Meaning: This quote by Dorothy Fields, a renowned American lyricist, encapsulates a timeless piece of advice for musicians and artists. Fields, known for her work in musical theater and popular music during the 20th century, understood the delicate balance between creating art that resonates with the contemporary audience and succumbing to the pressures of commercial success.

In the first part of the quote, "Keep it in tune with the times," Fields emphasizes the importance of staying relevant and connected to the cultural and social context in which the music is being created. This advice underscores the significance of understanding and reflecting the current sentiments, trends, and issues in society. Music that is "in tune with the times" has the potential to strike a chord with listeners, as it mirrors their experiences and emotions.

However, Fields also offers a cautionary note, "but don't write with the specific purpose of trying to create a hit." Here, she warns against the pitfalls of solely chasing popular acclaim or commercial success. Writing music with the sole intention of creating a hit can lead to formulaic, insincere, and contrived compositions that lack depth and authenticity. True artistry, according to Fields, should stem from genuine expression and creativity rather than a calculated pursuit of mass appeal.

The quote continues with an unequivocal statement: "If you're doing it strictly to make money, you're crazy. There are easier ways to make money." This blunt assertion underscores Fields' belief in the intrinsic value of art and the futility of prioritizing financial gain above artistic integrity. She challenges the notion that music should be reduced to a mere commodity or a means to accumulate wealth. Instead, she suggests that the pursuit of music for monetary gain alone is misguided, especially when there are more straightforward and conventional paths to financial success.

Dorothy Fields' perspective is shaped by her experiences in an era where popular music and musical theater were evolving rapidly, and commercial success often overshadowed artistic merit. As a prolific lyricist, she collaborated with prominent composers and wrote enduring songs that have stood the test of time. Her insights offer a timeless reminder to musicians and songwriters to uphold the sincerity and artistry of their craft, even in the face of commercial pressures and changing trends.

In conclusion, Dorothy Fields' quote serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between artistic expression and commercial success in the music industry. It encourages musicians to stay attuned to the contemporary landscape while cautioning against the sole pursuit of creating hits for monetary gain. Her words resonate across generations, serving as a guiding principle for artists striving to create music that is both relevant and authentic.