"I work hard at that, but the fact that there are a lot of good songs means there are also a lot of really bad songs I've written that you never hear"

In this quote, John Fogerty, a prominent musician and songwriter, clarifies the creative procedure behind songwriting. By mentioning, "I strive at that", Fogerty emphasizes the commitment and effort involved in developing music. This underscores an important aspect typically overlooked by outsiders: the large quantity of labor and perseverance required to produce work that fulfills both individual standards and the expectations of audiences. Imagination isn't merely a spontaneous burst of motivation; it needs consistent and disciplined effort.

Fogerty then contrasts the existence of "a lot of excellent tunes" with "a great deal of truly bad songs" that he has composed. This juxtaposition highlights an inherent truth in the imaginative procedure: not all efforts lead to success. Even skilled developers experience failures and setbacks. To arrive at a handful of effective pieces, an artist might need to navigate through various attempts that don't meet their requirements. This process of experimentation is vital to refinement and enhancement, revealing that imagination involves danger and often failure. It's a testimony to persistence and resilience.

Moreover, the acknowledgment of the "actually bad songs" that never reach the audience provides insight into an artist's vulnerability. There's an unspoken pressure in the music industry to just present polished, notable work to the general public. Yet, Fogerty openly confesses the imperfections in his imaginative journey. This transparency can be assuring to aspiring artists, advising them that failure becomes part of learning and development. The bad songs are a required part of the journey toward creating excellent ones.

Overall, this quote encapsulates the duality of creativity: the effort and the acceptance of failures along the path to success. Fogerty's insight works as both a realistic portrayal of artistic undertakings and an encouragement for perseverance and resilience in innovative pursuits.