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About this quote

What does it mean?
A young musician survives on talent and hunger, trading lessons for basic sustenance.
In plain terms
I was poor and used my guitar to earn food money.
What can you take from it?
Artistic talent can be a lifeline in tough times.

Where it applies

  • street performance
  • early career
  • financial hardship

Putting it to work

  • monetize skills
  • endure early struggles

Questions to consider

  • What did you sacrifice to pursue your passion?
  • How did you survive your early days?

Another view

Not everyone can survive on talent alone without support.

More from Harry Chapin

  1. But there still must be a way to have our children say... 'There are so many colors in the rainbow So many colors in the morning sun So many colors in the flow…

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  2. She was married for seven years to a concrete castle king. She said she wanted to learn to play the guitar and to hear her children sing. So I'd show up about …

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  3. But the little boy said... 'There are so many colors in the rainbow So many colors in the morning sun So many colors in the flowers and I see every one.'

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