"Singing songs like 'The Man I Love' or 'Porgy' is no more work than sitting down and eating Chinese roast duck, and I love roast duck"

In this quote, famous jazz singer Billie Holiday compares performing songs such as "The Man I Love" and "Porgy" to the simple enjoyment and ease of eating Chinese roast duck, a dish she enjoys. This contrast clarifies her deep connection to music, highlighting both her natural affinity for singing and the extensive satisfaction she stems from it.

The songs she discusses are substantial; "The Man I Love", written by George and Ira Gershwin, and "Porgy", from George Gershwin's opera "Porgy and Bess", are structures that require emotional depth and a nuanced analysis. By recommending that singing these mentally charged and technically demanding songs is uncomplicated for her, Holiday communicates the idea that making music is as intrinsic and satisfying as pleasing a craving for a favorite meal. This example suggests that her performances are not troublesome jobs but rather activities that are force of habit-- comparable to the intrinsic enjoyment stemmed from eating a precious meal.

Furthermore, her mention of loving roast duck may show a gratitude for extravagance and relishing life's enjoyments, matching her technique to her music profession. She does not merely perform songs; she immerses herself totally into the emotions and stories they communicate, just like how one would enjoy every bite of a preferred food. This perspective exposes her passion for music as more than just professional work however as an essential and enjoyable part of her presence.

Therefore, this quote encapsulates the uncomplicated grace and wholehearted connection Billie Holiday had with her craft. It highlights the symbiotic relationship in between artist and art, where the creation of music and the experience of life intertwine seamlessly, causing performances that are as genuine and satisfying as taking pleasure in a cherished meal.