Quotes about Songwriters

Songwriters aren't always performers, and even performing songwriters aren't always the kind of show-biz performers you think they'd be. Votes: 4

Songwriters tell the truth. Votes: 3

Songwriters are still the brightest people in any room. Votes: 3

Songwriters write songs, but they really belong to the listener. Votes: 3

Songwriters tend to make records instead of talking to people. Votes: 3

Songwriters are expanding time rather than compressing time. My short stories tend to be old fashioned, with a beginning, middle and end. Votes: 3

Songwriters might write cynical, world-wise lyrics and constantly talk about money, but most of us are downright naive when it comes to business. Votes: 3

Songwriters can sort of get away with murder. You can throw out crazy theories and not have to back it up with data or graphs or research. Votes: 3

I don't deserve a Songwriters Hall of Fame Award. But fifteen years ago, I had a brain operation and I didn't deserve that, either. So I'll keep it. Votes: 3

Songwriters can't explain. You get an idea and you don't know where it's come from. And if you're lucky, you have a pencil or pen and can write it down. Votes: 3

I like this town, it's really great. They've put me in The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. This town is about music. It's about the kind of music I like. Votes: 3

Songwriting is the way of perpetual want. Songwriters are the blessed/cursed people. You will never have a moment's peace in your life. You will always be wanting the next song. Votes: 3

Songwriters always reminded me of that kid at school who would go around with his guitar, like, "Yeah, songwritin' man," looking wistful. That wasn't me - those kinds of people put me off. Votes: 3

Songwriters, you have to work - you have to wait for residuals. You have to pray that the song's going to be a hit. And then a year later, you might get a check. Votes: 3

I got behind that pencil and nothing happened for many years, but since they put me in the Songwriters Hall of Fame, I've turned around. I took a good look at myself and said, I think it's time to get back at work. Votes: 3

I see what other people do and what songwriters don't. They don't get out and take care of themselves. Producers turn themselves into a massive brand. Songwriters tend to be under someone else's umbrella. If you're building your own legacy, it can't be under an umbrella. Votes: 3

This is a turf battle. They are saying, 'The songwriters aren't getting paid.' Baloney. Songwriters are getting paid. They're paid sync rights and (mechanical) rights. They aren't getting paid for the public performance in a download because there is no public performance in a download. Votes: 3

I've never in my life bought a big piece of jewelry - like, 'I'm gonna get myself a big piece of jewelry!' Songwriters' lives are unstable and up and down. Even though mine has sort of has followed more of a going toward the sky trajectory. Votes: 3

I do remember actually learning chords to Beatles songs. I thought they were great songwriters. Votes: 2

I think a lot of songwriters would agree that it's often easier to find inspiration in misery. Votes: 2

I can speak for most songwriters - those breakup love songs are so easy to write, as far as the inspiration and all that. Votes: 2

I can only say thank you and thanks also to all of the great songwriters who wrote those wonderful songs that became number ones. Votes: 2

All we do as songwriters is rewrite the songs that have impressed us till we find our own voice. It's part of learning the craft. Votes: 2

When people who are songwriters say 'That's my property and if you give it away for free then I'll lose my incentive,' then, well, good riddance. Votes: 2

I think our storytellers - our songwriters should be great storytellers, and they should be mountain climbers and explorers, because music is something that can cross all different borders. Votes: 2

Then on to all the terrific american songwriters, from Tin Pan Alley to the Beatles, from Bob Dylan to Paul Simon. Whoever wrote and sang in the song form I have appreciated. Votes: 2

I will always really work hard to write as much as I can, but I also love sitting back and waiting on those big Nashville songwriters to send me some great songs, too. Votes: 2

Sometimes songwriters and singers forget that. They get a melody in their head and the notes will take precedence, so that they wind up forcing a word onto a melody. It doesn't ring true. Votes: 2

Anyone who knows the history of the Pete Best Band or the Combo, we were on the verge of breaking in in America. In the mid-'60s, I had great songwriters; we wrote some great stuff. Votes: 2

Having listened to great songwriters like James Taylor and Carole King, I felt there was nothing new that was coming out that really represented me and the way I felt. So I started writing my own stuff. Votes: 2

