--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Early on, I really liked the idea of…" description: "\"Early on, I really liked the idea of being confrontational. I loved the idea of making songs that made people really uncomfortable.\" — Lou Barlow" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bd7/lou-barlow-5318_confrontational_early-on-i-really-liked-the-idea-of-bein_203214.jpg" --- # Early on, I really liked the idea of being… ![“Early on, I really liked the idea of being confrontational. I loved the idea of making songs that made people really uncomfortable.” quote by Lou Barlow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bd7/lou-barlow-5318_confrontational_early-on-i-really-liked-the-idea-of-bein_203214.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bd7/lou-barlow-5318_confrontational_early-on-i-really-liked-the-idea-of-bein_203214.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bd7/lou-barlow-5318_confrontational_early-on-i-really-liked-the-idea-of-bein_203214.jpg) > “Early on, I really liked the idea of being confrontational. I loved the idea of making songs that made people really uncomfortable.” [Lou Barlow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lou-barlow/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He valued provocation in art, seeking to challenge listeners and stir discomfort through confrontational songs. **In simple terms:** He liked making uncomfortable music. Key Takeaway Embrace bold, unsettling creativity. Themes art provocation music authenticity Mood defiant edgy Type artistic controversial When to use this quote - live performance - album production - songwriting workshops - audience engagement Key Concepts expressionism cognitive dissonance Questions to Reflect On - How does discomfort serve artistic growth? - When is provocation counterproductive? A Different Perspective Risk of alienating listeners may limit reach. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Confrontational](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/confrontational/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Uncomfortable](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/uncomfortable/) ## Related quotes > [I don't believe in making two songs similar. Every composition must have its own unique character.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ilaiyaraaja/i-don-t-believe-in-making-two-songs-similar-every-composition-must/) [Ilaiyaraaja](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ilaiyaraaja/) > [Even when I don't think I'm writing, I'm writing. There's some part of my brain geared toward making songs up, and I know it's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeff-tweedy/even-when-i-don-t-think-i-m-writing-i-m-writing-there-s-some-part-of/) [Jeff Tweedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeff-tweedy/) > [It's always been about the songs for us. It doesn't matter about all the image stuff. We're really about making songs that people can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chuck-comeau/it-s-always-been-about-the-songs-for-us-it-doesn-t-matter-about-all/) [Chuck Comeau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chuck-comeau/) > [When I started making songs, some of them read as mixtape-y, and some of them read as album-y.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kelela/when-i-started-making-songs-some-of-them-read-as-mixtape-y-and-some/) [Kelela](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kelela/) > [I love making songs that I'm super proud of. I love when I finish a song and I'm like, 'Okay, we got one.'](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ice-spice/i-love-making-songs-that-i-m-super-proud-of-i-love-when-i-finish-a/) [Ice Spice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ice-spice/) > [What I am doing is making songs that I like that I think sounds like other songs that I like. I'm really trying my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dylan-baldi/what-i-am-doing-is-making-songs-that-i-like-that-i-think-sounds-like/) [Dylan Baldi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dylan-baldi/) > [I want to be like Bruce Springsteen or something, making songs that are relevant.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-cole-2/i-want-to-be-like-bruce-springsteen-or-something-making-songs-that/) [J. Cole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-cole-2/) > [I knew I wanted to be an artist, but I never took music lessons. I was just playing around in front of the mirror…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lykke-li/i-knew-i-wanted-to-be-an-artist-but-i-never-took-music-lessons-i-was/) [Lykke Li](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lykke-li/) > [I'm doing more than just making songs for the radio. I want it to be a well rounded sounding experience.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mario/i-m-doing-more-than-just-making-songs-for-the-radio-i-want-it-to-be-a/) [Mario](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mario/) > [I think making the songs is to put strength in the community in some way.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/craig-finn/i-think-making-the-songs-is-to-put-strength-in-the-community-in-some/) [Craig Finn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/craig-finn/) > [I remember making up songs in my head.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kenny-chesney/i-remember-making-up-songs-in-my-head/) [Kenny Chesney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kenny-chesney/) > [I'm not interested in making songs for films.