"My songs are my kids. Some of them stay with me, some others I have to send out, out to the war. It might sound stupid and it might even sound naive, but that's just the way it is"
- Thom Yorke
About this Quote
In this quote by Thom Yorke, lead singer and songwriter for the band Radiohead, the metaphor of tunes as children provides a profound insight into the deeply individual and emotional relationship artists typically have with their innovative work. Yorke explains his tunes as his "kids," an analogy that exposes the nurturing and protective impulses he has towards the pieces he produces, similar to a moms and dad feels toward their offspring.
When he mentions that "some of them stay with me," it suggests that particular tunes may remain personal, intimate expressions, held close and perhaps not shared commonly with the world. These pieces might represent individual experiences or emotions that remain too raw or vulnerable for public display, or simply those that maintain an individual significance that Yorke chooses to keep within his own sphere.
On the other hand, the idea of sending out other tunes "out to the war" signifies launching developments into the public domain, where they go through analysis, analysis, and the harsh realities of public reception. The "war" can be viewed as a metaphor for the competitive and in some cases brutal environment of the music market, where tunes should contend for attention, acclaim, and industrial success.
Yorke acknowledges that this concept may sound "stupid" or "ignorant," suggesting an awareness that such sentiments could be considered as overly emotional or optimistic in a world that typically focuses on business goals over artistic stability. Yet, he asserts this is "simply the way it is," suggesting a resignation or approval of his emotional attachment to his art, despite any potential criticisms.
Overall, this quote encapsulates the complex and often conflicting feelings artists experience-- where the act of production is both a deeply individual endeavor and a public offering, marked by the difficulties of vulnerability and the pursuit of creative credibility. Yorke's reflection highlights the profound depths of artistic expression and the sacrifices intrinsic in sharing one's inner world with others.
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