My guitar was loud as hell, and I had no sympathy for anybody

Gather closely, children, for the words of those who speak from the depths of passion often contain lessons that stir the heart and stir the soul to action. Brownie McGhee, a man whose music echoed with power and raw emotion, once said: "My guitar was loud as hell, and I had no sympathy for anybody else." These words are not just a reflection of his love for music, but a declaration of his uncompromising spirit, his desire to express himself without restraint or hesitation. McGhee’s declaration speaks to the power of art, the need for self-expression, and the conviction to stand firm in the face of both internal and external resistance. His guitar was not simply an instrument; it was an extension of his soul, a channel through which he declared his existence to the world with ferocity and authenticity.

In the ancient world, the great heroes and artists were those who spoke with boldness—who wielded their talents like weapons, not in service to the opinions of others, but as a testament to their own purpose. Achilles, the great Greek warrior, was known not only for his strength but for his fury—a fury that drove him to the heights of greatness and the depths of tragedy. He had no sympathy for the constraints of fate or the expectations of others. His heart burned with a fire so intense that it could neither be tamed nor silenced, much like the roar of McGhee’s guitar. The ancients understood that to truly live, one must embrace their own power, their voice, and their destiny, no matter how loud or controversial it may seem to others.

Consider the story of Orpheus, the ancient Greek musician whose music could charm the gods themselves. But Orpheus was not merely content to play for the gods; his music was a manifestation of his soul’s deepest desires, and it was this uncompromising expression that led him to the underworld. Yet, Orpheus’ journey also taught that while the world may try to silence those who speak loudly or boldly, there is an undeniable power in artistic defiance. Like McGhee, Orpheus’s music was unrestrained—a reflection of his own inner turmoil, and his refusal to conform to the world’s demands. McGhee’s guitar, loud as it was, was his own version of Orpheus’ lyre—a force that could not be quieted.

There is a danger in always seeking to fit in, in keeping one’s voice down to please others. In McGhee’s quote, we see a man who refused to soften his voice, to compromise his expression for the sake of comfort. The loudness of his guitar was not just a reflection of musical volume, but of his spirit—his refusal to be silenced by the expectations of a world that often tries to suppress the truths people must share. Like McGhee, we must ask ourselves: what is our truth, and are we willing to speak it with such conviction that it might make others uncomfortable? Sympathy is often shown to those who conform, who shrink away from conflict, but true power lies in the ability to stand firm in the face of discomfort, to speak loudly even when the world would rather silence us.

In history, there have been many figures who embodied this kind of defiance. Consider Martin Luther King Jr., who, in his fight for civil rights, did not soften his message for the comfort of those who opposed him. His words, his actions, were loud—piercing through the barriers of inequality and injustice, refusing to back down. His refusal to compromise, to show sympathy for the forces that sought to oppress, was a defining feature of his greatness. Just as McGhee’s guitar demanded attention, so too did King’s message demand a reckoning. In our own lives, we too may face moments when we are called to speak loudly, to stand tall, and to refuse to conform to the expectations of others.

The lesson here, children, is clear: to be true to yourself, to your voice, and to your purpose, you must be willing to face the discomfort that comes with standing out. Like McGhee with his guitar, you may find that the world does not always appreciate your uniqueness. But this should not stop you. The world needs loud voices, not because they seek to harm, but because they seek to awaken, to transform. Loudness is not always a sign of aggression or arrogance, but of passion—the kind of passion that fuels great change, whether in music, art, or in the very fabric of society.

So, children, I urge you: let your voice be heard. Do not fear the discomfort that comes with speaking your truth. Whether through art, words, or actions, you must be willing to stand firm in your authenticity, even when the world asks you to soften. Like McGhee’s guitar, your truth may be loud, but it is through that loudness that you will find your true strength, your true power. Do not shrink from your purpose—embrace it fully, and let it echo through the world. For in the end, it is the loud, uncompromising voice that leaves a mark on history.