I don't feel any pressure from fans. But I'm always in some kind of state of emotional turmoil. I would not describe myself as happy-go-lucky. That's not to say that I'm not happy.
Paul SimonRead
The words come. Usually, it's a long time before they come. And then when they start to come, it doesn't take so long for it to be finished. It takes a long time to begin. And then it sort of gets finished.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Creative processes often require considerable time to start, but once they begin, they can progress swiftly towards completion.
This quote by Paul Simon highlights the nature of the creative process, emphasizing that the initial stages can be prolonged, as inspiration and ideas are slow to develop. However, once a breakthrough occurs and the creative flow starts, the work can be completed more rapidly, illustrating the contrast between the struggle to begin and the ease of finishing once momentum is gained.
Themes
CreativityProcessInspirationCompletionArt
In practice
Example use cases
An author might share this quote in a workshop about overcoming writer's block.
More from Paul Simon
All quotes →I sort of recognize it, as opposed to shaping it. Oh, that's a good idea, that's a good line. I wonder where I can use that. And when you get into a rhyme group like 'not,' you got a lot of rhymes, you got a lot of choices. The more you do it, the luckier you get.
Paul SimonRead
I am just a poor boy, though my story's seldom told, and I have squandered my resistance, for a pocket full of mumbles, such are promises. All lies in jest, still a man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest...la-la-la-la-la-la-la-lala-la-la-la-la...
Paul SimonRead
Who's gonna love you when your looks are gone?
Paul SimonRead
I don't believe what the papers are saying They're just out to capture my dime, Exaggerating this, exaggerating that.
Paul SimonRead
Improvisation is too good to leave to chance.
Paul SimonRead
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