Being Useful: Labi Siffre

I’m well aware of my ignorance of some of the great music and the great artists that have created that music. I don’t know how I’ve managed to stay like that, considering how much I value songwriting. But I’m slowly chipping away at that ignorance.

I knew absolutely nothing about Labi Siffre and his contribution to our musical heritage. Didn’t know he was British. I had hardly even payed any attention to his biggest hit Something Inside So Strong. What a gorgeous and profoundly moving song that is.

My attention was awakened first thing today when I happened to bump into this article about the man while drinking my morning cuppa. I found it inspiring. And this quote I found particularly interesting:

”all I actually wanted was for my work to be useful …. the reason why you’re on the outside is because you’re actually trying to be useful.”

I find that striking. “Usefulness” is not a very flashy aspiration for a creative artist. In fact it’s not an ambition you hear expressed by music makers at all. It has nothing to do with fame and popularity. Nor money and influence. It doesn’t seek the spotlight or ask to be the headline act.

But I can honestly say that I hope my music manages to achieve those heady heights.



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