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I hate straight singing. I have to change a tune to my own way of doing it. That's all I know.
Billie Holiday
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Billie Holiday expresses her need for individuality and creative expression in music.

This quote reflects Billie Holiday's perspective on art and music, emphasizing the importance of personal interpretation and authenticity in one's creative endeavors. Rather than adhering to traditional or expected norms of performance, she values the freedom to adapt and change a song to fit her unique style, which speaks to the broader theme of individuality in artistic expression.

Themes

IndividualityCreativityMusicArtExpression

In practice

Example use cases

Using this quote in a discussion about the importance of artistic freedom in music classes.

More from Billie Holiday

You've got to have something to eat and a little love in your life before you can hold still for any damn body's sermon on how to behave.
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One day a whole damn song fell into place in my head.
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I'm always making a comeback but nobody ever tells me where I've been.
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A kiss that is never tasted, is forever and ever wasted.
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Don't threaten me with love, baby. Let's just go walking in the rain.
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I joined Count Basie's band to make a little money and to see the world. For two years I didn't see anything but the inside of a Blue Goose bus, and I never got to send home a quarter.
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