In this singing analogy we compare the sensation of singing to driving with the brakes on. When we sing, two things are happening at the same time.
First, we are attempting to express ourselves freely and emotionally. Second, due to a lifelong accumulation of inhibition, we feel a force trying to pull our sound back in the other direction, to dampen or dull the sound. This is like driving with one foot on the accelerator and one on the brake.
The main goal of vocal training is to replace inhibitory behavior with exhibitory behavior. We use vocal exercises and our attention to release unwanted muscle tension while, at the same time, training the muscles that need to be active and strong.