QuoteProject
I've never done anything but what I wanted to do with my life. I don't think too many people can say that. I wrote the songs I wanted to write, for me. I had no idea that 'American Pie' would relate to anybody.
Don Mclean
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote expresses the importance of pursuing one's true passions and desires in life, regardless of external expectations.

Don McLean's quote reflects his commitment to authenticity and individual expression. He emphasizes that he has always followed his own desires in life and art, creating music that resonated personally with him rather than conforming to what might please others. This approach underscores the idea that true fulfillment comes from being true to oneself and creating work that genuinely represents one's own thoughts and feelings.

Themes

AuthenticityPassionSelf-ExpressionArtMusic

In practice

Example use cases

Use this quote in a speech about pursuing creative passions.

More from Don Mclean

That song didn't just happen. It grew out of my experiences. 'American Pie' was part of my process of self-awakening: a mystical trip into my past.
Don McleanRead
I saw satan laughing with delight_x000D_ The day the music died.
Don McleanRead
And when no hope was left inside on that starry, starry night, you took your life as lovers often do. But I could have told you, Vincent, this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you.
Don McleanRead
When people ask what 'American Pie' is about, they're missing the point. The song isn't about the lines themselves - it's about what is between the lines. The song is about what isn't there.
Don McleanRead
No matter how happy or hopeful I am, I always tend to drift back to that. It's underneath all the music I've ever written... An artist is trying to tell you how he's feeling. And if that accidentally becomes entertaining, it becomes a career.
Don McleanRead
In a sense, 'American Pie' was a very despairing song but it can also be seen as very hopeful.
Don McleanRead

Similar quotes

I will achieve in my life - Heaven grant that it be not long - some gigantic amalgamation between the two discrepancies so hideously apparent to me. Out of my suffering I will do it. I will knock. I will enter.
Virginia WoolfRead
To love playthings well as a child, to lead an adventurous and honorable youth, and to settle when the time arrives, into a green and smiling age, is to be a good artis en life and deserve well of yourself and your neighbor.
Robert Louis StevensonRead
I remember thinking, when I was in my early 30s, that this is the best age to be, and I still believe your 30s are a wonderful time.
Helen MirrenRead
Try to learn to breathe deeply, really to taste food when you eat, and when you sleep, really to sleep. Try as much as possible to be wholly alive with all your might, and when you laugh, laugh like hell. And when you get angry, get good and angry. Try to be alive. You will be dead soon enough.
Ernest HemingwayRead
Life is not so short but that there is always time enough for courtesy.
Ralph Waldo EmersonRead
Don't get up from the feast of life without paying for your share of it.
William Ralph IngeRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.