The only way artists can do things is to do it for themselves. Trying to second guess what the public wants or likes is kind of a fool's game.
David GilmourRead
I can't help other people's frustrations. I don't owe people anything. If people would like to come to my concerts, I'd love them to come. And if they like the music that I make, I love that, too. But I do not make music for other people. I make it to please myself.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the idea that artistic expression should primarily serve the creator's own satisfaction rather than external expectations.
David Gilmour emphasizes the importance of personal fulfillment in the creative process. He asserts that while he appreciates the audience's enjoyment of his music, the primary motivation for creating art is to please himself, not to meet others' frustrations or expectations. This perspective highlights the intrinsic connection between an artist and their work, suggesting that authenticity in art comes from personal passion rather than external approval.
Themes
MusicArtistrySelf-ExpressionCreativityPersonal Satisfaction
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote when discussing the importance of artistic integrity in a creative workshop.
More from David Gilmour
All quotes →You know, once you've had that guitar up so loud on the stage, where you can lean back and volume will stop you from falling backward, that's a hard drug to kick.
David GilmourRead
No-one can replace Richard Wright - he was my musical partner and my friend.
David GilmourRead
It's a magical thing, the guitar. It allows you to be the whole band in one, to play rhythm and melody, sing over the top. And as an instrument for solos, you can bend notes, draw emotional content out of tiny movements, vibratos and tonal things which even a piano can't do.
David GilmourRead
Our music has depth, and attempts philosophical thought and meaning with discussions of infinity, eternity and mortality. There is a line which people cross that turns it into some magical, mystical realm, for which I dont claim responsibility and dont hold any great truck with.
David GilmourRead
Tired of lying in the sunshine, staying home to watch the rain You are young and life is long, and there is time to kill today And then one day you find, ten years has got behind you No one told you where to run, you missed the starting gun.
David GilmourRead
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