It's not just songs and glamour. It's sweat, blood, broken toes, and mistakes... It's life.
Interpretation
Success in the arts requires hard work and perseverance, not just talent or glamour.
Mary J. Blige emphasizes that the journey in the music industry, and life in general, goes beyond the surface of fame and beauty. It is filled with struggles, challenges, and sacrifices that shape an artist's experience and contribute to their authentic expression. The quote serves as a reminder that true accomplishment often involves overcoming adversity and embracing the imperfections along the way.
In practice
This quote can inspire a young artist to keep pushing through tough times in their music career.
When I was five years old I was molested and just, you know. I remember feeling, literally right before it happened, I just could not believe that this person was going to do this to me. That thing followed me all my life. The shame of thinking my molestation was my fault - it led me to believe I wasn't worth anything.
We are all spirits. We get depressed. But music makes you want to live. I know my music has saved my life.
I don't know. Only God knows where the story ends for me, but I know where the story begins. It's up to us to choose, whether we win or lose and I choose to win.
As a child I always wanted to be a singer. The music my mother played in the house moved me - Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Mahalia Jackson. It was truly spiritual. It made you understand what God was. We are all spirits. We get depressed. But music makes you want to live. I know my music has saved my life.
Really, every woman is an example to me, because as women we go through so much pain. We have to live this perfect life when we are messed up inside. We all go through trials and tribulations.
I've been praying to God to show me how to forgive myself. Because... maybe... that's the thing I've been searching for.
Genius is a bend in the creek where bright water has gathered, and which mirrors the trees, the sky and the banks. It just does that because it is there and the scenery is there. Talent is a fine mirror with a silver frame, with the name of the owner engraved on the back.
The light music of whiskey falling into glasses made an agreeable interlude.
Once an object has been incorporated in a picture it accepts a new destiny.
The job of the critic is to report to us his moods.
I write and that way rid myself of me and then at last I can rest.
I would hate to think I am not an amature. An amateur is one who loves what he is doing. Very often, I'm afraid, the professional hates what he is doing. So, I'd rather be an amateur.
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