When you write a song, a song has longevity
Smokey RobinsonRead
When someone picks up one of my songs and records it, I'm a flattered man, it's a blessing to me
Interpretation
The quote expresses gratitude and pride in having one's music appreciated by others.
In this quote, Smokey Robinson highlights the honor and joy he feels when an artist chooses to record his work. It reflects the profound connection between creators and performers, emphasizing the blessing that comes from seeing one's artistic expression resonating with others, thus underlining the value of sharing art in the music industry.
In practice
During a speech at a music awards ceremony, I would quote this to emphasize the honor of having fellow artists cover my work.
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.
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.
As a kid, this is what I wanted my life to be. Not in my wildest dreams did I ever dare to dream that it would be this.
I'd probably be a super wealthy guy if I had sat around writing songs and getting them placed like everyone else I know. But I write songs about people or after I meet them and they're somewhat biographical - they're fiction but also non-fiction.
Certainly, I was typed. But what is typing? It is a trademark, a means by which the public recognizes you. Actors work all their lives to achieve that. I got mine with just one picture. It was a blessing.
Do you know what I've learned? That although ecstasy is the ability to stand outside yourself, dance is a way of rising up into space, of discovering new dimensions while still remaining in touch with your body. When you dance, the spiritual world and the real world manage to coexist quite happily. I think classical ballet dancers dance on pointe because they're simultaneously touching the earth and reaching up to the skies.
I have always noticed that in portraits of really great writers the mouth is always firmly closed.
Dancing is poetry with arms and legs.
My kind of director is an actor-director who writes.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.