Top quotes by Elton John

I grew up at my grandmother's house, and she had a beautiful garden. I used to hate mowing the lawn and weeding, which is what you do when you're a kid. I loathe gardening, but I love gardens, and I have two beautiful gardens. Votes: 46

I love the idea of the teachings of Jesus Christ and the beautiful stories about it, which I loved in Sunday school and I collected all the little stickers and put them in my book. But the reality is that organised religion doesn't seem to work. It turns people into hateful lemmings and it's not really compassionate. Votes: 40

And I'm afraid, in this day and age, trust, which I count so, you know, I love loyalty. I love trust. Votes: 29

I love every minute of fatherhood, staying up all night, changing nappies, kids crying, I find it really funny and inspiring. It connects you to the world in a new way. Votes: 27

I loathe gardening, but I love gardens, and I have two beautiful gardens. I can not bear gardening, but I love gardens. Votes: 22

I'm not everybody's cup of tea. But sometimes criticism can be hurtful. Be respectful. I'm a good piano player, I can sing well, I write good songs. If you don't like it, fair enough. But give me a break. Votes: 20

But you know, I have a pretty good relationship with the press and the paparazzi. It's just when they step over the line that, you know, enough's enough. Votes: 20

I love places that have an incredible history. I love the Italian way of life. I love the food. I love the people. I love the attitudes of Italians. Votes: 19

I grew up at my grandmother's house and she had a beautiful garden. I used to hate mowing the lawn and weeding, which is what you do when you're a kid. Votes: 13

I'm lucky enough and wealthy enough to be able to buy photographs and buy art that inspires me from day to day. I don't want a Picasso on my wall; it's great art, but it's dead art to me. I'd rather have a photograph by someone I've never heard of that really inspires me. Votes: 11

There is nothing wrong with going to bed with someone of your own sex. People should be very free with sex, they should draw the line at goats. Votes: 11

Jesus wanted us to be loving and forgiving. I don't know what makes people so cruel. Votes: 11

Well, I'm a huge fan of Ryan Adams, who's from North Carolina. And he's beginning to break really quite big. Votes: 11

Music has healing power. It has the ability to take people out of themselves for a few hours. Votes: 9

I'm so proud to be on a Kate Bush record; she's always marched to the beat of her own drum. Votes: 9

Because, I figured that, because I was a successful man, I was wealthy, I was, you know, seemingly intelligent - even that I am not intelligent enough to ask for help. Votes: 9

I rarely wear tennis shoes. I'm 5' 8', I hate being short. Votes: 9

And I trusted someone to look after me on the business side of life. Votes: 8

I mean, Sting is one of my great buddies and I love him to death. Votes: 8

When your persona begins to take over your music and becomes more important, you enter a dangerous place. Once you have people around you who don't question you, you're in a dangerous place. Votes: 8

I am such a Luddite when it comes to making music. All I can do is write at the piano. Votes: 7

The thing about Vegas is, I don't have to fly anywhere, and that really helps. It means I stay in one place for three weeks at a time instead of flying backwards and forwards. Votes: 7

The great thing about small children is they're portable, so we take them everywhere, but when it comes to 2015, Zachary's going to school, and I want to be there to drop him off and pick him up. I don't want to just be the father who reads them a bedtime story. Votes: 5

I'm a great lover of children. I never thought that one day I'd actually be a father, but I'm very pleased that I changed my mind. Children are extremely important. They are the future of the world. Votes: 5

I've got a great collection of photography. Votes: 5

I've got to do something to make up for all those self-absorbed and selfish years when I just, you know, was taking drugs, sitting in my room, doing bad things, whatever. Votes: 4

Well, I've had my fair share in Britain of battling the tabloids. Votes: 4

I do work a lot. I mean, most of my income, I would say, comes from live performances. And then you've got publishing, you've got record royalties. Votes: 3

I've had an amazing professional life, personal life, but at 64 to have a son who gives us that much love and enjoyment is, wow! Votes: 2

I was more ashamed that I couldn't work the washing machine than the fact that I was taking drugs. Votes: 1

I went to a mixed school and I can't remember being bullied at school, ever. I was quite large, in those days. Usually, if you're going to be a bully, you'll pick on someone who is small. I didn't bully anybody, and I don't remember being bullied. Votes: 0

I never thought of myself as being handsome or good-looking or whatever. Votes: 0

I used to get my money at the end of the week, buy my mum something, or buy a record, and that was it. Votes: 0

I never thought of myself as being handsome or good-looking or whatever. I always felt like an outsider. Votes: 0

There's a lot of hate in the world. Votes: 0

I think people should be free to engage in any sexual practices they choose; they should draw the line at goats though. Votes: 0

If there is a better singer in England than Craig David, then I am Margaret Thatcher. Votes: 0

Rock and roll came in and changed my life and changed the whole music scene forever, and then I grew to love R&B and Motown and all black music, gospel music. But I never dismiss any form of music. I listen to everything. Votes: 0

There ain't been no angels in heaven around since God invented girls. Votes: 0

Talk to each other. Never go to bed when you're angry with each other. Lady Antonia Frasier who was married to Harold Pinter said they never went to bed on an argument. Votes: 0

