I remember when I thought of singing as the bit that went between the guitar playing - something I couldn't wait to get out of the way. Singing was originally like a chore that I didn't really enjoy. Eric Clapton More Quotes by Eric Clapton More Quotes From Eric Clapton Every time you pick up your guitar to play, play as if it's the last time. Eric Clapton guitar lasts play Music will always find its way to us, with or without business, politics, religion, or any other bullshit attached. Eric Clapton bullshit way Music survives everything, and like God, it is always present. It needs no help, and suffers no hindrance. Eric Clapton suffering helping needs My driving philosophy about making music is that you can reduce it all down to one note if that note is played with the right kind of sincerity. Eric Clapton rock-n-roll music philosophy Music became a healer for me. And I learned to listen with all my being. I found that it could wipe away all fear and confusion. Eric Clapton wipe confusion found One of the most beneficial things I've ever learned is how to keep my mouth shut. Eric Clapton beneficial mouths All along this path I tread, my heart betrays my weary head, with nothing but my love to save, from the cradle to the grave. Eric Clapton cradle path heart You can't mastermind everything. You'll go crazy. Just show up and play. Eric Clapton crazy ignorance knowledge Risk is trying to control something you are powerless over. Eric Clapton powerless risk trying In my lowest moments, the only reason I didn't commit suicide was that I knew I wouldn't be able to drink any more if I was dead. Eric Clapton alcohol suicide drinking My selective memory of what drinking was like told me that standing at the bar in a pub, on a summer's evening with a long, tall glass of lager and lime was heaven, and I chose not to remember the nights on which I had sat with a bottle of vodka, a gram of coke and a shotgun, contemplating suicide. Eric Clapton suicide summer memories It's been up to me to inspire me. Eric Clapton inspire Before you accuse me, take a look at yourself. Eric Clapton judgement judging song the thing about pessimism is that in most cases it's nothing more than a front behind which a body can hide its most sweetful yet painful hopes. please forgive mine. Eric Clapton forgiving body painful I think everybody has their own way of looking at their lives as some kind of pilgrimage. Some people will see their role as a pilgrim in terms of setting up a fine family, or establishing a business inheritance. Everyone's got their own definition. Eric Clapton roles people thinking Whatever your standing in life, the most important thing is behaving in ways that help other people. It's the same with music. I am a servant of the music ... and if I get caught up in ego, I'll lose everything .. it'll burn and that's a guarantee. Eric Clapton music helping-others people When all the original blues guys are gone, you start to realize that someone has to tend to the tradition. I recognize that I have some responsibility to keep the music alive, and it's a pretty honorable position to be in. Eric Clapton guy responsibility gone For me there is something primitively soothing about this music, and it went straight to my nervous system, making me feel ten feet tall. Eric Clapton philosophical music feet There are people these days who can do things on the guitar which are beyond my reach. There's one guy who plays with Queen who can do things I would dream of doing. I sincerely mean that. Eric Clapton queens dream mean I like solitude. I like the anomalous life. I like a quiet life. Eric Clapton quiet-life solitude quiet