I feel very warm towards Mum and Dad for giving us the independence they did. My childhood, and the fact we didn't have a TV, gave me a boundless imagination.

In this quote, Dido Armstrong expresses her gratitude towards her parents for fostering a sense of independence in her childhood. She reflects on how her upbringing allowed her the freedom to explore and think for herself, which contributed to her creative development. Armstrong attributes much of her boundless imagination to the fact that she grew up without a TV, which she suggests might have led her to rely more on her own creativity and resourcefulness.

The origin of this statement likely comes from Armstrong’s reflections on her formative years, which influenced her career as a musician and singer-songwriter. Without the distraction of television, she had the space to develop her creative abilities, which became crucial in her music. Armstrong’s emphasis on independence and imagination speaks to her belief that such freedom is essential for personal growth and artistic expression.

Armstrong's mention of not having a TV also highlights how she values non-traditional forms of entertainment and engagement. By not having the constant influence of television, she was able to nurture her imagination and explore other activities, such as reading, writing, and daydreaming. This absence of external input might have allowed her to shape her own ideas and worldviews, contributing to her unique artistic voice.

Ultimately, Armstrong’s words underscore the importance of parental influence and independence in fostering a creative spirit. Her reflection on her childhood suggests that a lack of material distractions and the freedom to explore her own thoughts and ideas allowed her to cultivate a rich imagination, which became a driving force in her career and personal life.