Meaning: This quote by Bobby McFerrin, a renowned musician, provides a unique and insightful perspective on the relationship between an artist and their creative work. The comparison of songs to children offers a profound glimpse into the emotional and personal investment that artists have in their music. Let's delve deeper into the meaning of this quote and explore the implications it carries.

When McFerrin states, "My songs are like my children," he is drawing a parallel between the creation and nurturing of music and the experience of raising children. This comparison reflects the deep emotional connection that artists often have with their creative output. Like a parent, an artist invests time, energy, and love into crafting and nurturing their songs. Each composition represents a labor of love, reflecting the artist's emotions, experiences, and creative vision.

Furthermore, the notion that "some you want around and some you want to send off to college as soon as possible" sheds light on the varied nature of an artist's relationship with their songs. Just as parents have different relationships with their children based on individual personalities and dynamics, artists have distinct connections with each of their compositions. Some songs may resonate deeply with the artist, becoming cherished favorites that they want to keep close, while others may represent phases or styles that they are eager to move beyond.

This perspective also highlights the evolving nature of an artist's relationship with their creative work. As children grow and mature, parents often experience a mix of pride, nostalgia, and a desire to see their offspring flourish independently. Similarly, artists may view their songs as evolving entities, each with its own trajectory and significance. The metaphorical "sending off to college" can be interpreted as a symbolic release, allowing the artist to let go and allow the song to take on a life of its own in the world.

It's important to note that the quote also captures the inherent vulnerability and complexity of the artistic process. Just as parenting involves a range of emotions, challenges, and uncertainties, so too does the act of creating and sharing music. The artist's attachment to their work is often intertwined with feelings of self-expression, vulnerability, and the desire to connect with others through their art.

In the context of this quote, Bobby McFerrin provides a candid and relatable perspective on the multifaceted relationship between an artist and their songs. By likening songs to children, he encapsulates the depth of emotional investment and the nuanced dynamics that shape an artist's creative journey.

In conclusion, Bobby McFerrin's quote offers a poignant insight into the emotional and personal significance that artists attribute to their music. The analogy of songs as children vividly captures the depth of the artist's connection with their creative work, highlighting the complex and evolving nature of this relationship. This quote serves as a powerful reminder of the profound emotional investment that artists have in their craft and the diverse range of sentiments that accompany the creative process.