I was told a year ago by a voice therapist something which stayed with me. He said, "the reason for you singing is simply to share your essence."
I realised I was looking to be loved and respected when I played my songs to people, and, as Josh Ritter sings in 'Hello Starling,' "...I'm singing for the love of it, have mercy on the man who sings to be adored."
I couldn't agree more. So from now I do my best to share the essence of this music that has chosen me to sing it and leave the showman behind. The real 'Showmen' are the ones who step aside and let the torrent of music flood them and their audience.