"Ragtime was my lullaby"

In this quote, Hoagy Carmichael is revealing his deep love and connection to the genre of music called ragtime. He compares it to a lullaby, which is a calming and reassuring song frequently used to assist somebody go to sleep. This suggests that ragtime has a relaxing and tranquil impact on him, perhaps even bringing him a sense of nostalgia or youth memories. It also suggests that ragtime has been a constant existence in his life, offering him with a sense of familiarity and convenience. In general, this quote highlights the deep psychological impact that ragtime music has had on Hoagy Carmichael.