Meaning: The quote "I don't really remember my folks singing to us, but they read to us" by Mary Carpenter, a musician, suggests the significance of reading in her upbringing. This quote reflects the impact of storytelling and reading on the development of a child's imagination, language skills, and emotional intelligence. It also highlights the role of parents in shaping a child's love for literature and the arts.

Mary Carpenter's quote implies that while her parents may not have sung to her as a child, they actively engaged with her through reading. This choice of interaction likely had a profound impact on her, as it exposed her to the world of storytelling, imagination, and language. By reading to her, Carpenter's parents may have instilled in her a love for literature and the arts, contributing to her eventual career as a musician.

The quote also raises the importance of parental involvement in a child's early literacy development. Reading to children from a young age has been shown to have numerous benefits, including language development, cognitive skills, and emotional bonding. When parents read to their children, they not only expose them to a wide range of vocabulary and language structures but also create a nurturing and bonding experience that can shape the child's attitude towards reading and learning.

In a broader sense, Carpenter's quote reflects the power of storytelling and literature in shaping individuals' identities and passions. Through books and stories, children can explore different worlds, cultures, and experiences, fostering empathy, understanding, and a sense of curiosity about the world around them. This exposure to diverse narratives can have a lasting impact on a person's values, beliefs, and creative expression.

Furthermore, the quote can be interpreted as a commentary on the role of music and literature in shaping a person's artistic sensibilities. While Carpenter's parents may not have sung to her, the act of reading likely exposed her to the rhythm, cadence, and emotive qualities of language, which are fundamental elements of music composition and performance. This early exposure to the power of words and storytelling may have influenced Carpenter's musical journey and her appreciation for the expressive potential of language and sound.

Overall, Mary Carpenter's quote encapsulates the enduring impact of parental engagement in a child's literacy and artistic development. It underscores the importance of reading as a means of nurturing imagination, language skills, and emotional connections. Moreover, it highlights the interconnectedness of music and literature, suggesting that early exposure to storytelling can lay the foundation for a lifelong appreciation of artistic expression and creativity.