I paint objects as I think them, not as I see them.

We all know that art is not truth. Art is a lie that makes us realize the truth.

The purpose of a writer is to keep civilization from destroying itself.

We're not trying to change the world; just music.

A great poet is the most precious jewel of a nation.

Intellectual passion drives out sensuality.

I think another thing is that we don't really want exclusivity. We accept that it is in the artist's interest to be on sale in every place where they sell music.

The absence of limitations is the enemy of art.

Music can change the world because it can change people.

Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness.

Rock and roll music, if you like it, if you feel it, you can't help but move to it. That's what happens to me. I can't help it.

Music is the one incorporeal entrance into the higher world of knowledge which comprehends mankind but which mankind cannot comprehend.

I love rock-n-roll. I think it's an exciting art form. It's revolutionary. Still revolutionary and it changed people. It changed their hearts. But yeah, even rock-n-roll has a lot of rubbish, really bad music.

Real popular culture is folk art - coalminers' songs and so forth.

The only escape from the miseries of life are music and cats...

Every day brings a chance for you to draw in a breath, kick off your shoes, and dance.

I'm very happy to hear that my work inspires writers and painters. It's the most beautiful compliment, the greatest reward. Art should always be an exchange.

Art is permitted to survive only if it renounces the right to be different, and integrates itself into the omnipotent realm of the profane.

Singers come and go, but if you're a good actor, you can last a long time

Let us read, and let us dance; these two amusements will never do any harm to the world.

It's so sweet, I feel like my teeth are rotting when I listen to the radio.