You have to understand how bad I wanted to be a comedian, how much I loved doing it. I still can't believe I get to do this for a living and have people come up and want to see me.
Bill BurrRead
I was in NYC during 9/11; it happened on a Tuesday, I was on stage Thursday. It was a small crowd, but it took about 10 days and comedy clubs were packed.
Interpretation
This quote reflects on the resilience of people to return to laughter and normalcy after tragedy.
Bill Burr's quote highlights how, despite the somber events of September 11, 2001, the human spirit sought out humor and entertainment shortly thereafter. He illustrates the swift return to comedy, suggesting that laughter is a crucial response in the face of adversity and a way for people to cope with grief.
In practice
Sharing this quote during a stand-up comedy show to acknowledge the healing power of laughter.
You have to understand how bad I wanted to be a comedian, how much I loved doing it. I still can't believe I get to do this for a living and have people come up and want to see me.
I've battled with that type of stuff, but what I've found is that by doing stand-up, I've actually learned about depression and how to combat it. I don't have clinical, but I've definitely had my bouts with it.
When I'm up there, I'm just thinking that I've got to make them laugh or they won't show up next time.
You start in bars and then restaurants, then you want to get into comedy clubs where you feature, then you headline, and once you sell out clubs you're into theaters. I've been able to get there, and it's cool to do that.
I used to think you had to live this miserable life and that that would make you funnier, but you don't. The misery will come. The misery will find you.
You have to show up at 7 in the morning and be on like it's 9 at night. It's a skill. Some comics run from it, and they hate doing it, but the comics that are pros understand how important it is, and they get good at it.
Either I'm funny or the world's funny. I don't know which. The bottle and lid don't fit. It could be the bottle's fault or the lid's fault. In either case, there's no denying that the fit is bad.
All of comedy at some level is trial-and-error, whether it's a stand-up trying out jokes or a comedy show trying stories.
Sex: the pleasure is momentary, the position ridiculous, and the expense damnable.
If I could only write, I'd write a nasty letter to the mayor, if he could only read.
Why anybody gets my sense of humor I never know, but I do know that when they do, I keep them as close as I possibly can.
We've got a bunch of new writers now who tell me they grew up watching The Simpsons. It's bizarre, and they're writing some very funny stuff.
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