There's so much fear involved in trying to do something you don't know how to do that drugs and alcohol can become a big part of your life if you have an addictive personality or are very unsure, which most songwriters are. Votes: 2

You need to understand that a skilled professional songwriter can accelerate your success as an already talented musician. These people are writing every single day, so their craft is really sharp, and it's the best songwriters who consistently get on the radio. Votes: 2

I'm always looking for great songs, and not being much of a songwriter, I depend on great songwriters to send them to me. I go through tons of stuff, and sometimes you just find material that kind of fits and becomes something special. Votes: 2

I was at a picnic, and there were a lot of songwriters. I remember praying, 'God I wish you would give me a song.' About five minutes later, my ears popped, and I saw everybody in slow motion. Nobody knew what I was experiencing. Votes: 2

When I listen to my favorite songwriters, they have such simple melodies and chords. I occasionally manage to stop at the right time, but all too often I keep on going until I have way too many notes and words. But that's just what I do. Votes: 2

I never thought of myself as being a good songwriter. There are a ton of other people that are good songwriters, but I don't think I'm in the club. What I do well is perform, sometimes sing pretty good, and accompany myself well and arrange fairly well. Votes: 2

It may not be the most popular but there is a place for it. I think about the kind of music I love, acoustic, melodic, and I guess it kind of took a bit of courage on my part to think I could be one of those songwriters. Votes: 2

I think people who are artists, actors, singers, great songwriters, they tend to have a hyper state of emotion where they feel things very, very deeply, probably more deeply than the average person walking down the street where it may affect them, but not to the same extent. Votes: 2

When I'm writing a song, it's just me and the songwriters. Then when the song is done, there are publishers that hear it, then people in my management, then my wife and my boys and my friends, and if they're all lovin' it, it's kind of withstanding all the criticism I need. Votes: 2

I found that so many people in the music business started out as metalheads in the Eighties - whether they're songwriters, producers, engineers or executives, and no matter what they look like, with short hair, suits or whatever. I feel like my generation of metal kids really tends to populate the music world to a large extent. Votes: 2

The '60s was a magical time in the music business. So much creativity and talent. I think a lot of it came from the fact that we had grown up before rock n' roll. We listened to all the great songwriters and big bands, songs with great lyrics and melodies. I think that really influenced everybody. Votes: 2

You wind up creating from silence, like painting a picture on a blank canvas that could bring tears to somebody's eyes. As songwriters, our blank canvas is silence. Then we write a song from an idea that can change somebody's life. Songwriting is the closest thing to magic that we could ever experience. That's why I love songwriting. Votes: 2

The immediacy of the technology of the web allows us, as songwriters, to write something very sharp and quick. That has a lot to do with helping a songwriter be more reflective of reality, instead of being in an area where you have to process things. It's the difference between processing fish and catching it in a boat. Votes: 2

Today, I'd like to talk to Bob Marley. I'd just like to ask him what was his method. Bob is one of the greatest songwriters ever. I don't know if people understand how powerful his songs are and the simplicity and genius behind them, from 'Redemption Song' to 'Is This Love?' and 'I Shot the Sheriff.' Votes: 2

I love female singer-songwriters! Votes: 0

All songwriters are links in a chain. Votes: 0

Carole King is one of my all-time favorite songwriters. Votes: 0

Probably most successful songwriters have an innate songwriting ability. Votes: 0

I hate when songwriters refer to their songs as babies. Votes: 0

The line between producers, songwriters, and remixers is so thin. Votes: 0

I loved hard-rock bands, and I loved songwriters who told stories. Votes: 0

I never trust songwriters who talk about what their song is about. Votes: 0

Traditionally, songwriters can't sing. And that holds true in my case, also. Votes: 0

(For songwriters) Development of your facility as a musician is also important. Votes: 0

Maia Sharp is one of America's great singer-songwriters. Her storytelling runs profound and Votes: 0

People expect not just songwriters but all personalities to pontificate about their egos. Votes: 0

Before the Beatles, songwriters were very anonymous people and nobody paid any attention to them. Votes: 0

A lot of the great songwriters in history have been collaborators, with a separate lyricist. Votes: 0

I have really been blessed in my career with some wonderful songwriters and in turn, songs. Votes: 0

There's a lot for screenwriters to steal from songwriters, in terms of getting to the point. Votes: 0

