I don't look at a knife the way I used to. I'm more aware of what it is. I think twice. This is a key finger. It's in every chord.
Pearl Jam is a band I have a lot of respect for. Nirvana and Sonic Youth I feel the same way about. Mumford & Sons, My Morning Jacket, Wilco, Givers, and Foo Fighters are just some of my favorites. I respect bands that give me something of themselves that I can feel. ("Posing" bands turn me off generally speaking.) It all has to do with a feeling I have about them. That is what music is to me, a feeling. It's similar with people too.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Neil Young expresses his deep appreciation for bands that convey genuine emotions through their music.
In this quote, Neil Young emphasizes the importance of authenticity and emotional connection in music, highlighting how certain bands resonate with him on a personal level. He contrasts this with 'posing' bands, suggesting that superficiality in music detracts from its true essence, which for him is about feeling and genuine expression. This sentiment extends beyond music to his perspective on people, indicating that he values authenticity and emotional depth in all aspects of life.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
A musician can inspire the audience by sharing their genuine experiences through their songs.
More from Neil Young
All quotes →I don't force it. If you don't have an idea and you don't hear anything going over and over in your head, don't sit down and try to write a song. You know, go mow the lawn...My songs speak for themselves.
In a Ramada Inn near the grapevine, they stop to rest for the night. Traveling down south, looking for good times. Visiting old friends feels right.
Link Wray... He was the beginning of Grunge, way before anybody you know.
I dreamed I saw the silver spaceships flying in the yellow haze of the sun. There were children crying and colors flying all around the chosen ones.
It's better to burn out, than to fade away.
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When I play, maybe 'Back o' Town Blues,' I'm thinking about one of the old, low-down moments - when maybe your woman didn't treat you right. That's a hell of a moment when a woman tell you, 'I got another mule in my stall.'
Orchestras are like people. They're the sonic embodiment of their community.
It's warts and all in my songs, and I think that's why people can relate to them.