"I think the thing that has made it possible for me to write personal songs and sing them year after year is the sensibility for good writing. Just opening your veins all over the paper is not necessarily going to be interesting. I wanted to speak to people"

Shawn Colvin's quote speaks with the significance of great writing in creating significant music. She emphasizes that just pouring out one's emotions onto paper is inadequate to create a lasting effect. Rather, she suggests that it is essential to craft the words in such a way that speaks to individuals. Colvin believes that her capability to compose personal songs and sing them year after year is due to her perceptiveness for great writing. She desires her music to be more than just a reflection of her own feelings, but to be something that resonates with her audience. By putting in the time to craft her words thoroughly, Colvin is able to develop music that speaks with individuals and stands the test of time.