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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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'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 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.