"Oh, I still like to play and I still play when I want to"

John Lee Hooker’s statement, “Oh, I still like to play and I still play when I want to,” reveals both the longevity of his passion for music and his fiercely independent spirit. Decades into his career, Hooker’s enthusiasm for performance remains undimmed. He speaks not of obligation, but of desire. Music, for Hooker, is not simply a job or a source of livelihood; it is an intrinsic part of who he is. His use of “still” suggests endurance, a love that has withstood the passing of time, trends, and perhaps the pressures of public expectation.

Choosing “when I want to” over “when I have to” underscores autonomy. Despite success, accolades, and demands, Hooker refuses to let outside forces dictate his relationship to music. He plays on his own terms, guided by instinct and feeling rather than contracts or schedules. This sense of agency echoes the freedom found in the blues, a genre often rooted in personal expression and defiance of social constraints. Hooker embodies this spirit, carving his own path and adhering to his own muse.

There’s also a subtle nod to the pleasure he derives from playing. The phrasing, “like to play”, suggests enjoyment, not weariness. Even after years of touring and recording, the act of picking up a guitar and making music still brings him joy. He is not resigned or jaded; he is animated by the same drive that propelled him as a young man.

Underlying this short statement is a larger philosophy about creativity and life. It speaks to the value of preserving one’s passion, protecting one’s independence, and staying true to oneself amid external pressures. Hooker’s words become a manifesto for all artists, a declaration that the heart’s desires should not be surrendered to expectation, but nurtured and honored in their own time.