Skip to content

Life Quote by Geoffrey O'Brien

“I learned that the day "The Viper's Drag" slipped from between my fingers. But whatever might be lost or broken or forgotten is nothing compared to the miraculous rebirth that occurs every time the needle hits the groove. Here is Fats Waller Himself, not dead but present, so present that he…” quote by Geoffrey O'Brien
Download Open image
““I learned that the day "The Viper's Drag" slipped from between my fingers. But whatever might be lost or broken or forgotten is nothing compared to the miraculous rebirth that occurs every time the needle hits the groove. Here is Fats Waller Himself, not dead but present, so present that he overwhelms the well-ordered precincts of the living room. The sound sprawls. What vibrates here has more life than any room.””

Geoffrey O'Brien

About This Quote

Source Essay: The New Yorker, 1999

It describes a transformative musical experience where the past and present merge, revitalizing the listener.

In simple terms: Music can feel alive and timeless.

Key Takeaway

Seek immersive listening.

Themes

music memory presence

Mood

nostalgic evocative

Type

artistic reflective

When to use this quote

  • concert attendance
  • record collecting
  • audio engineering
  • mindfulness

Key Concepts

aesthetics psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What music moves you deeply?
  • How does sound affect mood?
A Different Perspective

Subjective, may not resonate for all.

3.8 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by Geoffrey O'Brien

Explore all 9 Geoffrey O'Brien quotes

More Life quotes

Browse all 265,290 Life quotes