Quotes By Ethel Merman

You gotta have a gimmick.

I attend surprisingly few shows. The type of theater that is popular today just doesn't appeal to me.

I'll pat myself on the back and admit I have talent. Beyond that, I just happened to be in the right place at the right time.

Eisenhower was my war hero and the President I admire and respect most.

I wouldn't change one thing about my professional life, and I make it a point not to dwell on my mistakes.

Everything's coming up roses - for me.

I preferred delivering my performance in person. I liked to be in control. You couldn't be in films.

I have plenty of invitations to go places, lots to do. If I'm not working, I go to have my hair taken care of and work at needlepoint.

Legend has it that when God created me, he gave me a big distinctive voice, a lot of boldness and no heart.

There have been people who have tried to take advantage of me. They want to be linked to me just because I'm Ethel Merman.

Always give them the old fire, even when you feel like a squashed cake of ice.

My father taught me to read music and play the piano-but not well, even though people have said that I'm a natural musician.

I have been ambitious to be a somebody from the time I was 5 years old.

Any audience that gets a laugh out of me gets it while I'm facing them.

I'll admit - I was honored to be on the cover of Time.

As far as dramas are concerned, it's considered passe for playwrights to turn out anything the average person can understand.

There's such a thing as theater discipline. One player doesn't appropriate another's inventions.

Christmas carols always brought tears to my eyes. I also cry at weddings. I should have cried at a couple of my own.

Mom and Pop were proud of my popularity, but from their point of view, show business was no way to make a living.

I was born in my parents' bedroom on January 16. The World Almanac says it was 1909. I say it was 1912. But what difference does it make as long as I feel 33?