Songwriting ability is a gift. After a while, you come to realize, "I've really been blessed. I can write these things and it makes me happy, and it makes millions of people happy." It's an obligation, it's bigger than you. It's the only true magic I know. It's not pulling a rabbit out of a hat; it's real. It's your soul floating out to theirs.
Tom PettyThe music business looks like, you know, innocent schoolboys compared to the TV business. They care about nothing but profit.
Tom PettyIt's always been great to be onstage. It's really effortless up there. It's not a lot of work.
Tom PettyYou're dealing in magic-it's this intangible thing that has to happen. And to seek it out too much might not be a good idea. Because, you know, it's very shy, too. But once you've got the essence of them, you can work songs and improve them. You see if there's a better word, or a better change.
Tom Petty