Meaning: Otis Blackwell, an American songwriter, is known for penning several iconic rock and roll songs in the 1950s and 1960s, including hits for artists like Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis. The quote you provided reflects Blackwell's approach to his songwriting process and the music industry at the time.

In the quote, Blackwell expresses his preference for focusing on the creative aspect of songwriting and leaving the business and politics to others. He mentions taking his songs to his publisher and then "just lay back," indicating a desire to distance himself from the complexities of the music industry. This sentiment sheds light on the challenges and intricacies that songwriters and musicians often face when navigating the business side of the music world.

During the era in which Blackwell was active, the music industry was known for its intense competition, power struggles, and negotiations between artists, songwriters, publishers, and record labels. These dynamics often involved intricate networks of relationships, deals, and hierarchies, which could be overwhelming for those primarily focused on the creative process.

Blackwell's desire to avoid getting "mixed up in all of that" suggests a deliberate choice to prioritize his artistic output and creative energy over the potentially draining and complex world of music industry politics. By taking this approach, he sought to maintain a level of creative autonomy and freedom from the pressures and negotiations that often accompanied the commercialization of music.

It's worth noting that Blackwell's stance reflects a common challenge for many artists: finding a balance between creative expression and the commercial aspects of the industry. While the creative process is deeply personal and often requires space, freedom, and inspiration, the reality of the music business demands a certain level of engagement with contracts, negotiations, and marketing strategies.

For Blackwell, the decision to focus on writing his songs and entrusting them to his publisher allowed him to maintain a sense of distance from the industry's complexities. By doing so, he could potentially shield himself from some of the stresses and distractions that come with managing the business side of his career.

This quote also highlights the importance of having a reliable and trustworthy support system within the music industry. By working closely with a publisher whom he trusted, Blackwell was able to delegate certain responsibilities and focus on his strengths as a songwriter. This underscores the significance of building strong professional relationships and partnerships within the music business, as they can provide crucial support and guidance.

Ultimately, Otis Blackwell's words offer a glimpse into the mindset of a songwriter navigating the music industry during a transformative period in popular music history. His desire to prioritize creativity while navigating the complexities of the industry reflects the timeless challenge of balancing artistry with commerce in the music world.