--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I've been playing music for a long time…" description: "\"I've been playing music for a long time, mostly to empty rooms. That's not me getting the violin out. That's the reality for so many people. Absolutely..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ce2/sam-ryder-7051_ambition_i-ve-been-playing-music-for-a-long-time_2093272.jpg" --- # I've been playing music for a long time, mostly to empty… ![“I've been playing music for a long time, mostly to empty rooms. That's not me getting the violin out. That's the reality for so many people. Absolutely grafting, carrying on regardless with a sort of blind ambition, believing that you'll make it one day and it might not be tomorrow.” quote by Sam Ryder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ce2/sam-ryder-7051_ambition_i-ve-been-playing-music-for-a-long-time_2093272.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ce2/sam-ryder-7051_ambition_i-ve-been-playing-music-for-a-long-time_2093272.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ce2/sam-ryder-7051_ambition_i-ve-been-playing-music-for-a-long-time_2093272.jpg) > “I've been playing music for a long time, mostly to empty rooms. That's not me getting the violin out. That's the reality for so many people. Absolutely grafting, carrying on regardless with a sort of blind ambition, believing that you'll make it one day and it might not be tomorrow.” [Sam Ryder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-ryder/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The musician describes playing for empty rooms, reflecting the struggle of perseverance despite doubt and the hope of future success. **In simple terms:** Playing for empty rooms, yet persisting with blind ambition. Key Takeaway Keep practicing despite lack of immediate audience. Themes perseverance ambition music Mood determined hopeful Type motivational inspirational When to use this quote - rehearsals - street performances - online streaming - career building Key Concepts resilience hope creative struggle Questions to Reflect On - What motivates you when no one listens? - How can you turn empty rooms into opportunities? A Different Perspective Success may remain elusive without strategic exposure. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Ambition](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ambition/) [Blind ambition](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/blind-ambition/) [Getting Violin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/getting-violin-4147059/) [Long](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/long/) [Long time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/long-time/) [Music](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/music/) [Music Long](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/music-long-603690/) [Playing music](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/playing-music/) [Reality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reality/) [Song](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/song/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) [Violin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/violin/) [Violin Reality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/violin-reality-4147058/) ## Related quotes > [I think it's just my personality, or maybe just because I've been playing music for so long and working so hard at it, that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/natalie-prass/i-think-it-s-just-my-personality-or-maybe-just-because-i-ve-been/) [Natalie Prass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/natalie-prass/) > [Playing music for as long as I had been playing music and then getting a shot at making a record and at having an…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eddie-vedder/playing-music-for-as-long-as-i-had-been-playing-music-and-then/) [Eddie Vedder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eddie-vedder/) > [I'm going to let love lead the way, always. And I was born with this blind - blind ambition, and it's kind of gotten…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/katy-perry/i-m-going-to-let-love-lead-the-way-always-and-i-was-born-with-this/) [Katy Perry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/katy-perry/) > [It's a test of ultimate will The heartbreak climb uphill Got to pick up the pace If you want to stay in the race…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neil-peart/it-s-a-test-of-ultimate-will-the-heartbreak-climb-uphill-got-to-pick/) [Neil Peart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neil-peart/) > [America spells competition, join us in the blind ambition, get yourself a brand new motor car.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/styx/america-spells-competition-join-us-in-the-blind-ambition-get-yourself/) [Styx](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/styx/) > [We got to roll with the punches, play all of our hunches, make the best of whatever comes your way. Forget that blind ambition,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jimmy-buffett/we-got-to-roll-with-the-punches-play-all-of-our-hunches-make-the-best/) [Jimmy Buffett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jimmy-buffett/) > [Forget that blind ambition, and learn to trust your intuition.