On Keith Richards: He's like a monkey with arthritis. Votes: 0

It was also great to have the Backstreet Boys appear on stage with me because I have gotten to know them all a little bit just recently, and not only are they great performers, but they also very hard working professionals and really nice guys. Votes: 0

The Backstreet Boys can sing their asses off. I'm not so sure about those other boy bands. But Backstreet Boys have my ultimate respect. Votes: 0

Bands today have to learn their craft by putting the hard work in that we did when we were young performers. Votes: 0

The French are useless. They can't organize a piss-up in a brewery. Votes: 0

I've got that resilient thing inside me. But I wasn't a happy bunny. Votes: 0

Hold me closer tiny dancer, count the headlights on the highway. Lay me down in sheets of linen, you had a busy day today. Votes: 0

Sweet freedom whispered in my ear, you're a butterfly, and butterflies are free to fly, fly away, high-away, bye-bye. Votes: 0

I think that's the graveyard of musicians, playing cabaret. I think I'd rather be dead than work in cabaret. It's just so depressing. Votes: 0

And the danger is - and it's happening - is we're seeing an incredibly big rise amongst young gay people, young heterosexual people as far as catching HIV, which is, you know, in an educated country like this or in Britain, it's frightening. Votes: 0

It's the circle of life, and it moves us all, through despair and hope, through faith and love, 'till we find our place, on the path unwinding. Votes: 0

I still want to play music but I don't want to look like Donald Duck while I'm doing it. Votes: 0

I love drag queens and I love going to see them perform because those people have got so much character and bravery. Such balls! I love people with balls. Votes: 0

But actually, my drug addiction thing, I was so stubborn. Votes: 0

When I say I don't have to write pop songs anymore, there's no way I'm going to get on the radio at 60 years of age unless I'm doing a duet with Gaga or I was on 'All of the Lights,' which was a Kanye West record that managed to get on the radio. Votes: 0

I'm enjoying everything in my life, but I think the element of surprise in show business is what makes us really love it, because one day you're sitting by the phone waiting to do something or not doing anything, and the next day you've got the chance of a lifetime. Those little phone calls don't come up so often, but when they come up, it's fantastic. Votes: 0

I want to do a musical movie. Like Evita, but with good music. Votes: 0

So excuse me forgetting, but these things I do You see I've forgotten, if they're green or they're blue Anyway, the thing is, what I really mean Yours are the sweetest eyes, I've ever seen. Votes: 0

As a child, as a teenager, I was kind of not allowed to wear fashionable clothes. Votes: 0

And I talked to my doctor, and I must admit, you know, I'm sometimes quite renowned for my outbursts and I was just very frustrated, maybe a little frightened. Votes: 0

Dave and I as a couple seem to be the acceptable face of gayness, and that's great. I've got to use that power to try and do what I can - or we have - to try to make the situations in Russia and Poland better. Votes: 0

People with HIV are still stigmatized. The infection rates are going up. People are dying. The political response is appalling. The sadness of it, the waste. Votes: 0

And there's no guarantee that if you get HIV and you take these triple therapies, or whatever comes along next, that they're going to be successful for you. Votes: 0

After claws and feathers, he took skin and bone, shaped it like an hour glass and made the angels moan. Votes: 0

I love football, but I'm sick of the World Cup. I don't even care about England. Votes: 0

We were both very much the same. We were both very impulsive. We both loved life. We both loved shopping. We both had a love of clothes, obviously, because he was the designer that I kind of wore forever and ever. Votes: 0

How dare you refer to my beautiful children as 'synthetic'. And shame on you for wagging your judgemental little fingers at IVF - a miracle that has allowed legions of loving people, both straight and gay, to fulfill their dream of having children, your archaic thinking is out of step with the times, just like your fashions. I shall never wear Dolce and Gabbana ever again. Votes: 0

We can't keep thinking of gay people as being ostracised; we can't keep thinking of Muslim people as being ostracised because of the fundamentalism that occurs in Islam. Muslim people have to do something about speaking up about it. We can't judge a book by its cover. Votes: 0

There's a time for everyone, If they only learn, that the twisting kaleidoscope moves us all in turn. Votes: 0

I'm glad I've given up drugs and alcohol. It would be awful to be like Keith Richards. He's pathetic. It's like a monkey with arthritis, trying to go onstage and look young. Votes: 0

Religion promotes the hatred and spite against gays. From my point of view, I would ban religion completely. Organised religion doesn't seem to work. It turns people into really hateful lemmings and it's not really compassionate. Votes: 0

I mean, in some cases with libel laws, you know, they can write things about people who have no course of action, because they can't afford to take legal action against them. Votes: 0

You can beat her, but don't mistreat her. Oh, don't believe that woman please. Votes: 0

Love's like a junkie, addiction's a fact. Passion's a monkey, you can't keep off your back. Votes: 0

I am the most well-known homosexual in the world. Votes: 0

I don't think you can recreate anything from the past. You can not do it. If you're going to go out and imitate a Motown sound, you can't do it, it's impossible because of the studios and players involved and the atmosphere. Votes: 0

My mum always used to buy a record every Friday. Votes: 0

Blue jean baby, LA lady, seamstress for the band. Pretty eyed, pirate smile, you'll marry a music man. Ballerina, you must have seen her dancing in the sand. Votes: 0

