Meaning: Alexis Korner, a British blues musician, is credited with saying, "I wanted to be able to play guitar. I wanted to be able to make music hurt." This quote encapsulates the deep emotional connection that musicians strive to create with their instruments and their audience. In this quote, Korner expresses a desire to evoke raw, visceral emotions through his music, particularly through his guitar playing.

Korner’s statement reflects the intensity and passion that many musicians feel towards their craft. The desire to "make music hurt" suggests a yearning to convey deep emotions, to elicit a profound response from listeners, and to communicate on a level that transcends words. For many musicians, the act of playing an instrument becomes a means of expressing the inexpressible, allowing them to access and convey feelings that are difficult to articulate through other means.

Korner's words also highlight the transformative power of music. By expressing a desire to "make music hurt," he indicates a willingness to delve into the depths of human experience, to touch upon pain, longing, and the full spectrum of emotion. This sentiment underscores the potential for music to serve as a vehicle for catharsis, healing, and connection. Through his words, Korner emphasizes the capacity of music to reach into the soul and resonate with the innermost experiences of both the musician and the audience.

Furthermore, this quote speaks to the pursuit of excellence and mastery in musical performance. The aspiration to "be able to play guitar" suggests a dedication to honing one's skills and technique, while the desire to "make music hurt" implies a commitment to creating a profound impact through artistic expression. It reflects the artist's relentless pursuit of musical proficiency and emotional depth, as well as the ongoing quest to push boundaries and connect with audiences in profound ways.

In the context of the blues genre, which Korner was closely associated with, the notion of "making music hurt" takes on added significance. The blues is rooted in the expression of hardship, sorrow, and resilience, and its musicians often seek to channel and convey the raw, unvarnished emotions that characterize the genre. Korner's statement aligns with the ethos of the blues, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, emotional depth, and the ability to convey the universal experiences of pain and struggle through music.

Overall, Alexis Korner's quote encapsulates the profound emotional and artistic aspirations that drive musicians to create and perform. It speaks to the transformative power of music, the pursuit of mastery, and the universal human desire to connect with others through the expression of deep emotion. Through these words, Korner captures the essence of the musician's journey, the longing to elicit a powerful emotional response, and the commitment to creating music that resonates deeply with the human experience.