"I don't know where my songs come from... If I knew, I'd know too much, more than we are allowed on this plane"

Judy Collins, in this quote, explores the enigmatic and practically mystical nature of artistic motivation. By stating, "I do not know where my songs originate from," she acknowledges the evasive and spontaneous origins of imagination. She recommends that her music emerges from a place beyond mindful understanding, a concept that resonates with the experiences of lots of artists who find their best work flows from a subconscious or instinctive area.

The phrase, "If I understood, I 'd understand too much," indicates that there is a specific sanctity and secret to the creative procedure that is essential to its magic. Collins seems to recommend that a complete understanding of this process may strip it of its wonder, making it less impactful or real. There's an intimacy in not fully knowing, enabling the artist to be a channel for something higher than themselves, taking advantage of universal themes and feelings.

Moreover, "more than we are permitted on this plane," introduces a spiritual dimension to her statement. Here, "this plane" represents not just our physical truth, but perhaps the limitations of human understanding and understanding. Collins hints at a belief that there are boundaries to human knowledge, particularly regarding the mysteries of life and creativity. By recommending there are limitations on what we are permitted to comprehend, she evokes the idea that some aspects of the human experience are deliberately shrouded in mystery, possibly to preserve their profundity and to influence consistent expedition and wonder.

In essence, this quote is a simple recommendation of the artist's function as a participant in a larger, mystical process. It focuses on the beauty of not understanding, echoing the sentiments of artists throughout history who have actually been both awed and influenced by the enigmatic sources of their imagination. Collins catches the balance between interest and approval, commemorating the secret as an important aspect of artistic expression.