With your quote "Those who know that they are profound strive for clarity. Those who would like to seem profound strive for obscurity" - I think that it works in terms of teaching, not necessarily art. When it comes to having great ideas, I truly believe it shows deep understanding if one can communicate simply and clearly. But in terms of art and literature, sometimes so much value is found in the intricacy... there is beauty in it, cleverness to be appreciated by those who can play the game and get it.
As to Joanna, I think that yes, some of her songs are either too personal for the specific situation to come out in her words, or so artistic, stream-of-consciousness and abstract that a simple single meaning cannot be pinned down. But on the other hand, I believe she is not speaking gibberish! When she uses conceits, for example, usually the whole song can be worked out if you try... there are interpretations that work, and then there are some which destroy the integrity of the text, and that in itself shows some absolute nature in the meaning. Then the metaphor can be applied in various ways. Speculated upon if you wish. Applied to real life and real feelings certainly.
With your quote "Those who know that they are profound strive for clarity. Those who would like to seem profound strive for obscurity" - I think that it works in terms of teaching, not necessarily art. When it comes to having great ideas, I truly believe it shows deep understanding if one can communicate simply and clearly. But in terms of art and literature, sometimes so much value is found in the intricacy... there is beauty in it, cleverness to be appreciated by those who can play the game and get it.
As to Joanna, I think that yes, some of her songs are either too personal for the specific situation to come out in her words, or so artistic, stream-of-consciousness and abstract that a simple single meaning cannot be pinned down. But on the other hand, I believe she is not speaking gibberish! When she uses conceits, for example, usually the whole song can be worked out if you try... there are interpretations that work, and then there are some which destroy the integrity of the text, and that in itself shows some absolute nature in the meaning. Then the metaphor can be applied in various ways. Speculated upon if you wish. Applied to real life and real feelings certainly.