Musicians add to songs and they evolve: For as was true of human effort, there was never advancement. Everything added meant something lost, and about as often as not the thing lost was preferable to the thing gained, so that over time we'd be lucky if we just broke even. Any thought otherwise was empty pride. p. 380
In "Cold Mountain," Charles Frazier reflects on the nature of musical evolution, suggesting that as musicians contribute to their craft, they inevitably change it in ways that may not always be beneficial. He points out that every addition or innovation carries with it the loss of something original, and this trade-off often leaves artists and audiences feeling ambivalent about progress. Rather than seeing advancement as purely positive, Frazier cautions against the pride that can emerge from believing that improvements are without sacrifices.
This perspective highlights the complexity of artistic development, emphasizing that the process is not simply a linear trajectory of growth. The intricacies of creation often result in a balance where what is lost can be as valuable, if not more so, than what is gained. Ultimately, Frazier invites readers to appreciate the nuanced relationship between tradition and innovation in music, suggesting that a sense of loss accompanies every artistic evolution.