I've been following him since Space Oddity. And I've followed him from all those albums that didn't sell, like The Man Who Sold The World and things like that. Above all, apart from all the glamorous rubbish, the music's there. Ziggy Stardust is a classic album. Votes: 0

Mars ain't the kind of place to raise your kids, in fact it's cold as hell. Votes: 0

This overload is edging me further out to sea, I need to put some distances between overkill and me. Votes: 0

I've always wanted to smash a guitar over someone's head. You just can't do that with a piano. Votes: 0

Ask anyone. If it hadn't been for Elvis, I don't know where popular music would be. He was the one that started it all off, and he was definitely the start of it for me. Votes: 0

I saw you dancing out the ocean Running fast along the sand A spirit born of earth and water Fire flying from your hands Votes: 0

This life's a long old roadWe shouldn't have to walk aloneBut if you find the right companionYou won't feel so worn out when you've grownAll life is preciousAnd every day's a prizeAnd sometimes you'll find an answer in the sky Votes: 0

An agent is a person who is sore because an actor gets 90% of what they make. Votes: 0

I have no one to leave the money to. I'm a single man. I like spending my money. Votes: 0

We live in an age, in an era where there is so much negativity, there is so much violence in the world, there is so much unrest and people are at war, that I wanted to promote the word love and red signifies love. Votes: 0

Live for each second without hesitation Votes: 0

It was Scotty Moore's guitar riff [in "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You"] when he was doing The Steve Allen Show that got me into rock music. Votes: 0

I do like my rock stars to be a little larger than life. I don't mind the earnest ones at all, but I do like a bit of individuality. Votes: 0

Shock waves to a tired brain, sends that hungry lady to my door again. She's my shelter from the storm when I feel the rain, entertaining white powder. Votes: 0

I do like Britney Spears. I think she's cute. I think she's fun. And I like her records. You know, I'm not a pop snob whatsoever. I think she makes great pop records. Votes: 0

You can cage the songbird, but you can't make her sing. And you can trap the free bird, but you'll have to clip her wings. Votes: 0

When people go to rehab and come out, they go through a difficult period, but I never had that. Votes: 0

The worst thing you can do to a child, and I've seen it happen so many times, is the silver spoon. Votes: 0

I tour as many countries as possible, and I've toured every state in America, plus every province in Canada. Votes: 0

It's very important to have two tiaras when you're on the road; you never know when you'll be invited to something really formal. Votes: 0

Top dog, top hat, move that muscle, move that fat. Votes: 0

If you write great songs with meaning and emotion, they will last for ever because songs are the key to everything. Songs will outlast the artist and they will go on for ever if they are good. Votes: 0

I heard Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis, and that was it. I didn't ever want to be anything else. I just started banging away and semi-studied classical music at the Royal Academy of Music but sort of half-heartedly. Votes: 0

The whole point of being in this business and being blessed and being successful is that you're able to do things for your friends or your family, which means that they can have something special in their lives, too. Votes: 0

If I was to say what I am, I'd be a Labour man. I like Tony Blair a lot, I think he's a good man. And in America I'd definitely be a Democrat; I'd never be a Republican. Votes: 0

I don't have to compete in the charts. I can just be myself as a musician, a songwriter and play with the musicians that I really love. Votes: 0

I hate to say this, but I always listen to the music and the instrumentation first, and then grab on to the lyrics later. Votes: 0

When Little Richard used to stand up and play it was just fabulous, and Liberace had the candlesticks and the rings and the gift of the gab. The piano's is the most ungainly rock' n' roll instrument of all time but those two people transcended it, as did Jerry Lee Lewis. Votes: 0

Fame attracts lunatics. Votes: 0

Once I'd heard 'Modern Times' by Bob Dylan, it really changed the way I wanted to make records. Votes: 0

I think performers are all show-offs anyway, especially musicians. Unless you show off, you're not going to get noticed. Votes: 0

There's no pressure for me to go out there and say, I've got to have a top 40 hit because it's not going to happen. Votes: 0

Well, I was making a record, and I had to choose a name, because they said, you know, you can't make a record under the name of Reg Dwight, because it's never going to - you know, it's not attractive enough. Votes: 0

I've always been dead set against festivals - really suspicious and wary. Votes: 0

Yeah. I have been with David Furnish for eight years, now. Votes: 0

I'm addicted to working. I mean, I have a list of 100 countries I want to play in. I'm basically killing myself by travelling so much, for no reason whatsoever. Votes: 0

I have a much better relationship with the press than I did, I think because I stood my ground. Votes: 0

Well, as I was saying... everyone's so nice to me, usually. Votes: 0

I'm very relaxed. I have a family, I have a partner of 20 years, I have a wonderful life; nothing could be better. Votes: 0

It's just so wonderful to have someone in the house like a child to turn your attention to. It's not about you anymore, it's about this lovely little human being. Votes: 0

She's got electric boots, a mohair suit, you know I read it in a magazine. Votes: 0

There is such a thing as good interference from your record label. I don't think I get enough interference from my record label. Votes: 0

Don't let the sun go down on me Although I search myself, it's always someone else I see I'd just allow a fragment of your life to wander free But losing everything is like the sun going down on me Votes: 0

