Meaning: This quote by Kristin Hersh, a musician known for her work with the alternative rock band Throwing Muses, provides insight into the deeply personal and spiritual nature of the creative process. In this quote, Hersh describes the experience of songwriting as something that feels almost like a religious or spiritual practice to her. By likening songwriting to a form of religious experience, Hersh captures the profound and transcendent nature of the creative process.

For many artists, the act of creating music, writing, or any form of artistic expression can be a deeply spiritual and transformative experience. The process of channeling emotions, experiences, and ideas into a creative work can feel like a transcendent and almost mystical journey. This quote suggests that for Kristin Hersh, the act of songwriting is not just a creative endeavor, but a deeply spiritual and meaningful practice that holds a special place in her life.

Hersh's description of songwriting as "the songs keep on writing themselves" suggests a sense of being a conduit for creativity, as if the music flows through her rather than being solely authored by her. This sentiment is common among artists who often feel that their creative work is a result of inspiration and intuition, rather than a purely conscious and deliberate process. This idea of the music "writing itself" speaks to the mysterious and ineffable nature of creativity, where ideas seem to emerge from some deeper wellspring of inspiration.

The phrase "as close as I get to a religion" further emphasizes the profound significance of songwriting in Hersh's life. By likening it to a religious experience, she suggests that the act of creating music is not just a hobby or a profession, but a deeply spiritual and transformative practice that brings her a sense of purpose, meaning, and connection to something greater than herself. This sentiment is echoed by many artists who view their creative work as a form of devotion or a way of connecting to the divine or the transcendent.

In the context of Hersh's career and personal journey, this quote offers a glimpse into the emotional and spiritual significance of her creative process. As a prolific songwriter and musician, Hersh has long been known for her introspective and emotionally raw lyrics, as well as her distinctive and innovative musical style. Her music often delves into themes of personal struggle, resilience, and the complexities of human experience, reflecting a deep emotional and spiritual exploration in her work.

Overall, Kristin Hersh's quote encapsulates the profound and spiritual nature of the creative process, particularly in the context of songwriting. By likening her experience of writing songs to a religious practice, she highlights the transformative power of creativity and the deeply personal and transcendent journey that it represents for her. This quote provides a poignant insight into the emotional and spiritual significance of artistic expression, offering a glimpse into the profound impact that the act of creating music can have on an artist's life and sense of self.