who said its better to burn out than fade away

The phrase 'It's better to burn out than fade away' has become a popular quote among many artists, musicians, and writers. The idea behind this phrase is that it's more important to live life to the fullest and die young, rather than living a long life but wasting most of it.

This concept can be attributed to Neil Young, who first expressed it in his song 'Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black)' in 1979. The song is about the fleeting nature of fame and the importance of leaving a lasting impact while you're still alive. The lyrics also touch on the idea that people often strive for immortality through their work, but ultimately, nothing lasts forever.

The phrase has been echoed by many others, including Kurt Cobain, who referenced it in his suicide note. In an interview, Neil Young revealed that he had actually reached out to Cobain at the time, trying to encourage him to play music only when he felt like it. Unfortunately, Cobain misconstrued Young's message and took it as a sign to end his life.

However, this phrase is not just limited to rockstars or musicians. Many people can relate to the desire to make the most of their lives and leave a lasting impact. It's about living life with purpose and passion, rather than just going through the motions.

As Chris Bosh once said, 'I'd rather die young than fade away.' This quote highlights the idea that it's better to live a short but meaningful life than to spend years wasting your potential. Kobe Bryant also expressed this sentiment when he said, 'Back down and then fade away' from the basket.

The phrase has also been reflected in popular culture. In Ridley Scott's Blade Runner, one of the characters says, 'The light that burns twice as bright burns half as long.' This line captures the essence of the idea behind 'It's better to burn out than fade away.'

Ultimately, the truth behind this phrase is that it's not about living a long life or dying young. It's about making sure that you've lived your life to the fullest and have used up all your available light. As Neil Young once said, 'The needle and the damage done' refers to the lives cut short by addiction, but it also serves as a reminder to make the most of our time on earth.

In conclusion, 'It's better to burn out than fade away' is a powerful phrase that has captured the hearts and minds of many. It's a call to action to live life with purpose, passion, and meaning, and to make sure that we've used up all our available light before it's too late.

Who said its better to burn out than fade away