My last public performance for money was in 1967. For free, it was 1972, with the exception of two little one-shot, one-song things. But that's just for friends, out of friendship for the people involved, and also because it was fun.

In this quote, Tom Lehrer reflects on his career and the motivations behind his performances. He states, "My last public performance for money was in 1967. For free, it was 1972, with the exception of two little one-shot, one-song things. But that's just for friends, out of friendship for the people involved, and also because it was fun." Lehrer emphasizes that after 1967, his public performances were no longer motivated by financial gain but were instead driven by personal connections and enjoyment. The quote showcases his shift from performing for a living to engaging in music purely for the love of it and for the friendships he cherished.

The phrase "for free" indicates that after 1972, Lehrer performed only when he felt passionate about the cause or when it was an opportunity to connect with friends. This marks a stark contrast to his earlier years when he performed as a professional, earning money from his talent. By performing "for free", Lehrer highlights the shift in his priorities from monetary reward to personal fulfillment and enjoyment.

The mention of doing "one-shot, one-song things" for friends reflects Lehrer’s belief in the importance of genuine relationships over external rewards like money. His motivation for these occasional performances was rooted in friendship and the desire to support the people he cared about, as well as the fun he derived from it. Lehrer’s words reveal that, for him, the joy of performing was no longer tied to commercial success but to meaningful, authentic experiences.

In essence, Lehrer’s statement illustrates how his approach to performance evolved. What started as a career fueled by financial necessity shifted into an opportunity to connect with friends and enjoy music for the sake of personal satisfaction, rather than professional gain. It’s a reflection on the value of friendship and joy in art, over financial success or fame.