Music holds a significant place in people's lives, often affecting them deeply. It isn't that music is unimportant; rather, it has a powerful influence that can be overwhelming or hard to manage. The person in the quote acknowledges the strong impact music can have, which is why they have developed defenses to protect themselves from it. This suggests a conscious effort to shield themselves from the emotional or psychological effects of music.

It isn't that music doesn't matter: the reverse, as it happens. So my defences against it are very strong. Can you understand that? This reflects the idea that the importance of music can be a double-edged sword, prompting some to build emotional barriers. Their defenses are a necessary response to avoid being overwhelmed by music's power, emphasizing how profoundly it can influence one's inner life.