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I write songs. Then I record them. And later, maybe I perform them on stage. That's what I do. That's my job. Simple. I don't feel comfortable doing interviews. My profession is music, and writing songs. I like to do it, but I hate to talk about it...Music is spiritual. The music business is not. Being famous was extremely disappointing for me. When I became famous it was a complete drag and it is still a complete drag.
Van Morrison
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Van Morrison expresses the simplicity of his craft while highlighting the disillusionment that fame brings.

In this quote, Van Morrison articulates the essence of his identity as a musician, emphasizing his passion for writing and performing music. However, he contrasts this with his uncomfortable relationship with fame and the music industry, describing fame as a disappointment that detracts from the spiritual nature of music. This reflects a common sentiment among artists who find that commercial success often complicates their genuine love for their art.

Themes

MusicFameDisappointmentSpiritualIdentity

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about the pressures of fame in the music industry.

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Music is spiritual. The music business is not.
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Let go into the mystery_x000D_ Let yourself go_x000D_ You've got to open up your heart_x000D_ That's all I know_x000D_ Trust what I say and do what you're told_x000D_ Baby, and all your dirt will turn_x000D_ Into gold.
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I'm very lucky, I'm happy with life because my experiences led me to do what I had to do. I don't have any regrets whatsoever.
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I'd love to live in Ireland but I'd like to live as me, not what someone thinks I am. People don't understand - I lived there before I was famous.
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You can call it nostalgia, I don't mind Standing on that windswept hillside Listening to the church bells chime Listen to the church bells chime In that magic time.
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