One other thing, if it's possible, as songwriters, you should also develop yourself as record producers. Votes: 0

I'm probably much more influenced by film-makers and painters than I am by other songwriters or poets, Votes: 0

And I can say this, most of the people who have recorded my songs are songwriters themselves. Votes: 0

I feel there must be an enormous amount of really talented songwriters out there who can't sing. Votes: 0

I'm probably much more influenced by film-makers and painters than I am by other songwriters or poets. Votes: 0

Paul McCartney, one of the best songwriters of all time, has only produced manure for the past 25 years. Votes: 0

I want people to have a good time. It's boring only to hear singer/songwriters spilling their guts. Votes: 0

I want people to have a good time. Its boring only to hear singer/songwriters spilling their guts. Votes: 0

The songwriters whom we think of being the greatest songwriters usually write one hit and six or seven flops. Votes: 0

Frequently, as so many poets and psalmists and songwriters have said, the invisible shift happens through the broken places. Votes: 0

I think Im different from a lot of singer-songwriters because some of my favorite singer-songwriters told stories. Like John Prine. Votes: 0

We as songwriters are in the same position as a professional fisherman. Our fishing grounds are kind of fished out. Votes: 0

I do have a romantic interest in outlasting everybody else. There's a sort of sad machismo to singer-songwriters, I think. Votes: 0

I think I'm different from a lot of singer-songwriters because some of my favorite singer-songwriters told stories. Like John Prine. Votes: 0

Spotify has paid more than two billion dollars to labels, publishers and collecting societies for distribution to songwriters and recording artists. Votes: 0

As would-be songwriters, our interest was in black music and black music only. We wanted to write songs for black voices. Votes: 0

I like singer-songwriters, and I find sad songs comforting rather than depressing. It makes you realise you're not alone in the world. Votes: 0

Bad facts make bad law, and people who write bad laws are in my opinion more dangerous than songwriters who celebrate sexuality. Votes: 0

The focus is on singer/songwriters now rather than huge shows. I mean, of course there's always a place for that too. Votes: 0

A lot of people do not like singer-songwriters, and a lot of people who like them do not like hard rock. It's either-or. Votes: 0

I don't know why songwriters struggle. They have to, I guess. If you're a young songwriter, quit struggling. It makes you look bad. Votes: 0

As far as songwriters, I've always been a fan of Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, and George Gershwin; those guys mean a lot to me. Votes: 0

One of my favorite songs is 'Ghost' by Indigo Girls. Emily Saliers wrote that, and she is one of the most talented songwriters ever. Votes: 0

There are so many great songwriters that I love and respect, it's an honor to get the opportunity to sing any of their songs. Votes: 0

Sinatra was pretty astute - he used the best songwriters around, he used all the resources, he covered every song from the era basically. Votes: 0

Its hard to take in. One of our most talented singer songwriters has left us. RIP George Michael. Such sad, tragic news. 2016 please end. Votes: 0

Dorsey played the upright bass and steel guitar, as well as acoustic guitar. Johnny played acoustic guitar and together they were fabulous songwriters and singers. Votes: 0

When you research prolific songwriters, it is usually later in their career they write songs that they distance themselves from, or it's about other people. Votes: 0

So many artists who came out during that time, including myself, were able to get on radio. New forms of singer-songwriters developed out of that. Votes: 0

I find so many songwriters today are missing an element... either the production is amazing but the songs aren't, or it's the other way around. Votes: 0

I think a lot of singer-songwriters get compared to each other, but I'd like to think that what I'm doing is special and specific to me. Votes: 0

They're great instrumentalists, singers and songwriters and they have this unique way of blending contemporary with traditional. The result is this beautiful mix of timeless music. Votes: 0

Protest is patriotic. Since the beginning of musical time, American singers and songwriters have used their talent and bully pulpits to show us America's strengths and shortcomings. Votes: 0

One thing we have to remember as songwriters is that we have to consider that country music is the country's music. That doesn't mean that everybody's rural. Votes: 0

People expect not just songwriters but all personalities to pontificate about their egos - they just wanna see someone talking about themselves constantly. I'm not interested in that. Votes: 0

Alan's publishing company was in the Brill Building, and of course, the Brill Building was where all the songwriters hung out because that's where all the publishers were. Votes: 0

