The Semantics Of Success

Ah, success. Well, what exactly is that? Depending on who you ask, the answer would surely vary. Or at least vary to some extent. Some would undoubtedly answer, that fame and fortune is the measure of success. Maybe even most people would give some version of that answer. But that, by no means, is the only definition of success. It would be hard, if not impossible, to discredit the fortune aspect of that answer. To be paid for ones hard work and creative output is ideal and would definately open up a creative proccess that was otherwise hampered by time constraints imposed by the day to day necessities for survival. In other words   “The Day Job”. But does the absense of monetary reward constitute failure. I hardly think so. As for the fame part of the answer, although maybe quite enticing for a personality type who craves attention, is there anybody who hasn’t felt at least some empathy towards those who have been thrust into the spotlight only to have the most private details of their lives dug up and made into tabloid fodder. Of course this is an extreme example of what can happen, but fame is definately a double edged sword. And for the many who seek it, maybe they haven’t completely thought out the possible ramifications. In any case, does the lack of public approval and recognition constitute a failure? Again, I would say no. If ones sole purpose for doing anything creative, is to be showered with accolades and to reap in riches, then the absence of those things would mean that, yes, they had failed. But as far as a true artist goes, the reason to create in the first place isn’t motivated by the possibility of rewards on the horizon. It is by the need to have their artistic vision simply exist. And there is no better example of this than the song. Of all the arts, the song stands alone, in that it can’t be held or even seen. Yet within itself, it has the power to make a person cry. Or laugh. Or to bring up anger, or the ability to unite people. Yet it holds no actual physical properties. So,by the mere recording and documentation of of a songwriters work, would that not make them a success. For that particular endeaver, it surely would. So I guess what I am really getting at is, don’t be discouraged if you are not meeting the criteria of what other peoples definition of success means. If you are creating your vision, then it is worthwhile and you have succeded in the creation of it. And after all isn’t that the most important part. There is not a single thing that can come of it, if it doesn’t exist. So to paraphrase, “Full speed ahead and damn the torpedoes”. And I wish nothing but peace and happiness to you, in all your artistic endeavers.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Sean McAleavy is a musician/songwriter who happily toils away in obscurity in his island home with his two dogs Harmony and Melody. Some of his work can be heard at www.seansongs.org