Conversation with a Rockstar

First of all, this is an unreleased song. Even though it is amazing, in my opinion, it did not make it onto any of their albums. (I'm pretty sure it has to do with copywrite laws or something like that. That thought has to do with the fact that they were a different label at the time it was written.)

Ariel's speech at the beginning, before the song, has me on the verge of tears every single time. The main reason for that is that I love music: writing lyrics, learning instruments, talking about music, and singing.

***

Here are the lyrics (copied from azlyrics but should be accurate):

You're everything I wanna be,

but that's not true at all.

I've held you high,

I've built a lie.

You're nothing like you used to be,

and that's not right at all.

You've given in,

you've let them win.

And I'm sorry that these words

are coming out of my mouth,

but I don't wanna be like you.

I'm sorry that I'm just now figuring out.

Someone else can save the world.

I won't sell my soul for this.

I wasn't meant to make them happy,

I wasn't meant to make them money.

Someone else can let it all go,

Trade themselves for one more show.

But I wasn't meant to throw myself away,

for one meager shot at fame.

I thought you could think for yourself,

and fight for what you loved.

They're using you,

you know they do.

And I don't think I want to take,

the same road that you're on.

It can't be worth,

the way you hurt.

And I'm sorry that these words

are coming out of my mouth,

but I don't wanna be like you.

I'm sorry that I'm just now figuring out.

Someone else can save the world.

I won't sell my soul for this.

I wasn't meant to make them happy,

I wasn't meant to make them money.

Someone else can let it all go,

Trade themselves for one more show.

But I wasn't meant to throw myself away,

for one meager shot at fame.

Do you even remember why you wanted to get

this far in the first place?

Do you even remember why you wanted to be

a rock star in the first place?

Well, it's not too late.

'Cause Someone else can save the world.

Don't you sell your soul for this.

You weren't meant to make them happy,

You weren't meant to make them money.

'Cause Someone else can let it all go,

Trade themselves for one more show.

But you weren't meant to throw yourself away,

No, we weren't meant to throw ourselves away,

for one meager shot at fame.

No, one meager shot at fame, fame, oh fame.

***

As a musician, this song is a great reminder to not change my beliefs just to be a "good" musician. It reminds me, without saying directly, that you can't please everyone, no matter how hard you try to. It is not possible in any world.

It is also a really good reminder that fame isn't easy to attain. If you can reach that point, that's amazing but don't get rid of who you are just to make it to that point.

To be a truly great musician, you need to be honest with yourself and your audience. I, and many people I know, like it more when the artist is honest with themselves and us.

Being a musician is really difficult but if you can push through the hard times, especially writer's block, then you just might be able to make it. Any form of art is hard but do it for yourself, not others, and it becomes easier. You'll feel more successful if it is for you and not others.