Meaning: The quote by Michael Bolton, a well-known musician, reflects the dilemma that many artists face in the music industry – the choice between pursuing a career as a performer or songwriter and potentially sacrificing one for the other. Michael Bolton, who has achieved success both as a performer and songwriter, captures the internal conflict and the difficult decisions that artists often have to make in their careers.

As a musician, Michael Bolton has had a prolific career, known for his powerful voice and emotional ballads. His success as a performer has brought him international acclaim and a dedicated fan base. However, what may be less well-known is his equally impressive career as a songwriter. Bolton has penned songs for himself as well as for other artists, showcasing his versatility and talent as a songwriter.

The quote reflects the struggle that many artists face when navigating the music industry. On one hand, there is the desire to find a publisher who can help bring their songs to a wider audience and secure a place in the industry as a successful songwriter. On the other hand, there is the pursuit of a career as a performer, which often requires a significant investment of time and effort to build a fan base, perform live, and navigate the competitive landscape of the music industry.

For many artists, the decision to prioritize one aspect of their career over the other can be a challenging and deeply personal choice. Giving up the pursuit of a career as a performer in favor of focusing on songwriting can mean sacrificing the thrill of performing on stage and connecting with audiences in person. Conversely, choosing to focus on performing may mean relegating songwriting to a secondary role, potentially missing out on opportunities to have their songs recorded by other artists and reaching new audiences through their compositions.

In Michael Bolton's case, it is evident that he ultimately chose to prioritize his career as a performer while continuing to write and compose music. This decision has allowed him to reach a wide audience through his performances while also showcasing his songwriting skills through the songs he has recorded and those he has written for other artists.

The quote also sheds light on the complex dynamics of the music industry, where artists often need to make strategic decisions about how to best position themselves for success. Finding a publisher who can help place their songs with established artists or in film and television can be a valuable opportunity for songwriters to earn royalties and recognition. However, for many artists, the allure of being on stage and performing their own music is a driving force that cannot be easily relinquished.

In conclusion, Michael Bolton's quote encapsulates the challenging choices that artists face in navigating their careers in the music industry. Whether to prioritize songwriting, performing, or find a balance between the two, artists must weigh the potential opportunities and sacrifices that come with each path. Ultimately, the quote reflects the complexity and depth of the decisions artists must make as they pursue their passion and navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry.