"When I reach the point that I write Yesterday, then I can retire"
About this Quote
Sheryl Crow’s remark, “When I reach the point that I write Yesterday, then I can retire,” is a multi-layered expression of both aspiration and humility in the artistic journey. Referencing “Yesterday,” the iconic song by Paul McCartney of The Beatles, she positions the song as a metaphor for creative perfection, a musical pinnacle so universally resonant that it has become symbolic of timeless artistry. Implicit in her words is the belief that “Yesterday” represents a near-unattainable standard: a piece of art so beautifully simple, emotionally rich, and universally loved that it transcends boundaries of genre and era.
Crow’s statement acknowledges a sense of reverence toward the masters that came before her, recognizing her own position within the continuum of music history. Rather than voicing dissatisfaction or self-criticism, her words carry a note of gratitude and ambition, suggesting she finds joy and purpose in striving to reach those sublime heights, even if she may never arrive. There’s a humility inherent in the acknowledgment that, no matter how successful a musician might become, the creative journey is ongoing and driven by the longing to craft something everlasting, a “Yesterday” in their own voice.
The quote also reveals something universal about all artists: the drive to create work that has deep, enduring impact. For Crow, “retiring” isn’t simply stepping away when she pleases, or accumulating a string of hits; it’s about reaching a personal summit, achieving an artistic breakthrough that would feel like the crowning achievement of a lifetime. Until that moment, the pursuit continues. Her aspiration embodies the restless spirit of creativity, constantly chasing a vision of perfection, always aiming higher, and embracing the process as much as, if not more than, the final outcome. In so doing, Crow affirms that the artist’s journey has more to do with evolving toward greatness than ever actually arriving at it.
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