In its literal sense, this quote speaks about a period when the speaker and his band were able to sell some records due to their song "The Pavement." The sales provided them with enough income to sustain themselves financially. However, they did not achieve massive success or significant wealth from these sales. As such, there was no pressure to change their natural approach to music creation.
On a deeper level, the quote highlights the importance of staying true to oneself and one's artistic integrity when faced with varying levels of commercial success. The speaker implies that without financial incentives for greater fame or larger profits, they could continue creating music authentically and naturally. This suggests that external pressures often force artists to compromise their creative vision, but in this case, modest sales allowed them to remain faithful to their artistic instincts. It also touches on the idea that moderate success can provide a comfortable balance between financial stability and artistic freedom.
The quote is attributed to David Berman, an American singer-songwriter known for his work with the band Silver Jews. Berman is celebrated for his introspective lyrics and poetic style of songwriting, often drawing from personal experiences and philosophical musings. His career has been marked by a strong connection between his music and literature, blending elements of storytelling and social commentary in his work.