I enjoyed hearing people do their own songs. I became attracted to singer-songwriters. I became interested in them as people; was curious about what they wanted to say. Votes: 0

I kicked the door open, and I'm gonna hold my leg in there. I'm keeping the door open for all these amazing female singer-songwriters that are coming out. Votes: 0

I enjoyed hearing people do their own songs. I became attracted to singer-songwriters. I became interested in them as people; was curious about what they wanted to say Votes: 0

I wouldn't consider myself a songwriter at all. Maybe I piece together a certain little thing here and there, but songwriters are people who do this with sheet music. Votes: 0

There aren't more lady songwriters for the same reason that there aren't more lady doctors or lady accountants or lady lawyers; not enough women have the time for careers. Votes: 0

I don't think rock n' roll songwriters should worry about art. I don't think it comes into it...as far as I'm concerned, Art is just short for Arthur. Votes: 0

I've studied several guitar players and songwriters, mostly from Al di Meola to Dimebag Darrell, from Freddie Mercury of Queen to Kurt Cobain of Nirvana and Bradley Nowell of Sublime. Votes: 0

There are certain topics songwriters stay away from because it's hard to go there. I didn't sit down and go, 'I want to write something about my dad now.' Votes: 0

I think songwriters are more related to fiction writers. The Odyssey was a story in song. To me, that's so beautiful, all those painted characters, all those travels and adventures. Votes: 0

Nashville is one of the greatest places for the best songwriters in the world. It's been fantastic to live there and to raise our family there. It's a great town. Votes: 0

For me personally, I love art and artists of all mediums and we've seen madness is more often than not present in the greatest painters, poets, writers, and songwriters in history. Votes: 0

I’ve had the pleasure of hearing The Novelists perform live. They are gifted songwriters and talented musicians with strong lead voices. This is a band with lots of heart & soul. Votes: 0

I think my music is born out of the music that I personally like to listen to. I love amazing singer-songwriters and diverse artists but it's important to know your strengths. Votes: 0

Loretta Lynn was one of those ladies a long time ago that opened a lot of doors and paved the way for a lot of ballsy singer-songwriters who weren't just cute. Votes: 0

Singers, musicians, and songwriters don't want to use the word "acting" because we want it to be more real than that - we want it to come from us: naturally, truly, really. Votes: 0

I was part of the first wave of singer/songwriters but I was also in that first wave of singer/songwriters who experienced the music industry when technology started to take over. Votes: 0

I think perhaps people don't dig deep enough when they're looking for covers, so you get the same things covered over and over again and there are 'go-to' songwriters that people choose. Votes: 0

I'm wearing out this new Coal Men record. I think it's masterful start-to-finish. Dave Coleman is one of Americana music's great songwriters, and I hope this record gets the attention it deserves. Votes: 0

The songwriters whom we think of being the greatest songwriters usually write one hit and six or seven flops. That includes the Irving Berlins and the Hoagy Carmichaels, the Harold Arlens, Cole Porter. Votes: 0

A lot of times when songwriters get together and write a song... somebody will come in with a hook and a lot of times they come out with something that sounds a little crafty. Votes: 0

I was one of several songwriters I think interviewed [for Moana]. I'm a huge fan of Disney animated movies, and I've always wanted to write an animated score since I was a little kid. Votes: 0

And of course there's so much music in and around our family. I had a piano during Christmas because it's obviously useful through the season. There are so many people, songwriters, who are around. Votes: 0

If somebody says 'singer-songwriter' to me, the first person I think of is James Taylor. There are plenty of modern singer-songwriters, but there is something about James Taylor that has always resonated with me. Votes: 0

The best songs that I write usually come in, like, two minutes, and I think a lot of songwriters would probably say those kind of songs that come just like that are the good ones. Votes: 0

It's funny, I think after you are a star like Sting and you no longer think you need any guidance or aid - it would be great to see those stars work with other songwriters. Votes: 0

You know, there's still a lot of great songwriters out there who hand in songs. And there's a lot of brilliant singers and performers out there who sing other people's words. I enjoy doing both. Votes: 0

I feel like a lot of the singer-songwriters in my genre and in my generation have gotten more and more snooty about covering other people's songs. They believe that creativity is the intersect of expression. Votes: 0