Johnny Paycheck
I happen to think I'm a damn good singer and people come to see me sing, not because of my background.Collection: Good
I started bumming around when I was a teen.Collection: Teen
Hopelessness is the seed of crime. If every man had a goal and some hope for reaching it, we could really reduce crime.Collection: Hope
I'm a man who believes that right is right and wrong is wrong.
To me, an 'outlaw' is a man that did things his own way, whether you liked him or not.
I know what it's like to be a loser.
Most people are dissatisfied with their bag, they work hard to get a damn raise. Inflation eats it up. They're locked into the whole system.
I've been up and down like a window blind.
I worked all my life to get to the penthouse and there ain't nothin' there.
Treat me right, and I will give you my all. Treat me wrong, and I will give you nothing.
If I had it to do over again, I think I'd do about the same thing.
This world is full of people that want you to do things their way, not necessarily the way you want to do it. I did things my way.
Billy Sherrill is the master to me, and I enjoyed every minute working with him.
I do have a temper... me and millions of others.
I'm basically a pretty level-headed guy.
Well, I'd like to be remembered by all my work, instead of one song. But a lot of times you get tagged that way.
I think my best times were in the seventies, when I made the comeback. Then there was '76, when 'Shove It' came along.
Life isn't all good stuff.
Yeah, Paycheck's an outlaw. The pilgrims were outlaws, too, y'know. They wanted to do it their way. An outlaw is someone who believes in himself and doesn't give a damn what others think.
There are too many overlooked workers out there in America. They deserve more credit.
I learned a lot about the educational system, and what not having it does to you.
I've seen more than a few singers sleep their way through their medleys; if you're going to do them like you're sleeping, why bother?
I've been lucky to have a good reputation with writers. My strongest suit is that of an interpreter, so it's important for me to get ahold of the best material available. It doesn't always come from Nashville either; there are guys all around the country hitting the nail on the head.
I've always tried to keep an eye on where my bread is buttered and if you don't have a song you can sink your teeth into, you're in trouble.
I like Joe Diffie, Alan Jackson and Travis Tritt, who I think sounds a bit like me.
My music's always been about life. And situations. Situation comedies, situation life.
I think my best times were in the '70s, when I made the comeback. Then there was 1976, when 'Shove It' came along.
When people don't understand something, they condemn it. That's what's happened to me. They've condemned me without taking time to understand me.
Hank Williams was my idol. He was the first real, wonderful outlaw individual in the business.
I'll try anything once to see if I like it. And if I like it, I'll stick with it no matter what anybody says. I won't do something that will hurt somebody else, but I'll do what I damn well please. If something makes me feel good, I'll do it.
I'm a Gemini, an adventurer.
My dad taught me that if you're gonna be ashamed of something, then don't do it.
I think some of my greatest creative stuff was in the 1960s, but I think the most commercial stuff, things that made a lot of sense for the time, was the CBS stuff.
I sing about the little guy that has been kicked around.
When you live a good, clean life things really pay off for you.
Johnny Paycheck is no different than anybody.
It doesn't matter to me where I play, as long as I pack it.
I've got one speed. Wide open.
I sing as hard for 10 as I do for 10,000.
I was a pretty wild kid, I guess.
Yeah, I like acting. I'd like to do more of it. I want to do it all.
I've spent my life just travelling and singing for beer or money or whatever.
I've never held a real job in my life. I've always just looked for a place to stay. And if I didn't find it, I'd sleep in the streets.
I guess I'm pretty hard headed and stubborn.
I just stand up for my beliefs. And what I believe in is me.
I like President Carter; I think he has done a good job considering all the things he's had to face.
Women have asked for equal rights, and I think having equal rights means sharing all the responsibilities of our country. Now, I'm not saying all women would make good soldiers on the frontline, but I know some who would make better soldiers than some men.
I think 'Shove It' hit at a time when people felt trapped in a dull, day-to-day job and rather than express their dislike, they let my song do it for them.
Any musician will tell you they have played for free just because they wanted an audience and a chance to play.
I sing about things that have always been and always will be.