"Years have passed since I have set foot in a comedy club. If the comic is doing badly it's painful, and if the comic is doing brilliantly, it's extremely painful"

In this quote, Dick Cavett reflects on his experience of going to a comedy club after a long time. He expresses his discomfort with the idea of enjoying a comic perform, as it can be a painful experience no matter how well the comic is doing. This might be interpreted as Cavett's personal struggle with finding humor in tight spots or his worry of being dissatisfied by a comic's efficiency. It likewise highlights the pressure and vulnerability that comedians face in trying to make their audience laugh. Overall, the quote suggests that funny can be a double-edged sword, efficient in both delighting and hurting its audience.