Meaning: The quote "No thesaurus can give you those words, no rhyming dictionary. They must happen out of you" by Dorothy Fields, a renowned musician, encapsulates the essence of creativity and originality in the process of artistic expression. Dorothy Fields was an American lyricist who wrote the lyrics for over 400 songs and worked on numerous Broadway musicals and Hollywood films. Her words highlight the idea that true creativity cannot be found in pre-existing resources such as thesauruses or rhyming dictionaries, but rather it must come from within the individual.

Creativity is a fundamental aspect of artistic expression, and it is often rooted in the unique experiences, emotions, and perspectives of the artist. While tools like thesauruses and rhyming dictionaries can be useful for expanding one's vocabulary and finding suitable rhymes, they cannot replace the personal inspiration and originality that an artist brings to their work. The quote emphasizes the idea that the most authentic and impactful artistic expressions are those that originate from the artist's own thoughts and feelings.

In the context of songwriting, Dorothy Fields' quote speaks to the importance of creating lyrics that are genuine and heartfelt. It suggests that the most powerful and resonant lyrics are those that emerge from the songwriter's own experiences and emotions, rather than being contrived or borrowed from external sources. This aligns with the idea that music is a form of self-expression, and that the most compelling songs are often those that reflect the personal truths and vulnerabilities of the songwriter.

Furthermore, the quote can be interpreted as a reminder to artists to trust in their own creative instincts and intuition. While reference materials can be valuable for providing guidance and inspiration, there is a unique and irreplaceable quality that comes from the direct expression of one's inner thoughts and emotions. Fields' words encourage artists to cultivate a sense of self-trust and confidence in their ability to generate original and meaningful artistic content.

From a broader perspective, the quote also speaks to the universal nature of creativity and the human experience. It suggests that each individual possesses a wealth of untapped creativity within themselves, waiting to be harnessed and expressed. This sentiment is empowering, as it implies that creativity is not limited to a select few, but rather is a potential that resides within everyone.

In conclusion, Dorothy Fields' quote serves as a poignant reminder of the intrinsic connection between creativity and personal expression in the arts. It underscores the idea that true artistic inspiration cannot be found in external resources alone, but must emerge authentically from the artist's own thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Whether in music, literature, visual arts, or any other form of creative expression, the quote encourages artists to embrace their unique perspectives and trust in their ability to create original and meaningful work.