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kk/i-m-not-interested-in-making-songs-for-films/) KK > [I'm dead serious about my craft and just really serious about making music in itself. I take pride in making songs and albums where…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/big-boi/i-m-dead-serious-about-my-craft-and-just-really-serious-about-making/) [Big Boi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/big-boi/) > [It's a different kind of satisfaction, different kind of enjoyment than making your own songs, to remake someone else's song that you really like.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-lanegan/it-s-a-different-kind-of-satisfaction-different-kind-of-enjoyment/) [Mark Lanegan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-lanegan/) > [When I got my MacBook, I started playing around with Garageband a lot. It was just a creative outlet. I put everything into it.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kali-uchis/when-i-got-my-macbook-i-started-playing-around-with-garageband-a-lot/) [Kali Uchis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kali-uchis/) ## More by Lou Barlow > ['Brace the Wave' is an acoustic-electric record recorded with electricity on analog-digital and digitally-analog equipment.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lou-barlow/brace-the-wave-is-an-acoustic-electric-record-recorded-with/) [Lou Barlow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lou-barlow/) > [I like to collaborate with other people for studio recordings because I believe collaboration, in any form, makes music better.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lou-barlow/i-like-to-collaborate-with-other-people-for-studio-recordings-because/) [Lou Barlow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lou-barlow/) > [I enjoy Dinosaur for what it is. It's a unique band that has a unique chemistry.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lou-barlow/i-enjoy-dinosaur-for-what-it-is-it-s-a-unique-band-that-has-a-unique/) [Lou Barlow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lou-barlow/) > [I look forward to so many things about going to Japan. The shows are early. It's great! They're really early, so it helps make…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lou-barlow/i-look-forward-to-so-many-things-about-going-to-japan-the-shows-are/) [Lou Barlow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lou-barlow/) > [I think musicians naturally gravitate toward music that sounds real.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lou-barlow/i-think-musicians-naturally-gravitate-toward-music-that-sounds-real/) [Lou Barlow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lou-barlow/) > ['One Part Lullaby.' It was our big major-label record. People reference it quite a bit, but it did absolutely nothing. It's like the 'Kids'…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lou-barlow/one-part-lullaby-it-was-our-big-major-label-record-people-reference/) [Lou Barlow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lou-barlow/) > [I've put out a lot of stuff that just confused and alienated people: a huge chunk of songs that were verbal and musical challenges…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lou-barlow/i-ve-put-out-a-lot-of-stuff-that-just-confused-and-alienated-people-a/) [Lou Barlow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lou-barlow/) > [I went back and reread the Dinosaur chapter in 'Our Band Could Be Your Life,' and it was so depressing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lou-barlow/i-went-back-and-reread-the-dinosaur-chapter-in-our-band-could-be-your/) [Lou Barlow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lou-barlow/) > [There are very few songs I really hate.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lou-barlow/there-are-very-few-songs-i-really-hate/) [Lou Barlow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lou-barlow/) > [Music doesn't always bring me to tears; if I hear 'Love' by John Lennon at a vulnerable moment, it will bring me to tears.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lou-barlow/music-doesn-t-always-bring-me-to-tears-if-i-hear-love-by-john-lennon/) [Lou Barlow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lou-barlow/) > [I'm fully aware, I've gotten terrible reviews my entire career. It's not a really big deal; it's something I can deal with.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lou-barlow/i-m-fully-aware-i-ve-gotten-terrible-reviews-my-entire-career-it-s/) [Lou Barlow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lou-barlow/) > [I really don't have a method. I gravitate towards the organic/acoustic, but I still often complete songs musically before attempting to find the lyric.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lou-barlow/i-really-don-t-have-a-method-i-gravitate-towards-the-organic-acoustic/) [Lou Barlow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lou-barlow/) > [Young bands are so angry. There are young bands that are so incredibly successful, getting incredible reviews, and they are totally angry.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lou-barlow/young-bands-are-so-angry-there-are-young-bands-that-are-so-incredibly/) [Lou Barlow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lou-barlow/) > [I always felt weird. I don't feel particularly likeable.