We're all just animals. That's all we are, and everything else is just an elaborate justification of our instincts. That's where music comes from. And romantic poetry. And bad novels.
Elvis CostelloRead
I believe that music is connected by human passions and curiosities rather than by marketing strategies.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Music stems from human emotions and interests rather than commercial motives.
In this quote, Elvis Costello emphasizes that the essence of music lies in its ability to reflect and evoke deep human feelings and curiosities instead of being merely a product shaped by marketing tactics. He advocates for the idea that authentic musical expression is rooted in genuine human experiences rather than the commercial influences that often dominate the music industry.
Themes
MusicPassionHuman EmotionCuriosityArtAuthenticity
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about the importance of arts education, this quote can highlight the emotional value of music.
More from Elvis Costello
All quotes →There are five things to write songs about: I'm leaving you. You're leaving me. I want you. You don't want me. I believe in something. Five subjects, and 12 notes. For all that, we musicians do pretty well.
Elvis CostelloRead
It's the damage that we do and never know. It's the words that we don't say that scare me so.
Elvis CostelloRead
And I don't feel any form of music is beyond me in the sense of that I don't understand it or I don't have some love for some part of it.
Elvis CostelloRead
Happiness isn't a fortune in a cookie. It's deeper, wider, funnier, and more transporting than that.
Elvis CostelloRead
I've had a lot of different experiences in music over the years.And not everything you do can satisfy everybody's idealised version of you.
Elvis CostelloRead
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