--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I've always been an outsider. When I did…" description: "\"I've always been an outsider. When I did magic, I was the only kid. When I worked with Johnny Cash, I was completely out of place in Nashville. And whe..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fd3/rick-rubin-17346_always_i-ve-always-been-an-outsider-when-i-did_1727315.jpg" --- # I've always been an outsider. When I did magic, I was the… ![“I've always been an outsider. When I did magic, I was the only kid. When I worked with Johnny Cash, I was completely out of place in Nashville. And when I started Def Jam, I was the only white guy in the hip-hop world.” quote by Rick Rubin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fd3/rick-rubin-17346_always_i-ve-always-been-an-outsider-when-i-did_1727315.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fd3/rick-rubin-17346_always_i-ve-always-been-an-outsider-when-i-did_1727315.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fd3/rick-rubin-17346_always_i-ve-always-been-an-outsider-when-i-did_1727315.jpg) > “I've always been an outsider. When I did magic, I was the only kid. When I worked with Johnny Cash, I was completely out of place in Nashville. And when I started Def Jam, I was the only white guy in the hip-hop world.” [Rick Rubin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-rubin/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Being an outsider fuels unique perspective, but can also cause isolation in mainstream spaces. **In simple terms:** Outsider status offers fresh insight but can feel alienating. Key Takeaway Embrace uniqueness, seek supportive peers. Themes identity creativity industry belonging diversity Mood introspective inspirational Type motivational reflective When to use this quote - music production - career transitions - cross‑genre collaborations Key Concepts authenticity cultural crossover innovation social dynamics Questions to Reflect On - How does being different shape your art? - When does outsider status become a barrier? A Different Perspective Outsider perspective may limit access to resources. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Always](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/always/) [Been](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/been/) [Cash](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cash/) [Did](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/did/) [Did Magic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/did-magic-1397316/) [Guy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/guy/) [Hip hop](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hip-hop/) [Jam](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/jam/) [Johnny](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/johnny/) [Johnny cash](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/johnny-cash/) [Kid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/kid/) [Magic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/magic/) [Nashville](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nashville/) [Only](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/only/) [Out](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/out/) [Outsider](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/outsider/) [Outsider Did](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/outsider-did-1397315/) [Place](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/place/) [Rapper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rapper/) [Started](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/started/) [Ve Outsider](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ve-outsider-436693/) [White](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/white/) [Worked](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/worked/) [World](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/world/) ## Related quotes > [Some of my biggest commercial musical influences would be people like Merle Haggard, George Jones, of course, Johnny Cash. People that wrote and sang…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jay-demarcus/some-of-my-biggest-commercial-musical-influences-would-be-people-like/) [Jay DeMarcus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jay-demarcus/) > [I don't collect the way other people do. Some people collect rare guitars, like, 'I have a '54 Strat worth $50,000.' And I don't…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-crosby/i-don-t-collect-the-way-other-people-do-some-people-collect-rare/) [David Crosby](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-crosby/) > [I've got some Johnny Cash in me and I've also got some Run DMC in me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/everlast/i-ve-got-some-johnny-cash-in-me-and-i-ve-also-got-some-run-dmc-in-me/) [Everlast](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/everlast/) > [One night I saw Jerry Lee, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Elvis for a dollar, if you believe that, in an open-air concert. Presley,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-sanderson/one-night-i-saw-jerry-lee-johnny-cash-carl-perkins-and-elvis-for-a/) [William Sanderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-sanderson/) > [Everybody likes Johnny Cash. I think the sad part of it is his health is givin' him problems.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/merle-haggard/everybody-likes-johnny-cash-i-think-the-sad-part-of-it-is-his-health/) [Merle Haggard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/merle-haggard/) > [I grew up listening to Hank Williams and Johnny Cash, so arriving in Nashville in the '60s was really exciting for me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kris-kristofferson/i-grew-up-listening-to-hank-williams-and-johnny-cash-so-arriving-in/) [Kris Kristofferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kris-kristofferson/) > [When I played with Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings in Vegas, the guys used to go, 'Dick, cut it out, man! You're moving around…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dick-dale/when-i-played-with-johnny-cash-and-waylon-jennings-in-vegas-the-guys/) [Dick Dale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dick-dale/) > [I'm a big-time Johnny Cash fan.