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lou-barlow/i-always-felt-weird-i-don-t-feel-particularly-likeable/) [Lou Barlow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lou-barlow/) > [I wrote 'Healthy Sick,' from our first LP, when I was 19. I'll happily play it till I'm 91 because it always feels good…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lou-barlow/i-wrote-healthy-sick-from-our-first-lp-when-i-was-19-i-ll-happily/) [Lou Barlow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lou-barlow/) [Explore all 101 Lou Barlow quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lou-barlow/) ## More Confrontational quotes > [By nature I can be a confrontational person. I don't feel like there's anything wrong with that.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vic-mensa/by-nature-i-can-be-a-confrontational-person-i-don-t-feel-like-there-s/) [Vic Mensa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vic-mensa/) > [I feel irrational so confrontational to tell the truth I am getting away with murder it isn't possible to never tell the truth but…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/papa-roach/i-feel-irrational-so-confrontational-to-tell-the-truth-i-am-getting/) [Papa Roach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/papa-roach/) > [I'm not really a confrontational person.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/javale-mcgee/i-m-not-really-a-confrontational-person/) [JaVale McGee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/javale-mcgee/) > [I'm not a screamer. I'm confrontational, but I don't think that translates into anger.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rachel-maddow/i-m-not-a-screamer-i-m-confrontational-but-i-don-t-think-that/) [Rachel Maddow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rachel-maddow/) > [I'm only confrontational with my friends.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chuck-palahniuk/i-m-only-confrontational-with-my-friends/) [Chuck Palahniuk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chuck-palahniuk/) > [I'm interested in really particular details, ideas, thoughts, and emotions, yet it's defused with performance, where you can play with hiding things, or be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sue-tompkins/i-m-interested-in-really-particular-details-ideas-thoughts-and/) [Sue Tompkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sue-tompkins/) > [She lived in fear of his shifting moods, his volatile temperament, his insistence on steering even mundane exchanges down a confrontational path that, on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/khaled-hosseini/she-lived-in-fear-of-his-shifting-moods-his-volatile-temperament-his/) [Khaled Hosseini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/khaled-hosseini/) > [This marched was planned to be non violent and non confrontational, and gladly it stayed that way. What really impressed me was the self…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-blair/this-marched-was-planned-to-be-non-violent-and-non-confrontational/) [John Blair](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-blair/) > [As a person who is not confrontational by disposition I tend to see that the quality of being confrontational is a positive attribute.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-hall/as-a-person-who-is-not-confrontational-by-disposition-i-tend-to-see/) [John Hall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-hall/) > [I bring values, resiliency, a thick skin, and I'm not afraid to be confrontational. I don't remember anyone before bringing that to the table.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carl-paladino/i-bring-values-resiliency-a-thick-skin-and-i-m-not-afraid-to-be/) [Carl Paladino](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carl-paladino/) > [Confrontational things, admission of error, admission of defeat, restructuring, laying people off - those are not American ideals.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wilbur-ross/confrontational-things-admission-of-error-admission-of-defeat/) [Wilbur Ross](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wilbur-ross/) > [I'm not confrontational in any way.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stacey-solomon/i-m-not-confrontational-in-any-way/) [Stacey Solomon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stacey-solomon/) > [People keep saying I've changed. I used to be confrontational. But I'm - I haven't changed. It was - it's just that circumstances have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aung-san-suu-kyi/people-keep-saying-i-ve-changed-i-used-to-be-confrontational-but-i-m/) [Aung San Suu Kyi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aung-san-suu-kyi/) > [I think the energy I give off is quite non-confrontational. That's something you learn from karate. Once you try to be a tough guy,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dolph-lundgren/i-think-the-energy-i-give-off-is-quite-non-confrontational-that-s/) [Dolph Lundgren](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dolph-lundgren/) > [I make spaces that are calm rather than confrontational. I seek a certain kind of logic that allows you to move in space and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/annabelle-selldorf/i-make-spaces-that-are-calm-rather-than-confrontational-i-seek-a/) [Annabelle Selldorf](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annabelle-selldorf/) [Browse all 53 Confrontational quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/confrontational/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Early on, I really liked the idea of being confrontational. 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