--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: A song is such a short form ... that 'the…" description: "\"A song is such a short form ... that 'the slightest flaw seems like a mountain.' And so every song needs to be revised 'til it's close to perfection......" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7f5/stephen-sondheim-1556_achieve_a-song-is-such-a-short-form-that-the-sli_2448979.jpg" --- # A song is such a short form ... that 'the slightest flaw… ![“A song is such a short form ... that 'the slightest flaw seems like a mountain.' And so every song needs to be revised 'til it's close to perfection... But achieving perfection takes a lot of energy.” quote by Stephen Sondheim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7f5/stephen-sondheim-1556_achieve_a-song-is-such-a-short-form-that-the-sli_2448979.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7f5/stephen-sondheim-1556_achieve_a-song-is-such-a-short-form-that-the-sli_2448979.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7f5/stephen-sondheim-1556_achieve_a-song-is-such-a-short-form-that-the-sli_2448979.jpg) > “A song is such a short form ... that 'the slightest flaw seems like a mountain.' And so every song needs to be revised 'til it's close to perfection... But achieving perfection takes a lot of energy.” [Stephen Sondheim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-sondheim/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Songwriters must repeatedly refine their work because minor imperfections become glaring, demanding near‑perfect results that consume great effort. **In simple terms:** Songs need many revisions; small flaws feel huge. Key Takeaway Embrace iteration, but balance perfectionism. Themes creativity perfectionism revision craft energy Mood determined reflective Type advice inspirational When to use this quote - studio recording - live performance - songwriting workshops Key Concepts Artistic discipline attention to detail Questions to Reflect On - How many revisions are enough? - When does polishing hinder authenticity? A Different Perspective Perfection can stall progress if over‑pursued. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Energy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/energy/) [Flaws](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/flaws/) [Perfection](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/perfection/) [Song](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/song/) [Songwriting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/songwriting/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) ## Related quotes > [I started with the chorus of that song, kind of like a fun bouncy thing to play, and then one of the lines popped…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jorma-kaukonen/i-started-with-the-chorus-of-that-song-kind-of-like-a-fun-bouncy/) [Jorma Kaukonen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jorma-kaukonen/) > [Don't be afraid to write bad songs and then start over and re-evaluate. Songs are like plants, in that you grow them. 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