"Growing up, I fantasized about being a rock musician and that somehow it would be really easy. I didn't realize that it's so much work"

In this quote, Sean Lennon, son of the legendary artist John Lennon, reflects on the optimistic dreams of his youth and the reality he later on discovered. At first, he harbored a romanticized vision of becoming a rock musician, picturing it as a lifestyle of glamour, creativity, and possibly simple and easy success. This is a typical dream shared by lots of who desire reach the heights of celebrity and creative expression, often influenced by the façade of ease predicted by already successful musicians.

The expression "Growing up, I thought about being a rock artist" exposes Lennon's initial innocence and the appeal that the music world held for him. It highlights a universal element of youth and adolescence: the dreaming of a future where one's passions perfectly equate into success. For Lennon, this passion was music-- a field possibly assumed to be part of his tradition provided his dad's iconic status.

However, his statement takes a dogleg with the awareness that "it would be truly easy" was a naive presumption. This epiphany highlights a considerable fact about the world of music, and certainly any art or career pursued at the greatest levels: success needs not just skill but relentless effort, commitment, and resilience. The simpleness of his vibrant aspiration clashes with the complex truth where production is demanding, competitive, and frequently fraught with difficulties not visible from the outside.

By acknowledging that "it's a lot work", Lennon highlights the gap between fantasy and truth. It works as a modest admission that in spite of any acquired benefits he might have, he is not exempt from the tiresome journey needed to be successful. Lennon's reflection can inspire others to embrace their dreams with open eyes, valuing both the appeal and the work involved. This quote acts as a tip that while dreams can motivate the journey, perseverance, and commitment are necessary to accomplishing them.