I suspected my homosexuality, but I'd never acted out on it because I was afraid of sex. It's awful to be afraid of sex. Votes: 0

Don't judge the picture by the frame, every man is not the same Votes: 0

I don't think there can ever be too many messages about AIDS. If you stop the education process, then people are going to think the problem is all over and done with. They'll think that it's OK to go and have sex again. Education is essential, especially among young people. Votes: 0

Sometimes when I'm flying over the Alps I think, ‘That's like all the cocaine I sniffed.' Votes: 0

It seems to me, sorry seems to be the hardest word. Votes: 0

I'm the ultimate record fan. I still go out and buy records. Votes: 0

George W. Bush was passionate about AIDS. And we had a 10-minute talk at the interval of a concert at the Kennedy Center about AIDS. And I was astonished about how well-informed he was and his commitment to AIDS. And so it's the typical thing of don't judge a book by its cover until you have read the book. Votes: 0

I've got to think about what I'm going to say very carefully. There's two avenues of thought: Do you stop everyone going, ban all the artists coming in from Russia? But then you're really leaving the men and women who are gay and suffering under the antigay laws in an isolated situation. As a gay man, I can't leave those people on their own without going over there and supporting them. I don't know what's going to happen, but I've got to go. Votes: 0

The great thing about rock and roll is that someone like me can be a star. Votes: 0

People say, "You should write lyrics" and I say I'm quite happy not to, because I like being part of that process where you write your version of what someone else's lyrics are saying to you, and that enjoyment has never changed. Votes: 0

I've only been interested in the artistic side of life. Votes: 0

I am totally against the war but violence is part of mankind and it's going to happen, but as musicians I think we've got to step up and say 'come on'. Votes: 0

He [Ryan White] had a kind of angelic aura about him. And his family, too, it's like, they are going through all this suffering, and I'm living this "Life of Riley" and I'm complaining about everything, and they are living this horrific life and complaining about nothing. Votes: 0

I grew up conservative because my mum was a conservative, and when I finally realized what conservatives were, I changed my mind immediately. Votes: 0

Once you have people around you who don't question you, you're in a dangerous place. Votes: 0

I'm not bored with my life. I'm not just making the records and touring, I would find that boring. Votes: 0

Johnny, can't you come out to play in your empty garden? Votes: 0

We are all God's people; we have to get along and the religious leaders have to lead the way. If they don't do it, who else is going to do it? They're not going to do it and it's left to musicians or to someone else to deal with it. Votes: 0

I've been going to Russia since 1979. I've been going quite frequently, and I've always had a wonderful rapport with the Russian audiences and with the Russian people. Votes: 0

When President Mbeki said, if you get AIDS, you can have a shower and it goes away. It's like, oh, come on. Or it's caused by poverty. We faced those kind of issues. But now, with the new regime, they have really woken up, paid attention. And when South Africa speaks, then the whole of Africa will listen. And I have got great hopes for that. Votes: 0

I have an optimistic view of everything. You have to, otherwise you'd go nuts. Votes: 0

They [sic] ain't gonna stop me from coming here, baby. Votes: 0

I can't talk about - as eloquently as everyone else about a prevention or medicine or, you know, funding, but I can talk about the human element, which is the main part of AIDS, because it comes to the human being and how they are being treated, what medicines they are on and what medicines they are not on. Votes: 0

We have come so far. It's become a real bipartisan cause, which I'm very happy to see. And in the case of America, and it's - certainly, without America, we'd be facing catastrophe. Votes: 0

I was just genuinely shy. I'd always been a shy kid. Votes: 0

They're [[harmaceuticals companies] just making a killing out of people's death. And they're benefiting by people's suffering. And I find that obscene. I find it ridiculous in this day and age, that that would happen. And it took President Clinton to go to rogue pharmaceutical companies to copy the antiretroviral drugs for a fraction of the cost. Votes: 0

The AIDS disease is caused by a virus, but the AIDS epidemic is not. The AIDS epidemic is fueled by stigma, by hate, by misinformation, by ignorance, by indifference. Science has accomplished miracles over the past 20 years, and science can now end this disease - but it cannot end the epidemic. We need more than medicine. We can do something about these things. We need to speak out about the changes we need to make in our society. Votes: 0

I just wish more of my fellow queers would come out sometimes. It's nice out here, you know? Votes: 0

I didn't really know what I was until I came to America and I had sex [for the first time] in San Francisco in 1970. It was with someone of my own sex. Votes: 0

I've always been a fan, so my enthusiasm has always been great, but it's never going to be the same as it was from 1970 to 1975. You cannot repeat that, but you can get inspired by searching, by being mystified. Votes: 0

The world is near escalating to World War Three and where are the leaders of each religion? Why aren't they having a conclave; why aren't they coming together? Votes: 0

I used to take hostages in my relationships and not let people be independent. It always ended in disaster, because you take away people's identity and they end up full of resentment. Votes: 0

I'm not walking around the stage; I'm not moving. Votes: 0

And it's one more beer and I don't hear you any more. Votes: 0

...I'm so over the tattoos and the T-shirts and rings through the noses. It's not pretty, it's not pleasant, it's not exciting. Please stop it now. Votes: 0

I just think you shouldn't expect people to pay money to see someone sing live and then lip-synch. Votes: 0

