Reflections on Hustle Culture
This is the Prize: A Reflection on Artistic Legacy and Personal Fulfillment
Armando Heredia’s song “This Is The Prize” is a poignant reflection on the cost of success in the creative industry, drawing inspiration from Johnny Cash’s rendition of Nine Inch Nails’ “Hurt.” Examining the lyrics alongside Heredia’s own notes on the song’s creation reveals a powerful message about the potential pitfalls of relentless ambition and the true value of personal connection.
The Influence of “Hurt”
Heredia explicitly acknowledges the influence of Johnny Cash’s “Hurt” in his writer’s note. He describes being struck by the image of Cash, at the end of his career, singing someone else’s song about pain and sacrifice. This image serves as a starting point for Heredia’s exploration of the reward for a life dedicated to creative pursuits.
The lyrics of “Hurt” itself provide a stark backdrop for Heredia’s reflection. Cash’s raw and vulnerable performance amplifies the song’s themes of regret, isolation, and the fleeting nature of earthly possessions. Lines like “What have I become, my sweetest friend? / Everyone I know goes away in the end,” and “And you could have it all, my empire of dirt,” resonate with Heredia’s own questioning of the value of worldly success.
The Cost of the Grind
Heredia’s lyrics echo the weariness and disillusionment hinted at in “Hurt.” He questions “what’s the prize at the end?” and “what do we get for the grind?”. These questions highlight the potential for burnout and disillusionment inherent in the relentless pursuit of artistic success.
Heredia paints a picture of his own grueling schedule, working tirelessly on his own projects before and after his day job. This “hustle and grind” mentality, while seemingly necessary in a competitive industry, leads him to question whether the ultimate prize is worth the personal cost. He wonders if the end result is simply to “end up like Cash, at the end of the day / Sitting at a banquet table / singing someone else’s song about being hurt and giving it all away?”.
Redefining the Prize
However, “This Is The Prize” is not simply a lament for lost time or a cautionary tale against ambition. Instead, Heredia shifts the focus from external validation to internal fulfillment. He suggests that the true prize lies not in material success or recognition but in genuine human connection and creative expression.
The turning point comes with the repeated phrase “What if?” Heredia challenges the conventional markers of success, suggesting that perhaps “all I needed all along was you, and me, and this song”. This simple statement reframes the narrative, prioritizing love, companionship, and the inherent joy of artistic creation.
Heredia rejects the pursuit of “things that they say are important” choosing instead to find contentment in a life free from the pressure of external validation. He imagines a scenario where he can “sit with” someone he loves, unburdened by the distractions of “what the world is hawking”.
The True Reward
Ultimately, Heredia concludes that “this is the prize at the end”. The repetition of this phrase emphasizes a shift in perspective. The true reward is not the “empire of dirt” but the simple act of creation and connection. The prize is the song itself, the shared experience, and the freedom from the relentless pursuit of more.
By drawing inspiration from Johnny Cash’s interpretation of “Hurt,” Heredia crafts a powerful message about the importance of finding meaning beyond the trappings of success. “This Is The Prize” serves as a reminder that the most valuable rewards are often found in the simple joys of life and the connections we forge with others.
This Is The Prize is the title song of an EP by the same name. It is available on most music platforms including Apple Music and Spotify.