"I reached the stage where I was afraid to wiggle my leg, but then I thought 'why shouldn't I?' It's what I do and now I know how to turn an audience on again"
About this Quote
Steve Marriott's quote reflects a profound individual and artistic journey characterized by fear, self-realization, and renewal. At the beginning, Marriott exposes a moment of vulnerability-- he was "scared to wiggle [his] leg". This seemingly unimportant action, wiggling a leg, represents a wider hesitation to express himself artistically and authentically. The worry might be translated as stress and anxiety about understanding or judgment, a common battle for performers who often face the pressures of public analysis and the burden of expectation.
The phrase "I reached the phase" functions as a dual metaphor, referring both to the actual efficiency phase and a metaphorical stage in his life or profession. This recommends a turning point or important juncture where his confidence and passion might have subsided. It denotes a duration of introspection and reassessment, where Marriott is confronting inner doubts and external pressures.
The pivotal moment in this narrative is encapsulated in his internal dialogue: "but then I believed 'why should not I?'" This rhetorical question marks a shift from a place of worry to a mindset of empowerment and self-acceptance. It reflects Marriott's realization that his special expression and credibility are essential to who he is as an artist. The defiance implied in "why should not I?" suggests a recovering of his innovative identity and autonomy.
Finally, Marriott concludes with a renewed sense of purpose: "It's what I do and now I understand how to turn an audience on again". Here, he acknowledges his natural propensity and skill for connecting with audiences, underpinning his role as an entertainer. This declaration shows a renewal of confidence and creative clarity. Instead of permitting fear to suppress his expression, Marriott welcomes his uniqueness, ultimately finding the pleasure and essence of his craft. His journey from doubt to newfound liberation uses a universal message about the value of remaining real to oneself amidst external and internal challenges.
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