We’d hold a chord for three hours if we could.
Meaning of the quote
The quote suggests that the musician, John Cale, and his band would be willing to play a single musical chord for an unusually long time, up to three hours, if they could. This implies that they really enjoy the process of making music and feel no need to rush through it. They are focused on savoring the moment and the experience of playing together, rather than just trying to finish the song quickly.
About John Cale
John Cale is a Welsh musician, composer, and record producer who was a founding member of the American rock band the Velvet Underground. He has had a diverse and influential career spanning over six decades, working across various styles including rock, drone, classical, avant-garde, and electronic music.
More quotes from John Cale
I want to get lean and mean, keep it minimalist.
Welsh composer, singer-songwriter and record producer
I missed out on my teenage years. I led a sheltered life. I was practicing scales instead of playing football.
Welsh composer, singer-songwriter and record producer
I learn from thinking about the future, what hasn’t been done yet. That’s kind of my constant obsession.
Welsh composer, singer-songwriter and record producer
We’d hold a chord for three hours if we could.
Welsh composer, singer-songwriter and record producer
The avant-garde makes more sense to me.
Welsh composer, singer-songwriter and record producer
In cities like New York and Austin, there’s much more of a social context for music than in other places.
Welsh composer, singer-songwriter and record producer
The value of having a computer, to me, is that it’ll remember everything you do. It’s a databank.
Welsh composer, singer-songwriter and record producer
Even if you’re improvising, the fact that beforehand you know certain things will work helps you make those improvisations successful. It really helps to have a certain amount of knowledge about musical structure.
Welsh composer, singer-songwriter and record producer
I’m content with making records, but I don’t want to be doing the same thing all the time.
Welsh composer, singer-songwriter and record producer
I like what the future holds. I don’t like thinking about the past.
Welsh composer, singer-songwriter and record producer
I never use the word, it’s loaded. What love means to me is need.
Welsh composer, singer-songwriter and record producer
I’m writing a movie about Mozart going to New York in the ’60s. I’ve been reading so many novels.
Welsh composer, singer-songwriter and record producer
Growing up in Wales was a pretty Draconian experience with religion.
Welsh composer, singer-songwriter and record producer
We gave up on the idea of trying to make the record a good representation of the live performance.
Welsh composer, singer-songwriter and record producer
If I’m interested in what I’m doing, other people will be interested in it.
Welsh composer, singer-songwriter and record producer
That’s what my life is, writing songs.
Welsh composer, singer-songwriter and record producer
If you’re all loaded up on love, you haven’t got anywhere else to go.
Welsh composer, singer-songwriter and record producer
All of the sudden the audiences started getting younger and the spread of the attendance was really wide. I think it’s as a result of the records selling more that they started following our careers.
Welsh composer, singer-songwriter and record producer
I’m impatient. I get twitchy. When I get that feeling I just go out and make something happen.
Welsh composer, singer-songwriter and record producer
When somebody grabs a movement, you’re kind of locked into it. It’s all par for the course.
Welsh composer, singer-songwriter and record producer
The only reason we wore sunglasses onstage was because we couldn’t stand the sight of the audience.
Welsh composer, singer-songwriter and record producer
What I enjoy most about being on stage is that the natural instruments give you a greater freedom with texture. When you use natural instruments they have their own resonance.
Welsh composer, singer-songwriter and record producer
Time plays a role in almost every decision. And some decisions define your attitude about time.
Welsh composer, singer-songwriter and record producer
People sort of know me for that solo piano music I did.
Welsh composer, singer-songwriter and record producer