When I die, they'll bury the blues with me. But the blues will never die.
John Lee HookerRead
I don't play a lot of fancy guitar. I don't want to play it. The kind of guitar I want to play is mean, mean licks.
Interpretation
What this quote means
John Lee Hooker expresses his preference for straightforward and powerful guitar playing over complex techniques.
In this quote, John Lee Hooker emphasizes his desire for authenticity and raw expression in music rather than adhering to elaborate or showy techniques. He values the emotional impact of 'mean licks'βa term referring to forceful and often bluesy guitar riffsβover the superficiality of fancy playing, highlighting a more personal and visceral approach to music.
Themes
GuitarMusicBluesExpressionSimplicity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about the importance of authenticity in art during a music workshop.
More from John Lee Hooker
All quotes βThe blues tells a story. Every line of the blues has a meaning.
John Lee HookerRead
Like you and your woman ain't gettin' along and you're in love. You can't sleep at nights. Your mind is on her - on whatever. You know, that's the blues. You can't hug that money at night. You can't kiss it.
John Lee HookerRead
They wasn't gonna give you nothin'. I didn't care as long as they let me play my music. Cash on the spot... You cheat me and I'm gonna get me some money, too.
John Lee HookerRead
You can go to Europe, and there's no turnin' back - any parts of Europe. Wherever you are, there is no stop and go for the blues. The blues go but it don't stop.
John Lee HookerRead
I don't think about time. You're here when you're here. I think about today, staying in tune.
John Lee HookerRead
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