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I had a long talk with Bruce Springsteen on a rooftop during the Vote for Change tour (in 2004). And it boiled down to this: That guy you used to be, he’s still in the car. He’ll always be in the car. Just don’t let him drive. He might be shouting out directions. But whatever you do, don’t let him get behind the wheel.
Eddie Vedder
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Our past selves may influence us, but we should not allow them to control our current actions.

This quote by Eddie Vedder emphasizes the idea that while our past experiences and identities remain part of us, they should not dictate our present choices. The metaphor of a person from our past being in the car illustrates how our former selves can still be present in our thoughts and emotions, yet it is crucial to prevent these past influences from taking control of our decisions, much like not allowing a restricted driver to steer the vehicle.

Themes

PastSelfControlChoicesPresent

In practice

Example use cases

During a motivational speech about overcoming past failures.

More from Eddie Vedder

I know I was born and I know that I'll die... _x000D_ The in between is mine._x000D_ I Am Mine
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Things like guitars and ukuleles, you should never part with it, because there will probably be good, healthy times spent, just playing and writing.
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Our influences are who we are. It's rare that anything is an absolutely pure vision; even Daniel Johnston sounds like the Beatles. And that's the problem with the bands I'm always asked about, the ones derivative of the early Seattle sound. They don't dilute their influences enough.
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When it comes to grunge or even just Seattle, I think there was one band that made the definitive music of the time. It wasn't us or Nirvana, but Mudhoney. Nirvana delivered it to the world, but Mudhoney were the band of that time and sound.
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I think music is the greatest art form that exists, and I think people listen to music for different reasons, and it serves different purposes. Some of it is background music, and some of it is things that might affect a person's day, if not their life, or change an attitude. The best songs are the ones that make you feel something.
Eddie VedderRead
I think the hardest thing about making music now is being a great dad at the same time. There's an insanity that goes with writing - a mad scientist thing that you have to go through - and sacrificing a kid's upbringing to do that is not an option.
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