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jimmy-buffett/forget-that-blind-ambition-and-learn-to-trust-your-intuition/) [Jimmy Buffett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jimmy-buffett/) > [“Subsequently there ensues an epoch of complex, proliferating intrigues and conspiracies among the ranks of double agents, whose agendas become so densely intertwined that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-ligotti/subsequently-there-ensues-an-epoch-of-complex-proliferating-intrigues/) [Thomas Ligotti](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-ligotti/) > [My theory about L.A. is that it's almost like you have an allergy that's dormant and just need to be put in the right…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-seder/my-theory-about-l-a-is-that-it-s-almost-like-you-have-an-allergy-that/) [Sam Seder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-seder/) > [Cage of freedom, that's our prison; we're the jailer and captive combined Cage of freedom, cast in power; all the trappings of our own…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jon-anderson/cage-of-freedom-that-s-our-prison-we-re-the-jailer-and-captive/) [Jon Anderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jon-anderson/) > [Talent is crucial. It needs to be driven by motivation, but blind ambition isn't the key.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lily-cole/talent-is-crucial-it-needs-to-be-driven-by-motivation-but-blind/) [Lily Cole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lily-cole/) > [In his writings, Patton was shameless about his ambition to woo Lena to be his bride. He detailed the gradual progress he made, playing…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brandon-mull/in-his-writings-patton-was-shameless-about-his-ambition-to-woo-lena/) [Brandon Mull](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brandon-mull/) > [The thing I stress to my fans is that I've been making big, universally friendly-type music for a long time now. I never really…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/machine-gun-kelly/the-thing-i-stress-to-my-fans-is-that-i-ve-been-making-big/) [Machine Gun Kelly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/machine-gun-kelly/) > [I've been making music for a long time, since I was very young, but at the same time, I'm still exploring what works for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zedd/i-ve-been-making-music-for-a-long-time-since-i-was-very-young-but-at/) [Zedd](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zedd/) > [I studied classical music for a long time, maybe 10 years, and I realized finally I was never going to have the hands to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leon-russell/i-studied-classical-music-for-a-long-time-maybe-10-years-and-i/) [Leon Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leon-russell/) ## More by Sam Ryder > [All I can do is focus on doing my best work.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-ryder/all-i-can-do-is-focus-on-doing-my-best-work/) [Sam Ryder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-ryder/) > [I just sang to my CD player non-stop. Until you leave your bedroom... to do your first gigs you're essentially doing hours and hours…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-ryder/i-just-sang-to-my-cd-player-non-stop-until-you-leave-your-bedroom-to/) [Sam Ryder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-ryder/) > [Some of my earliest memories are singing along to Freddie Mercury in the back of my mum and dad's car.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-ryder/some-of-my-earliest-memories-are-singing-along-to-freddie-mercury-in/) [Sam Ryder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-ryder/) > [I ran into a friend when I was seven years old and we both still have scars as a result. We were playing Bulldog…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-ryder/i-ran-into-a-friend-when-i-was-seven-years-old-and-we-both-still-have/) [Sam Ryder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-ryder/) > [I'm not interested in trying to impress anyone with my journey. I'd rather use my energy to encourage people that aren't where they want…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-ryder/i-m-not-interested-in-trying-to-impress-anyone-with-my-journey-i-d/) [Sam Ryder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-ryder/) > [I was just an idiot with a guitar trying to play in pubs and clubs.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-ryder/i-was-just-an-idiot-with-a-guitar-trying-to-play-in-pubs-and-clubs/) [Sam Ryder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-ryder/) > [Isn't it strange that somebody smiling is so noticeable? I've always smiled. It was part of my armoury when I was 14 and had…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-ryder/isn-t-it-strange-that-somebody-smiling-is-so-noticeable-i-ve-always/) [Sam Ryder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-ryder/) > [I was a flea on a dog. I was just hopping between bands. It was valuable to learn that way, the tours in transit…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-ryder/i-was-a-flea-on-a-dog-i-was-just-hopping-between-bands-it-was/) [Sam Ryder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-ryder/) > [I measure my life in encounters and conversations with people and I've had a nice time.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-ryder/i-measure-my-life-in-encounters-and-conversations-with-people-and-i/) [Sam Ryder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-ryder/) > [The staff at Buckingham Palace are amazing. They are so quintessentially British in their comedy. Like sort of going 'Welcome to the big house,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-ryder/the-staff-at-buckingham-palace-are-amazing-they-are-so/) [Sam Ryder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-ryder/) > [I'm quite stubborn.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-ryder/i-m-quite-stubborn/) [Sam Ryder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-ryder/) > [I love singing. It doesn't matter whether it's at a wedding or to nobody in Leeds.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-ryder/i-love-singing-it-doesn-t-matter-whether-it-s-at-a-wedding-or-to/) [Sam Ryder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-ryder/) > [Absolutely I believe. If you don't believe in aliens, you're not working your imagination enough.