfied? Dream on, but don't imagine they'll all come true.
Billy JoelRead
I consider myself to be an inept pianist, a bad singer, and a merely competent songwriter. ... I'm probably writing music now for the same reason as I started writing songs when I was 14-to meet women. ... If you make music for the human needs you have within yourself, then you do it for all humans who need the same things. You enrich humanity with the profound expression of these feelings. ... My songs are like my kids.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the idea that creating music is a deeply personal endeavor that resonates with universal human experiences.
In this quote, Billy Joel expresses his humble view of his musical talents while emphasizing the fundamental reason behind his songwriting: the need for connection and expression. He suggests that by tapping into his own emotions and experiences, he crafts music that speaks to shared human feelings, essentially enriching humanity through his art. This duality of self-reflection and broader human connection highlights the power of music as a medium of expression.
Themes
MusicExpressionHuman ConnectionFeelingsSongwriting
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about the impact of art, you could use this quote to illustrate the emotional journey of musicians.
More from Billy Joel
All quotes →Well I never had a place that I could call my very own/That's all right, my love, 'cause you're my home.
Billy JoelRead
If it seems like I've been lost in 'lets remember', If it seems I'm gettin' older and missin' my younger days, well you shoulda known me much better, cause the past is something that never got in my way.
Billy JoelRead
No matter what culture you're from, everyone loves music.
Billy JoelRead
Sweetness flows from your appearance and your beauty makes me fall more in love with you. Anytime I feel low, I think about the good times you have given me and everything seems good again.
Billy JoelRead
I don't care what consequence it brings, I have been a fool for lesser things.
Billy JoelRead
Similar quotes
What has Rock and Roll ever done for us? Everything.
Stevie NicksRead
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
You ask for your audience's investment in your music; you're in a relationship with them. And their relationship with the E Street Band is separate from whatever else I might do. I like the idea of us being something that people rely on.
Bruce SpringsteenRead
True country music is honesty, sincerity, and real life to the hilt.
Garth BrooksRead
You can go out and find ways to make your own record and get it out there now. If you really want to, you can be heard. Keep things simple. Learn to go out and play solo. That's a really really good thing to learn, if you're a singer-songwriter. Don't be dependent on a band because you may not always be able to afford one.
Steve EarleRead
With Saint Heron, I really wanted to celebrate and continue to cultivate the community for genre-defying R&B artists.
Solange KnowlesRead