Everything I thought I'd hate about having children - the crying, the screaming - nothing fazes me. I love it all, and it's relaxed me. Votes: 0

I just go into the studio, look at the lyrics for the first time when I put them on the piano, and go. If I haven't got it within 40 minutes, I give up. It's never changed, the thrill has never gone, because I don't know what I'm going to get next. Votes: 0

All this science I don't understand, it's just my job five days a week. Votes: 0

On a street of right and wrong in every inch of sadness, rocks and tanks go hand in hand with madness. Votes: 0

I'd walk a million miles to give her what she needs. But she would walk a million more to do what she believes. Votes: 0

To forgive and be forgiven, if it's the last thing I do, then in death's release I may find the peace that in life I never knew. Votes: 0

Lawdy Mama, those Friday nights when Suzy wore her dresses down tight. Votes: 0

Poor cow, you'll get your dumb man. You'll see your whole life coming at you in the back of his hand. Votes: 0

I've always enjoyed and loved playing live. I relish and cherish it more than anything else because you never know what the performance is going to be. Votes: 0

The ugliest woman you'll ever meet, but she's mine and she's ugly. Votes: 0

Drunk all the time, feeling fine on elderberry wine. Votes: 0

You don't know being a performer what kind of performance you're going to give. You know you can give a certain quality of performance, but as I grow older I'm much more content in my own skin because when I come offstage, I have a balance in my life. Votes: 0

I get bombed for breakfast in the morning, I get bombed for dinner. Votes: 0

People in England are so bloody nosy. Votes: 0

I cannot bear successful people who are miserable. Votes: 0

I spent the last week of Ryan's life in Indiana, Indianapolis, with Jeanne and Andrea, Jeanne, his mother, Andrea, his sister, and some other beautiful people who came. And it taught me a lesson. Votes: 0

Basically, I wanted redemption for the way I lived my life beforehand, and that was the drugs, the drink, the loose sex, whatever... Votes: 0

I have a lot of money stashed away, but I do live my life from day to day. Votes: 0

It took a child. It took a child with a blood transfusion not only to wake me up, but to wake America up, basically. I mean, I read about his plight in a doctor's office in New York in a magazine. I was so outraged about it that I contacted the family. We became friends. I helped them move to another place in Indiana. And we became constant friends. Votes: 0

Daniel is traveling tonight on a plane. I can see the red tail lights heading for Spain and I can see Daniel waving goodbye. God it looks like Daniel, must be the clouds in my eyes. They say Spain is pretty though I've never been, well Daniel says it's the best place that he's ever seen. And he should know, he's been there enough. Lord I miss Daniel, oh I miss him so much. Votes: 0

I wasn't involved in anything. I wasn't out - you know, I know I wasn't in ACT UP. I wasn't with Larry Kramer. I wasn't by his side. I wasn't saying what I should do, because, by all accounts, I was a drug addict and an alcoholic. And I was living in a complete bubble of self-absorption. Votes: 0

The less I say the more my work gets done. Votes: 0

You get the same equal rights that we do when we have a civil partnership. Heterosexual people get married. We can have civil partnerships. Votes: 0

I don't want to be married. I'm very happy with a civil partnership. If gay people want to get married, or get together, they should have a civil partnership. The word 'marriage,' I think, puts a lot of people off. You get the same equal rights that we do when we have a civil partnership. Heterosexual people get married. We can have civil partnerships. Votes: 0

I never really made a full album in Los Angeles before. Votes: 0

Make this man a saint now, OK? Votes: 0

I knew about AIDS. My friends were dying right, left, and center. I did a record with Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, and Gladys Knight. I did a couple of benefits. Votes: 0

I've had my fills of cocaine and pills. Votes: 0

Well, we can't leave anyone behind just because they are sex workers or they are needle users, intravenous drug users, prostitutes. Votes: 0

Better to build a bridge than a wall. Votes: 0

And the stigma hasn't really changed that much in 31 years. You are still getting people - it's a shame-based disease. It's based on sexual transmission. And it's still shame-based. And until people feel strong enough and feel loved enough to actually open up and say, listen, I'm HIV-positive, then we are facing an uphill battle. Votes: 0

I'll not complain about your boring life, if you just leave me to mine Votes: 0

People who mock rap and say, "I don't like it" should go and check out Kanye [West] in the studio rapping, or Marshall, Eminem, when he's in the studio. It's a phenomenon. Don't knock it until you've seen it. It may not be your cup of tea, but don't ridicule it. Votes: 0

You and your oven are capable of great things,Remember, no two ovens are the same. Votes: 0

He [Ryan white] spoke to me that my life was out of order. My life was a mess. I had no values anymore. And he was so stoic with his infection. He wasn't bitter. He wasn't angry. He just was a kid. He wanted to go to school and play football, drive his car. And he had no bitterness about him. Votes: 0

I had a little Richard and that black piano, oh that sweet Georgia Peach, and the boy form Tupelo. Votes: 0

I've dodged so many bullets. Not just because of unsafe sex, but because of the amount of drugs I did, the amount of alcohol, the amount of work I was doing. I started the Elton John AIDS Foundation because I got so lucky. Votes: 0

