People just want to dig; they want to dance. They don't want to work all through the night, and neither do I. I like getting 'out there,' but communication should be occurring on more levels than heavy-laden philosophical.

In this quote, Kurt Elling, a renowned jazz singer and composer, speaks to the balance between work and creative expression, emphasizing that people, including himself, desire to engage in more enjoyable, spontaneous experiences rather than laboring endlessly. He suggests that people want to "dig" and "dance"—metaphors for enjoying life and creativity without being bogged down by the seriousness or pressure of constant work. Elling also expresses a desire for a sense of freedom and joy in his own life, rather than feeling overburdened by the demands of the artistic or professional world.

Elling continues by acknowledging that, like everyone else, he does not want to be caught up in the grind of working "all through the night." This highlights the need for balance in both personal and professional life. He values the opportunity to step away from the intensity of work to enjoy life’s simpler pleasures and embrace the spontaneity of creative expression, such as through music or dancing. This speaks to the idea that art and expression should be liberating rather than exhausting.

The quote also touches on communication, where Elling believes that interactions and creativity should occur on multiple levels. While philosophical or deep conversations are important, he suggests that communication should not be solely focused on heavy, intellectual discussions. Instead, it should be dynamic and multifaceted, including more lighthearted, expressive forms of exchange like music or movement, which allow for connection in ways that go beyond words.

Ultimately, Elling’s quote reflects his desire for a more holistic approach to communication and creativity—one that involves both intellectual and emotional exchange but also incorporates joy and spontaneity. His words call for a balance between work and play, and for communication that transcends the purely philosophical, embracing all the dimensions of human experience.