Quotes By Lucinda Williams

I have a folder of scraps and pieces of paper with stuff, ideas for songs from the last 25 years; just little things, maybe early songs that I finished, but didn't think they were good enough.

I'm just like everyone. I like to feel togetherness with someone.

I write the songs, go in and record them, then I listen to everything and decide how it all fits together.

I'd rather play a few nights at the Fillmore than play one night at an arena.

I love Emmylou Harris's version of my song, 'Sweet Old World.' Her intonation is great.

I don't mean to complain. I wouldn't trade my life for anything.

People let their own hang-ups become the obstacles between them and personal happiness.

The man I lived with is a Christian, so I would talk to him about it. What would this person do in the Bible? What's the story around this person? Generally, when people talk about characters in the Bible, there's one thing they're known for, like Job.

First thing, I throw on some jeans, a T-shirt and my Keds sneakers and make coffee. That is actually my favorite time of day. That is when I do my songwriting, when I am in writing mode.

I would worry if I wasn't coming up with ideas, if I wasn't inspired.

Sometimes I might borrow something from a song I started a long time ago and see if I can grab something.

I'm fascinated by the whole concept of snake handling. When you read about the Pentecostal snake handlers, what strikes you the most is their commitment.

I'm not just a doormat. I'm not just being stepped on all over the place. If you look at the bulk of my material, it's about trying to find some strength through that.

Some of their best songs don't have bridges and choruses. So that made me think I should trust my instincts. My songs were okay, I figured. I didn't need to change anything.

I feel a lot more comfortable being me these days. I'm constantly told that my work is good. A lot of fans and a lot of other artists say my songs and albums mean a lot to them. Isn't that what's important?

I started writing songs, I guess, when I was about 13 or 14, but I didn't know if they were good enough yet or anything.

I guess you could write a good song if your heart hadn't been broken, but I don't know of anyone whose heart hasn't been broken.

You can't really praise somebody's work and then criticize the process.

I have such a great band. We had played all this material on the road. I just wanted to let it fly.

So few people are truly themselves when they're in the spotlight.

I'm trying to learn how to tap into the power of my own being. I know it sounds corny.

I'm dealing with things as they come along, and I'm talking about it.

I've had trouble being in relationships and writing. This has been a real problem for me. I don't know if it's because I'm not free to fantasize or create these fantasy things about other people.

Sade's stuff is real deceptive. She's got stuff about prostitutes, poverty and people on the streets.

There's so many other things to write about than unrequited love.

I certainly had my God-can-you-just-take-me-now-I've-just-had-it-I'm-checking-out-let-me-off-the-train-I'm-done kind of thing. But, you know, I would never actually do it. I just can't imagine what it would take to do that.

I mean, whose songs don't focus on tragedy and loss?

The more I separate myself from my upbringing, the more I appreciate what it's done for me.

Just because I'm talking about something that might have been a sad or painful situation doesn't mean that I'm sad or tortured 24 hours a day any more than anybody else is.

Back in the 1960s, I saw Peter, Paul and Mary. I was at that age, about 14, and I was mesmerized.