Billie Holiday Quotes

The whole basis of my singing is feeling. Unless I feel something, I can’t sing.

If you copy, it means you’re working without any real feeling. No two people on earth are alike, and it’s got to be that way in music or it isn’t music.

I hate straight singing. I have to change a tune to my own way of doing it. That’s all I know.

I can only sing songs my way. I don’t know any other way.

Somebody once said we never know what is enough until we know what’s more than enough.

In this country, don’t forget, a habit is no damn private hell. There’s no solitary confinement outside of jail. A habit is hell for those you love. And in this country it’s the worst kind of hell for those who love you.

They think they can make fuel from horse manure – now, I don’t know if your car will be able to get 30 miles to the gallon, but it’s sure gonna put a stop to siphoning.

I never had a chance to play with dolls like other kids. I started working when I was six years old.

I don’t think I’m singing. I feel like I’m playing a horn…What comes out is what I feel.

God bless the child that’s got his own.

Lust may be in the heart, though it be not seen by others; as guests may be in the house, though they look not out at the windows.

If I’m going to sing like someone else, then I don’t need to sing at all.