When you write a song, a song has longevity
Smokey RobinsonRead
One thing I can say about the Motown acts is that we were a family. That's not a myth
Interpretation
The Motown acts shared a close, familial bond that was genuine and real.
Smokey Robinson emphasizes the deep, authentic connections among the Motown artists, highlighting that their relationships transcended mere professional associations. He asserts that the sense of unity and love they experienced as a collective was genuine, countering any notion that it was exaggerated or mythical.
In practice
In a speech celebrating the Motown legacy at an awards show.
When you write a song, a song has longevity
Even if I don't release it myself, somebody else might hear it and want to record it. When you write a song, it gives it that potential.
When someone picks up one of my songs and records it, I'm a flattered man, it's a blessing to me
Motown will always be a heavy-duty part of my life because those are my roots
Songwriting is my gift from God
I always try to write a song, I never just want to write a record.
What could you do better for your children and your children's children than to record the story of your life, your triumphs over adversity, your recovery after a fall, your progress when all seemed black, your rejoicing when you had finally achieved? Some of what you write may be humdrum dates and places, but there will also be rich passages that will be quoted by your posterity.
It's interesting that I had such a close relationship with my grandfather. Because your parents always judge you: they say, 'You shouldn't do this, you shouldn't do that.' But with your grandparents you have a feeling that you can say anything or you can do anything, and they will support you. That's why you have this kind of connection.
Family life itself, that safest, most traditional, most approved of female choices, is not a sanctuary: It is, perpetually, a dangerous place.
As a parent, you have to be good coach and bad coach, and I think in the college-application process, I didn't want to be bad coach. 'This is amazing! I'm so proud of you!' That's the role I wanted with my kids.
A child who is allowed to be disrespectful to his parents will not have true respect for anyone.
Once you bring life into the world, you must protect it. We must protect it by changing the world.
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