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elias/i-m-a-big-time-johnny-cash-fan/) [Elias](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elias/) > [It's miserable wearing black all the time, unless you're Johnny Cash.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-cooper-clarke/it-s-miserable-wearing-black-all-the-time-unless-you-re-johnny-cash/) [John Cooper Clarke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-cooper-clarke/) > [I love Loretta Lynn, and I love Roy Clark and Johnny Cash, everybody.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-5/i-love-loretta-lynn-and-i-love-roy-clark-and-johnny-cash-everybody/) [John 5](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-5/) > [I used to listen to Keith Urban and Johnny Cash and stuff.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cody-simpson/i-used-to-listen-to-keith-urban-and-johnny-cash-and-stuff/) [Cody Simpson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cody-simpson/) > [I grew up in Arizona listening to Hank Williams Jr., Johnny Cash, Tammy Wynette, and Dolly Parton.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/meghan-mccain/i-grew-up-in-arizona-listening-to-hank-williams-jr-johnny-cash-tammy/) [Meghan McCain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/meghan-mccain/) > [Nobody in my school knew who Bill Monroe was, or Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, and barely Johnny Cash. Nobody spoke that language. I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marty-stuart/nobody-in-my-school-knew-who-bill-monroe-was-or-lester-flatt-and-earl/) [Marty Stuart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marty-stuart/) > [“You will always be my June, Tru." "And you're my Johnny Cash, Jake.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samantha-towle/you-will-always-be-my-june-tru-and-you-re-my-johnny-cash-jake/) [Samantha Towle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samantha-towle/) > [So many use dad's name, saying 'Johnny Cash would not like this' or 'Johnny Cash would do this' or 'Johnny Cash would vote for...…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-carter-cash/so-many-use-dad-s-name-saying-johnny-cash-would-not-like-this-or/) [John Carter Cash](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-carter-cash/) ## More by Rick Rubin > [There’s a tremendous power in using the least amount of information to get a point across.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-rubin/there-s-a-tremendous-power-in-using-the-least-amount-of-information/) [Rick Rubin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-rubin/) > [For me the Beatles are proof of the existence of God.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-rubin/for-me-the-beatles-are-proof-of-the-existence-of-god/) [Rick Rubin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-rubin/) > [Usually when I start a new project there's a fear of the unknown; maybe it's a band I've never been in the studio with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-rubin/usually-when-i-start-a-new-project-there-s-a-fear-of-the-unknown/) [Rick Rubin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-rubin/) > [I guess edgy things tend to get my attention.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-rubin/i-guess-edgy-things-tend-to-get-my-attention/) [Rick Rubin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-rubin/) > [My taste changes radically all the time, and I listen to whatever feels good. Another thing is that I'm in the studio so much…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-rubin/my-taste-changes-radically-all-the-time-and-i-listen-to-whatever/) [Rick Rubin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-rubin/) > [I was very lucky. My neck hurt and I went to my doctor, who was kind of hip, and he said it was stress-caused…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-rubin/i-was-very-lucky-my-neck-hurt-and-i-went-to-my-doctor-who-was-kind-of/) [Rick Rubin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-rubin/) > [The power of nature is what all art strives to be. The more we can get in tune with the harmony of the planet,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-rubin/the-power-of-nature-is-what-all-art-strives-to-be-the-more-we-can-get/) [Rick Rubin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-rubin/) > [In between 15 and 20 - probably at around 17 - my interests switched from hard rock to punk rock. And then by 20…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-rubin/in-between-15-and-20-probably-at-around-17-my-interests-switched-from/) [Rick Rubin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-rubin/) > [I've gotten to work with amazing people. I would say usually we get to a point before we get into the studio where there…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-rubin/i-ve-gotten-to-work-with-amazing-people-i-would-say-usually-we-get-to/) [Rick Rubin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-rubin/) > [Everything happens kind of the way it's supposed to happen, and we just watch it unfold. And you can't control it. Looking back, you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-rubin/everything-happens-kind-of-the-way-it-s-supposed-to-happen-and-we/) [Rick Rubin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-rubin/) > [I always feel like there's something magic in recording studios. There's a reason good music continues to be made in them. It's just some…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-rubin/i-always-feel-like-there-s-something-magic-in-recording-studios-there/) [Rick Rubin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-rubin/) > [Well I listened to mostly rock music, and I felt like hip hop was like an extension of rock music when it was done…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-rubin/well-i-listened-to-mostly-rock-music-and-i-felt-like-hip-hop-was-like/) [Rick Rubin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-rubin/) > [I don't know what makes someone hip. The goal is artist achievement and the best work we can do with no limitation.