I feel with ELP that I wasn’t making the most of my life and I wasn’t making the most of my creativity. I was marking time. I don’t want to do that. Life is to short.

Meaning of the quote

Greg Lake, a British musician, felt that he wasn't using his talents and creativity to the fullest while in the band ELP. He felt like he was just going through the motions, not truly living. Lake didn't want to waste any more time, because life is too short to not make the most of it.

About Greg Lake

Greg Lake was an English musician who co-founded the progressive rock bands King Crimson and Emerson, Lake & Palmer. He wrote popular songs like “Lucky Man” and “From the Beginning”, had a successful solo career, and was involved in various music projects throughout his life.

More about the author

More quotes from Greg Lake

I just got a call one day from Ringo asking me if I wanted to go out on the tour. It was as simple as that. He was putting together this band and he heard of me in the context of doing this and he gave me a call. I jumped at the chance.

Greg Lake

English bassist, guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and producer (1947-2016)

The early ELP albums were pioneering in a way.

Greg Lake

English bassist, guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and producer (1947-2016)

When we made that album with Gary Moore, I was still kind of searching for the right direction for myself. Although the music is quite good the direction was like a box of fireworks that caught light all at the same time.

Greg Lake

English bassist, guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and producer (1947-2016)

Unless you go forward then you are going back.

Greg Lake

English bassist, guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and producer (1947-2016)

Philosophically, what I have learned is to thy own self be true. That is the biggest lesson of all. Relax; music is fun. To many people take it to seriously because of the money involved.

Greg Lake

English bassist, guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and producer (1947-2016)

I don’t think art is a goal orientated business. I don’t do things for the challenges, I only do them because I love them, I’m not really a goal orientated, achiever type of person.

Greg Lake

English bassist, guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and producer (1947-2016)

I would like to involve myself in some black music. I would like to do some blues and some gospel music. I want to try stuff from other genres and try to widen my musical base.

Greg Lake

English bassist, guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and producer (1947-2016)

As I said to Ringo, I was in a successful Rock N Roll band. He was in a band that changed the world. That’s the difference.

Greg Lake

English bassist, guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and producer (1947-2016)

When you play music with someone who has a heart rather than playing with someone who is just doing it for money or is cynical it makes all the difference.

Greg Lake

English bassist, guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and producer (1947-2016)

There is no standing still because time is moving forward.

Greg Lake

English bassist, guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and producer (1947-2016)

Making a comeback is one of the most difficult things to do with dignity.

Greg Lake

English bassist, guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and producer (1947-2016)

I feel with ELP that I wasn’t making the most of my life and I wasn’t making the most of my creativity. I was marking time. I don’t want to do that. Life is to short.

Greg Lake

English bassist, guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and producer (1947-2016)

When you are in a band for a number of years you loose your identity in a way. You become a part of that band and then all of a sudden you are not part of that band. You are still the band without the other two members.

Greg Lake

English bassist, guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and producer (1947-2016)

The greatest music is made for love, not for money.

Greg Lake

English bassist, guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and producer (1947-2016)