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About this quote

What does it mean?
Mercury describes himself as a musical prostitute, suggesting he sells his art for the public.
In plain terms
He feels like he is selling his music to entertain others.
What can you take from it?
Artists may feel they compromise their integrity to please an audience.

Where it applies

  • artistic career
  • public performance
  • business of art

Putting it to work

  • reflect on artistic integrity
  • balance art and commerce

Questions to consider

  • Is selling art the same as selling out?
  • How do you define your work?

Another view

It uses a controversial metaphor that may not reflect actual motivations.

More from Freddie Mercury

  1. 'I'm as gay as a daffodil, darling.'

    Permalink to quote #24
  2. 'Money can't buy happiness, but it can damn well give it!'

    Permalink to quote #26
  3. 'I thought we would be huge - and we were.'

    Permalink to quote #23

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