Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker states a preference for hard manual labor over writing lyrics.
In plain terms
I'd rather dig a ditch than write songs.
What can you take from it?
Even passionate work can feel harder than physical labor at times.

Where it applies

  • writers
  • artists
  • creative professionals

Putting it to work

  • reflect on creative blocks
  • acknowledge mental labor

Questions to consider

  • When does creative work feel harder than physical labor?
  • What is your hardest task?

Another view

The statement is hyperbolic and does not reflect a true preference.

More from Natalie Merchant

  1. I don't want to live in a culture of despair. I'd like to live in a culture of hope.

    Permalink to quote #62

  2. I'm on this search trying to figure out exactly who I am and what I have to say to people.

    Permalink to quote #64

  3. Be true to yourself, and don't worry about some large companies' quarterly profit index.

    Permalink to quote #61

Related quotes

  1. Verse sweetens toil, however rude the sound; She feels no biting pang the while she sings; Nor, as she turns the giddy wheel around, Revolves the sad vicissitu…

    Richard GiffordRichard Gifford quote #1

  2. Just as I was starting on my journey the idea came to me for a new symphony, this time with a program, but a program which will remain an enigma to all- let th…

    Pyotr Ilyich TchaikovskyPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky quote #2

  3. I put my pants on just like the rest of you - one leg at a time. Except, once my pants are on, I make gold records.

    Christopher WalkenChristopher Walken quote #2