The John Hiatt thread the other day, gave me a question to ask..

He's still touring, making albums, and writing songs. Should be set up with some of the hits he's written. I'd say he has everything but insane levels of stardom and money.

Everyone dreams of the huge career, stardom, money, etc.
Most have to be satisfied with something less. If you can do that, and keep making the music you want to, You're way ahead of the game.

I want to be able to see the world through my music, and to write lyrics that a big sold out crowd sings back to me. I want my music to make a positive difference in someone’s life. I want to write a song someone dances to at their wedding, that someone has their first kiss to, that people make memories to. I want to walk in a bar and hear a run of the mill cover band playing one of my songs having no idea I’m there. I want to hear some drunk girl then yell “this is my jam!”

I just want to make something that becomes important in the lives of listeners.

He's also well respected in the industry. That is an underrated quality to value next to fame and fortune, mostly because it can lead to fortune if you use it efficiently.