I merely took the energy it takes to pout and wrote some blues.
Duke EllingtonRead
Music is my mistress and she plays second fiddle to no one.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Duke Ellington expresses his devotion to music, prioritizing it above all else.
In this quote, Duke Ellington personifies music as his mistress, implying a deep and passionate relationship. He emphasizes that music holds a paramount place in his life, indicating that no other interest or commitment can overshadow his dedication to it, reflecting the profound impact art has on one's existence.
Themes
MusicDevotionPassionArtLife
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about creativity, one might say, 'As Duke Ellington once put it, Music is my mistress and she plays second fiddle to no one, emphasizing the importance of following one's passion.'
More from Duke Ellington
All quotes βTomorrow is in the wings waiting for you to sound her entrance fanfare.
Duke EllingtonRead
There is no art without intention.
Duke EllingtonRead
There is nothing to keeping a band together. You simply have to have a gimmick, and the gimmick I use is to pay them money!
Duke EllingtonRead
Gray skies are just clouds passing over.
Duke EllingtonRead
Playing 'bop' is like playing Scrabble with all the vowels missing.
Duke EllingtonRead
Similar quotes
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I did not go into the film business to be symbolized as someone else's vision of me.
Sidney PoitierRead
I think Mozart's operas 'The Marriage of Figaro' and 'Don Giovanni' are the two most perfect ever written. The music is magical.
Ruth Bader GinsburgRead