Janis Ian
I think people write their best when they’re at their most sane and most rested, and when they feel safe. Any good work that happens when you’re in turmoil happens in spite of that turmoil. You may find yourself writing out of your life experience, and the more life experiences you have, obviously, the better you’re going to be able to connect to that. But I’ve never subscribed to the theory that you need to be crazy, irresponsible or in pain in order to create. That’s a dangerous myth. A lot of us, especially when we’re young, think that’s cool. From the outside it looks noble—or like noble suffering. But when you get in the middle of it, you realize it’s not noble at all. It’s just crushing.
From Performing Songwriter Issue 112
September/October 2008
Category: In Their Own Words
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Just incredible Janis. You are so beautiful!!!