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-ryder/absolutely-i-believe-if-you-don-t-believe-in-aliens-you-re-not/) [Sam Ryder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-ryder/) > [I remember getting a message from Justin Bieber saying 'hey, I just sent your video to Sia' and then she posted it on her…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-ryder/i-remember-getting-a-message-from-justin-bieber-saying-hey-i-just/) [Sam Ryder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-ryder/) > [I'm brushing my teeth and then Justin Bieber gets into my DMs, and we're chatting. So every time I like see Justin now I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-ryder/i-m-brushing-my-teeth-and-then-justin-bieber-gets-into-my-dms-and-we/) [Sam Ryder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-ryder/) [Explore all 95 Sam Ryder quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-ryder/) ## More Ambition quotes > [Ambition drives you on, ability certainly helps, but the fickle finger of fate and luck are great things.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fergus-henderson/ambition-drives-you-on-ability-certainly-helps-but-the-fickle-finger/) [Fergus Henderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/fergus-henderson/) > [One needs more than ambition and talent to make a success of anything, really. There must be love and a vocation.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jessye-norman/one-needs-more-than-ambition-and-talent-to-make-a-success-of-anything/) [Jessye Norman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jessye-norman/) > [I just think my own ambition would not allow me to sit on the gifts that my creator had given me. And so that's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/janelle-monae/i-just-think-my-own-ambition-would-not-allow-me-to-sit-on-the-gifts/) [Janelle Monae](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/janelle-monae/) > [A man's worth is no greater than the worth of his ambitions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/a-man-s-worth-is-no-greater-than-the-worth-of-his-ambitions/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I'm hungry and ambitious.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/julen-lopetegui/i-m-hungry-and-ambitious/) [Julen Lopetegui](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/julen-lopetegui/) > [“I was ambitious and desperate to direct my first film, so I capitulated and blew it. Never again. Never fucking again.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/craig-ferguson/i-was-ambitious-and-desperate-to-direct-my-first-film-so-i/) [Craig Ferguson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/craig-ferguson/) > [I was always attracted most to joining City, and I am pleased to be at such a good club with such a big ambition…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edin-dzeko/i-was-always-attracted-most-to-joining-city-and-i-am-pleased-to-be-at/) [Edin Dzeko](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edin-dzeko/) > [Work towards your goal and dont watch the post size,its either they hate,or like you.there is no room for both sides.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/isaac-buabeng/work-towards-your-goal-and-dont-watch-the-post-size-its-either-they/) [Isaac Buabeng](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/isaac-buabeng/) > [“But young men have not only this frivolous ambition of being thought masters of execution, inciting them on the one hand, but also their…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/but-young-men-have-not-only-this-frivolous-ambition-of-being-thought/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I almost never have a plan for myself... I'm not ambitious in that way.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martha-plimpton/i-almost-never-have-a-plan-for-myself-i-m-not-ambitious-in-that-way/) [Martha Plimpton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martha-plimpton/) > [I play for high stakes and given an audience - there is no act too daring or too noble.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/winston-churchill/i-play-for-high-stakes-and-given-an-audience-there-is-no-act-too/) [Winston Churchill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/winston-churchill/) > [There's nothing worse than a leader who lacks ambition.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/there-s-nothing-worse-than-a-leader-who-lacks-ambition/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [If i can't even protect my captain's dream, then whatever ambition i have is nothing but talk..](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zoro/if-i-can-t-even-protect-my-captain-s-dream-then-whatever-ambition-i/) [Zoro](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zoro/) > [It may seem unattainable but if you put actions, your heart and your mind into it, you will prevail.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/london-mond/it-may-seem-unattainable-but-if-you-put-actions-your-heart-and-your/) [London Mond](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/london-mond/) > [Obligation is what's leading us to toward successful, and what keeps us moving towards the future.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wazim-shaw/obligation-is-what-s-leading-us-to-toward-successful-and-what-keeps/) [Wazim Shaw](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wazim-shaw/) [Browse all 4,601 Ambition quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ambition/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "I've been playing music for a long time, mostly to empty rooms. 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