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-rubin/i-don-t-know-what-makes-someone-hip-the-goal-is-artist-achievement/) [Rick Rubin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-rubin/) > [I never made beats to make beats; I only made them when there was a record to make them for. That's one of the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-rubin/i-never-made-beats-to-make-beats-i-only-made-them-when-there-was-a/) [Rick Rubin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-rubin/) > [When you're vegan, you spend your time chasing protein, and you're eating food that's way too high in carbs. I could never catch up…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-rubin/when-you-re-vegan-you-spend-your-time-chasing-protein-and-you-re/) [Rick Rubin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-rubin/) [Explore all 37 Rick Rubin quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-rubin/) ## More Always quotes > [I think performing has pretty much always been a part of me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/isa-briones/i-think-performing-has-pretty-much-always-been-a-part-of-me/) [Isa Briones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/isa-briones/) > [I always thought if I was born 2000 years earlier, I would be a monk, probably carving a monastery or some giant pantheon buildings.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jenova-chen/i-always-thought-if-i-was-born-2000-years-earlier-i-would-be-a-monk/) [Jenova Chen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jenova-chen/) > [I always like a character who makes me laugh.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rachael-stirling/i-always-like-a-character-who-makes-me-laugh/) [Rachael Stirling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rachael-stirling/) > [It's always great to see old friends, especially those I have not been able to see in 15 months.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-regal/it-s-always-great-to-see-old-friends-especially-those-i-have-not-been/) [William Regal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-regal/) > [When you step out and do a song in a musical, the easier thing to do is make it funny. But when those transitions…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kelli-o-hara/when-you-step-out-and-do-a-song-in-a-musical-the-easier-thing-to-do/) [Kelli O'Hara](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kelli-o-hara/) > [I have really good lateral movement. I've always had quick lateral movement.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/austin-rivers/i-have-really-good-lateral-movement-i-ve-always-had-quick-lateral/) [Austin Rivers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/austin-rivers/) > [There is something magical about being able to feel somebody. And that is something that has always moved me with music.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maria-brink/there-is-something-magical-about-being-able-to-feel-somebody-and-that/) [Maria Brink](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maria-brink/) > [Mythology is something that always has opportunities to explore. 'It' has been on Earth for millions of years. He's been in contact with humans…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andy-muschietti/mythology-is-something-that-always-has-opportunities-to-explore-it/) [Andy Muschietti](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andy-muschietti/) > [It's not writing in the traditional sense, but I've always said that the writing process continues on the set and even into the editing…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-b-weide/it-s-not-writing-in-the-traditional-sense-but-i-ve-always-said-that/) [Robert B. Weide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-b-weide/) > [I always watch my matches back 100 times afterwards because that's how I improve. This is something I've always done, even in NXT.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mandy-rose/i-always-watch-my-matches-back-100-times-afterwards-because-that-s/) [Mandy Rose](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mandy-rose/) > [I've always been of the idea that is doesn't really matter where you are geographically - with 'Lonerism,' we made half the album in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-parker/i-ve-always-been-of-the-idea-that-is-doesn-t-really-matter-where-you/) [Kevin Parker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-parker/) > [It's very easy to fool yourself that you're working, you know, when you're really not working very hard. I mean, I'm very lazy. So…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-caro/it-s-very-easy-to-fool-yourself-that-you-re-working-you-know-when-you/) [Robert Caro](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-caro/) > [Whether it was Little League or playing with your brothers or sisters, that was always a problem. If I would lose - because I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cal-ripken-jr/whether-it-was-little-league-or-playing-with-your-brothers-or-sisters/) [Cal Ripken, Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cal-ripken-jr/) > [I always say if you put someone from a small town into a big city for ten years, then when they go back, they'll…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mike-colter/i-always-say-if-you-put-someone-from-a-small-town-into-a-big-city-for/) [Mike Colter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mike-colter/) > [Bayern is always a team that can win the Champions League title in Europe.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lothar-matthaus/bayern-is-always-a-team-that-can-win-the-champions-league-title-in/) [Lothar Matthaus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lothar-matthaus/) [Browse all 36,048 Always quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/always/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "I've always been an outsider. 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