" I only wanted to play the guitar so I could write music. As soon as I learned my first three chords I wrote my first song. It was just a tool to get me to be able to do the thing that I wanted to do. "
- Michelle Zauner

In this statement, Michelle Zauner expresses her initial intention behind learning how to play the guitar. She started with a specific goal in mind: writing music. The acquisition of basic skills, such as knowing three chords on the guitar, quickly led to the creation of her first song. Essentially, she saw the guitar not just as an instrument but as a means to an end—a tool that enabled her to express herself through songwriting.

The deeper meaning of Zauner's quote lies in the relationship between skill acquisition and creative expression. She emphasizes that the primary motivation was to facilitate her ability to write music rather than merely mastering the guitar itself. This perspective highlights the importance of identifying personal goals and using available tools or skills to achieve them, rather than getting lost in the process of learning without a clear objective. Zauner’s statement also underscores how quickly and efficiently one can overcome initial challenges when driven by a well-defined purpose.

Michelle Zauner is an accomplished musician and writer who has shared this insight into her creative journey. Known for both her music career under the name Japanese Breakfast and her literary work, including her memoir "Crying in Hippy Heaven," she provides candid reflections on the processes behind her artistry. This quote encapsulates a significant moment early in her musical development, illustrating how simple beginnings can lead to profound personal growth and artistic fulfillment.