Assumed Quote by Mike Stoller
“We never thought we were writing for posterity, because at the time everyone assumed that all the great standards had already been written by Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Rodgers and Hammerstein... The songs we were writing were supposed to be temporary things, of the period, like comic books.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Songwriting Reflections, 1970
Songwriters once saw their work as temporary, not lasting art.
In simple terms: Songs were thought to be fleeting.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the lasting cultural impact of art.
Themes
artistry
legacy
cultural standards
temporary vs. timeless
Mood
nostalgic
thoughtful
Type
historical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- film scoring
- theatrical productions
- modern songwriting
Key Concepts
music history
creative ambition
Questions to Reflect On
- What makes a work timeless?
- How can creators aim beyond trends?
A Different Perspective
Industry pressure may still favor short‑term trends.