Jesus wanted us to be loving and forgiving. Votes: 0

I went up to Prince and said 'I'm a big fan of your stuff' and he looked at me and just walked off...left me standing there like a ****. He's a prat, but a clever prat. Votes: 0

Children are extremely important. They are the future of the world. Votes: 0

Anyone who lip-synchs in public on stage when you pay 75 pounds to see them should be shot. Votes: 0

I am in deep shock. I have lost a beloved friend [George Michael] - the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist. My heart goes out to his family and all of his fans. Votes: 0

Ever since I had that interview in which I said I was bisexual it seems twice as many people wave at me in the streets. Votes: 0

From the start, I've always admired Eminem's thinking. That's the reason I wanted to appear on the Grammys with him when I was asked. Eminem has the balls to say what he feels and to make offensive things funny. That's very necessary today in America, with people being muzzled and irony becoming a lost art. Artists like Eminem who use their free speech to get a point across are vitally important. There just aren't many people in the world with balls that big and talent that awesome. Votes: 0

He's been dead for so many years, but I'm still trying to impress him. That's what gave me my drive. 'Look at me, Dad, I've succeeded.' Votes: 0

I don't want a Jennifer Lopez wedding or anything like that. A commitment ceremony would be a nice thing to do. Votes: 0

Don't you know I”m still standing better than I ever did. Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid. I'm still standing after all this time. Votes: 0

I've watched other people singing, I've become a much better singer. I've become a singer that plays the piano instead of a piano player that sings. Votes: 0

And I agreed with that, and I couldn't wait to change my name anyway, because I'm not too fond of the name of Reginald. It's a very kind of '50s English name. Votes: 0

I think Jesus was a compassionate, super-intelligent gay man who understood human problems. On the cross, he forgave the people who crucified him. Jesus wanted us to be loving and forgiving. I don't know what makes people so cruel. Try being a gay woman in the Middle East -- you're as good as dead. Votes: 0

Don't shoot me, I'm just the piano player! Votes: 0

I find that so many of my peers of my age don't listen to anything new. But I love the new. I love the energy of the new, the energy of the new act. The young are so important. The young give you the energy, and if you don't notice the young, and you don't give them credit and you don't listen to all sorts of music, then you're missing out on something. Votes: 0

When stars collide, like you and I, no shadow blocks the sun" - The One Votes: 0

Rocket Man, burning out his fuse up here alone. Votes: 0

Goodbye Norma Jean From the young man in the 22nd row Who sees you as something more than sexual More than just our Marilyn Monroe Votes: 0

You should never take more than you give Votes: 0

I just sit there and make up songs and sing to [my son] in gibberish. I'm very good at gibberish now. Votes: 0

It's so easy to write songs about misery and hard times and sadness. It's much more difficult to write songs about happy and chirpy stuff. Votes: 0

Don't be afraid to let her into your heart and when your down, don't try to carry the whole world on your shoulders. Votes: 0

Nothing should be an issue when it comes to sexuality in the first place. Music is the one artform where people feel comfortable coming out. Votes: 0

Cocaine made me talk forever. The most nonsensical rubbish that you could ever think of. Votes: 0

At heart I've always been a music fan. That part of me has never changed since I was a little kid, sitting in a room watching a record go round, looking at the colour of the labels. Votes: 0

Unless you show off, you're not going to get noticed. Votes: 0

I think religion has always tried to turn hatred towards gay people. Religion promotes the hatred and spite against gays. But there are so many Christian people I know who are gay and love their religion. Votes: 0

I hope you don't mind, I hope you don't mind, that I put into words, how wonderful life is, now you're in the world. Votes: 0

It turned out so well because it was the first album that I could identify with in terms of lyrics. ("Captain Fantastic") It was passionate...I could associate myself with every song...It's a unique album in our history. This was the story of us..."Curtains", the lyrics to that are so beautiful because it sums up our friendship so much, and our relationship. Votes: 0

I'm very relaxed. I'm very happy with my personal life. Votes: 0

When people go to rehab and come out, they go through a difficult period, but I never had that. I was so glad to be rid of all that crap that for me, to learn again and to function as a human being and participate in the human race again was pure joy. Votes: 0

This is a tremendous assest for the club, a tremendous headache lifted from our shoulders, really. Votes: 0

In the '50s, you weren't taught about sex whatsoever; it was never talked about. People used to sneak behind curtains and look at the neighbors, and if a girl became pregnant in your part of the world, she was shipped off to the countryside. Votes: 0

The only thing the record companies put out now is 'Best of,' Votes: 0

How wonderful life is while you're in the world Votes: 0

I'm a very wealthy man. Votes: 0

And these [pharmaceutical] companies are still threatening to sue. And it's like, you know, do you not have a conscience? Do you not want the world to be a better place? You're still making a profit. How much more of a profit do you want to make? Votes: 0

I'm 57, I can't look like a 30-year-old. You try to hold age at bay, but there comes a point when you just have to give up gracefully. Votes: 0

I love people who expect me to wear great, feathery costumes- and I do it. It's like an actor getting into his costume for his part. I don't really feel that part until I'm into whatever I'm going to wear. Votes: 0

It was Elvis that got me interested in music. I've been an Elvis fan since I was a kid. Votes: 0

