All art really does is keep you focused on questions of humanity, and it really is about how do we get on with our maker.
Music itself is going to become like running water or electricity. So it's like, just take advantage of these last few years because none of this is ever going to happen again. You'd better be prepared for doing a lot of touring because that's really the only unique situation that's going to be left.
Interpretation
What this quote means
David Bowie suggests that music will soon become as ubiquitous and easily accessible as water or electricity, emphasizing the importance of seizing the moment.
In this quote, David Bowie reflects on the inevitable evolution of music consumption and accessibility in society. He implies that the current era, where music is still a vibrant and live experience, is unique and fleeting, urging musicians and fans alike to appreciate and engage with live performances while they can. As technology transforms how we interact with music, the importance of live touring may become more pronounced than ever, presenting a call to action for artists to capitalize on the finite opportunities available in this transitional period.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a panel on the future of music, an artist might use this quote to inspire young musicians.
More from David Bowie
All quotes →I guess, taking away all the theatrics or the costuming and the outer layers of what I do, I'm a writer... I write.
I always had a repulsive need to be something more than human.
Nothing prepared me for your smile
But I've got to think of myself as the luckiest guy. Robert Johnson only had one album's worth of work as his legacy. That's all that life allowed him.
I'm an early riser. I get up between five and six, have coffee, and read for a couple of hours before everyone else gets up.
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Ah, music, sacred tongue of God! I hear thee calling and I come.
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To hell with reality! I want to die in music, not in reason or in prose. People don't deserve the restraint we show by not going into delirium in front of them. To hell with them!
Each song has its own secret that's different from another song, and each has its own life. Sometimes it has to be teased out, whereas other times it might come fast. There are no laws about songwriting or producing. It depends on what you're doing, not just who you're doing.