"In other words, musicians know that going back to the Spoonful, what we were doing was not copying"

John Sebastian is referring to the band he was a part of, The Lovin' Spoonful. He is saying that the band was not merely copying various other musicians, yet instead creating their very own unique sound. He is emphasizing the relevance of creativity and also imagination in songs. He is recommending that artists must aim to create something new as well as unique, as opposed to merely copying what has actually already been done. He is also recommending that musicians need to know the influence of other musicians, yet must not hesitate to take threats as well as create something new. By doing so, they can develop something that is absolutely their very own. Sebastian is stressing the value of imagination as well as creativity in songs, and also how it can aid artists stand apart from the crowd.