It was awful to be afraid of sex, but that's what the '50s did to people. It was, 'Sex is disgusting, it shouldn't be talked about, nudity is disgusting, we just don't talk about those kinds of things.'" Votes: 0

So I am deeply saddened and shocked over the current legislation that is now in place against the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community here in Russia. In my opinion, it is inhumane and it is isolating. Votes: 0

I tried to commit suicide one day. It was a very Woody Allen-type suicide. I turned on the gas and left all the windows open. Votes: 0

You can call me a fat, balding, talentless old queen who can't sing, but you can't tell lies about me. Votes: 0

It's much too late to save myself from falling. Votes: 0

When a rumor doesn't go away it's not a rumor Votes: 0

I had to learn how to function as a human being. And I really enjoyed that process. Votes: 0

I had progressed as a performer, but I hadn't progressed as a human being. Votes: 0

I think Jesus was a compassionate, super-intelligent gay man who understood human problems, Votes: 0

Simon Cowell and I are great friends, and we wind each other up. Rod Stewart and I do the same thing. Votes: 0

But until we get rid of that shame, then people are going to stay underground, they are not going to get tested, and we're facing an uphill battle [with AIDS]. Votes: 0

I've never had a writer's block, but still I think: Is it going to happen this time? You never know what you're going to get; you just put your fingers on the keys and hope. Votes: 0

It's like trying to drink whisky from a bottle of wine. Votes: 0

I had no balance in my life. I was this one person onstage and this one person offstage, but [someone] who really didn't know much about living. Votes: 0

Take me to the pilot of your soul. Votes: 0

Your eyes have died, but you see more than I. Votes: 0

I'm the Connie Francis of rock 'n' roll. Votes: 0

Welcome to the world of bullshit, my dear. You have arrived. Votes: 0

When we started, I was delivering meals to people in Atlanta. We were a direct-care organization. And it was - people needed meals, they needed transport, they needed medication, they needed buddy systems. They had a death sentence. There was AZT, and that was just prolonging the agony, basically. Now people, of course, if they are on antiretrovirals, they face a lifetime of health, basically. I mean, it doesn't - it's I would say in the 99 percent certainty bracket that if you are on that medication, you will have a healthy life. Votes: 0

Chefs aren't celebrities: they're chefs. Votes: 0

Like a candle in the wind, never knowing who to cling to until the rain set it. Votes: 0

Well, I quit those days and my redneck ways. Votes: 0

I'm not going to go into Russia and tell [Vladimir Putin] to go to hell and things like that. That's not the way things are done. You chip away at something, and you hope there will be dialogue and that the situation can get better. You don't just go in there with guns blazing and say, 'Well, to hell with you.' Because they're going to say, 'To hell with you, and get out of the country.' Votes: 0

Who really needs a new album from me? Votes: 0

Love is the key we must turn, truth is the flame we must burn. Votes: 0

Loneliness was tough, the toughest role you ever played. Hollywood created a superstar, and pain was the price you paid. Votes: 0

He [george W. Bush] lived up - well, he was someone that I wouldn't have voted for. His policies were not mine. Votes: 0

I don't whistle at you down the street. I would if I could, but I can't whistle you see. Votes: 0

Tina Turner gave me the highway blues. Votes: 0

Onstage, it was always comfortable for me, because that's where I felt at home. Offstage, it was a different situation. I was still shy offstage. Votes: 0

My old man is drunker than a barrel full of monkeys, but my old lady she don't care. Votes: 0

A couple of sounds that I really like are the sounds of a switchblade and a motor bike. Votes: 0

What a scandal, if I die. Yeah, I'm gonna kill myself, get a little headline news. Votes: 0

If you're stuck at a piano and you're not a lead guitarist or a lead vocalist, you're kind of at a nine-foot plank and you've got to do something about it. Votes: 0

Don't show up around here until your social worker's helped. Votes: 0

As Elton John, my days on pop radio are over, and I know that and I accept it and I'm not unhappy about it. Votes: 0

It was Saturday late, have you seen my mates, can you tell me when the boys get here? Well, it's seven o'clock and I want to rock and get a belly full of beer. Votes: 0

I didn't have sex until I was 23 and that was with a man. I made up for lost time after that in a hurry. I wish I could have had sex when I was, like, 14, 15 or 16 because that's such an exciting age to have sex. Votes: 0

I guess that's why they call it the blues, time on my hands could be time spent with you. Votes: 0

Laughing like children, living like lovers, rolling like thunder, under the covers, and I guess that's why they call it the blues. Votes: 0

No tears to damn you when jealousy burns. Votes: 0

I get high in the evening sniffing pots of glue. Votes: 0

If you write great songs with meaning and emotion, they will last for ever because songs are the key to everything. Votes: 0

I'm a juvenile product of the working class, who's best friend floats in the bottom of a glass. Votes: 0

It'll take you a couple of vodka and tonics to set you on your feet again. Votes: 0

I loathe celebrity. I can't stand it. Votes: 0

And there are men behind bars who pray for the light and there are men in the suburbs who pray for the night. Votes: 0

I was ready to approach her with my English charm, when her brass knuckled boyfriend grabbed me by the arm. Votes: 0

The work became like the drug addiction, the clothes, anything in my life. It became - it's become an addiction. I'm addicted to working. Votes: 0

