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 am, as I've said, merely competent. But in an age of incompetence, that makes me extraordinary.
Interpretation
What this quote means
In a world filled with incompetence, being merely competent can be considered extraordinary.
Billy Joel's quote reflects the idea that in a society where incompetence is prevalent, even basic competence stands out and is valued. This suggests that one does not have to be exceptional to be noticed or appreciated; sometimes, simply meeting standards can be a remarkable achievement.
Themes
CompetenceIncompetenceExtraordinaryValueSociety
In practice
Example use cases
In a job interview to highlight your reliability despite the chaos around you.
More from Billy Joel
All quotes βWell 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.
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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.
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
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