The colored folks been singing it and playing it just like I'm doin' now, man, for more years than I know. I got it from them.
Elvis PresleyRead
I've never gotten over what they call stagefright. I go through it every show. I'm pretty concerned, I'm pretty much thinking about the show. I never get completely comfortable with it, and I don't let the people around me get comfortable with it, in that I remind them that it's a new crowd out there, it's a new audience, and they haven't seen us before. So it's got to be like the first time we go on.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Stage fright is a constant challenge for performers, reminding them to stay engaged and treat each performance as a new experience.
In this quote, Elvis Presley expresses the persistent anxiety he feels before each performance, which he refers to as stage fright. Instead of letting this fear hinder him, he channels it into ensuring his shows remain fresh and dynamic, reminding both himself and his audience that each performance is a unique opportunity that deserves dedication and excitement, similar to the first time on stage.
Themes
Stage FrightPerformanceAnxietyAudienceEngagement
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about overcoming fears, you could cite this quote to encourage performers to embrace their nerves.
More from Elvis Presley
All quotes →Gonna travel, gonna travel wild and free_x000D_ _x000D_ I'm gonna pack my bags because this great big world is calling me
Elvis PresleyRead
I sure lost my musical direction in Hollywood. My songs were the same conveyer belt mass production, just like most of my movies were.
Elvis PresleyRead
Maybe I didn't treat you Quite as good as I should have Maybe I didn't love you Quite as often as I could have Little things I should have said and done I just never took the time You were always on my mind You were always on my mind
Elvis PresleyRead
Since I was two years old, all I knew was gospel music. That music became such a part of my life it was as natural as dancing. A way to escape from the problems. And my way of release.
Elvis PresleyRead
Happiness is knowin' you've done a good job, whether it's professional or for another person.
Elvis PresleyRead
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