I want a love that don't mean a thing. Votes: 0

Getting paid for being laid, guess that's the name of the game. Votes: 0

I'm going to fight for human rights, whether I do it silently behind the scenes or vocally so that I get locked up. I can't just sit back; it's not in my nature. I can't sit back and blindly ignore it, and I won't. Votes: 0

I'm cold as a razor blade, inches from madness. Votes: 0

I love the way the American trade magazines never give anybody a bad review because they're afraid the advertising will be taken out. It's so hysterical. Votes: 0

I was sitting in the classroom trying to look intelligent in case the teacher looked at me. Votes: 0

Oh teacher, I need you like a little child, you got something in you to drive a school boy wild. Votes: 0

I'll even pay sometimes for a woman that's ugly. Votes: 0

I can't think of anything until I've got printed words in front of me. I never wake up in the middle of the night with a song in my head. Votes: 0

To fight the violence we must be brave, hold on strong to the love God gave. Votes: 0

Don't let the sun go down on me. Votes: 0

Someone saved my life tonight, sugar bear, you almost had your hooks in me, didn't you dear? Votes: 0

Until I can visualise what the lyrics are about and see the story or whatever, I can't hear the melody. Votes: 0

He'd been drinking in a bar downtown, when he thought he heard a choir of angels singing in the Tiki Lounge. And that's when he got religion. Votes: 0

Holy Moses, let us live in peace. Let us strive to find a way to make all hatred cease. There's a man over there, what's his colour I don't care, he's my brother, let us live in peace. Votes: 0

If there's a God in heaven, what's he waiting for? If He can't hear the children, then he must see the war. Votes: 0

Some kneel and lie to God. Votes: 0

Some men kneel and pray, I like women and I like wine. Votes: 0

I like Stevie Wonder. I usually wind up playing the same old tapes in the car. Votes: 0

What record companies do these days is drain the blood dry of an album, take six singles off it, and harm the longevity of artists' careers by doing it. Votes: 0

And now South Africa has finally woken up and it is doing great things. And if South Africa becomes the template to what AIDS is in the sub-Saharan continent, then all the other countries are going to follow suit. And Michel Sidibe, who spoke at the breakfast meeting this morning, was saying that there is so much hope for Africa now that South Africa has got its house in order. Votes: 0

You know, no one should be marginalized in society when it comes to health. And, you know, we have - as a foundation, we have tried to champion those people and be by - be by their side and say, listen, these people cannot be forgotten. If you forget about them, then the disease is never going to go away. Votes: 0

I grew up in the Fifties and early Sixties, which were still quite conservative, and I wasn't given any information about sex or anything like that; I went out with girls at school because one had to. I didn't experiment with sex for quite a long time. Votes: 0

We have a society where every hit maker and TV presenter is gay. Votes: 0

What we should be doing as musicians is trying to bring people together. Votes: 0

I was never told a thing about sex, so I was very naïve - as were my friends, as well, but me especially. Votes: 0

I don't have a computer. I am the Luddite of rock'n'roll, I don't have a portable phone. I write things down. Votes: 0

I didn't sleep with anyone until I was 23. Votes: 0

When I left home, [I] became Elton John success, and then it became Elton John excess. Everything I couldn't do when I was younger, I did 10 times over. I was having the time of my life. I was becoming the person I wanted to be. Votes: 0

You know, it's a very treatable disease. You shouldn't feel ashamed. But I'm afraid that's carried on very much so from the first days of AIDS, when it was basically a gay disease. And then, of course, you know, it affected everybody. Votes: 0

I became successful and within five years conquered the world and had the most amazing run. I had so much momentum and adrenaline going, but then it ends and you have to find what level you're going to be on, how enthusiastic you're going to be. Votes: 0

But we came for the Kennedy Center Awards, which was an incredible honor. Being a British person, I was bestowed this honor. And my partner and I, David, came. And we were so pleasantly surprised by George Bush and his knowledge of AIDS. He really - he treated David and I - and Laura - treated us like - they were so friendly and so courteous. Votes: 0

Instead of more violence why isn't there a meeting of religious leaders. It's all got to be dialogue - that's the only way. Get everybody from each religion together and say 'Listen, this can't go on. Why do we have all this hatred?' Votes: 0

I really appreciate my performing so much better, as I get older. I don't take it for granted anymore. I really relish it and love it. Votes: 0

Sometimes you can't see the wood for the trees as an artist. Votes: 0

For me, music is so passionate, I have to give it my all every time I go onstage. Votes: 0

My mother encouraged me and was very great about me being gay, but she always encouraged me to follow my musical dreams, which I'm very grateful for. Votes: 0

Onstage it was always comfortable for me because that's where I felt at home. Offstage it was a different situation. I was still shy offstage and unfortunately, my shyness and my inability to communicate and really have great conversations or be part of the gang - in inverted commas - led me to the drug addiction, which, you know, blighted my life for 16 years because I thought by doing that it would make me join in. Votes: 0

And we have come so far like that. I mean, the advances on the medication side have been enormous, and the advances on the human side have been enormous. But we still have this stigma to get rid of, and then we really will be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Votes: 0

I really don't need the public's money. I'd like to have something on the internet with charitable donation optional, where anyone can download my music for free. Votes: 0