I'm a storyteller who wants to tell untold, meaningful, universal stories in unforgettable ways. I want to do it all, study it all, and find my place in it.
Interpretation
The quote expresses a desire to share important stories that resonate universally and leave a significant impact.
Janelle Monae's quote captures the essence of a storyteller's ambition to unearth and convey narratives that are both meaningful and universal. It reflects a deep commitment to artistic expression, illustrating a vision of storytelling that transcends personal experiences to connect with larger, shared human truths. The insistence on doing it all and studying everything suggests a relentless pursuit of knowledge and understanding, emphasizing the importance of finding one's place in the vast tapestry of existence through art.
In practice
In a speech about creative arts, one might quote this to inspire young writers.
I have a great body, I really do. But I want to be taken seriously as an artist, and wearing anything that shows it off will be a distraction from the music. That's how my signature uniform, my tuxedo, came about. It's classic and timeless. You'll see me in black, white, and a pop of color on my lips. That pop adds a little magic.
Redefine what it means to be sexy and what it means to be a woman. Showing my skin is not what makes me sexy. I like skirts and dresses just like everyone else, but I had a message I needed to put out there. It was up to me to show people and young girls there was another way.
Even if it makes others comfortable, I will LOVE who I am
I have not lost any of my crazy, fearless, raw, soulful, eclectic side and I plan on continuing to tell universal stories in an unforgettable way.
Perfection is often the enemy of greatness.
It's unfortunate that a lot of people think African-American female artists are monolithically R&B this-or-that, don't have to do anything by default.
You never know what you do that could be totally out of left field, which actually might work and give something fresh to the whole scene, to the character, whatever. If you have that with a director who then knows how to shape it, either in the direction, in the moment, or in the editing, then that's good.
I loved words. I love to sing them and speak them and even now, I must admit, I have fallen into the joy of writing them.
I don't understand why the press is so interested in speculating about my appearance, anyway. What does my face have to do with my music or my dancing?
if you are not allowed to touch the heart sometimes in spite of syntax, and are not to be loved until you all know the difference between trimeter and trameter, may all Poetry go to the deuce, and every schoolmaster perish miserably!
Have little care that Life is brief, And less that Art is long. Success is in the silences Though Fame is in the song.
I'm more interested in melodic things. I think the biggest challenge when you go to play a solo is trying to invent a melody on the spot.
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