That’s what she said: Quotes from Famous Female Songwriters

Inspiration from Great Female Songwriters and Performers

Collected by Henry Bahrou, Grosse Pointe Music Academy Staff

Throughout history, female artists have shaped the world of music with bold creativity and honest expression. Their words not only reflect their craft but serve as a source of motivation and wisdom for anyone on a musical path. Here’s a curated collection of powerful quotes to spark inspiration and celebrate originality.

✨ On Creativity and Songwriting

“Songwriting is a very mysterious process. It feels like creating something from nothing. It’s something I don’t feel like I really control.”
— Tracy Chapman

“I don’t think you get to good writing unless you expose yourself and your feelings. Deep songs don’t come from the surface; they come from the deep down.”
— Judy Collins

“You could write a song about some kind of emotional problem you are having, but it would not be a good song… until it went through a period of sensitivity to a moment of clarity.”
— Joni Mitchell

“The downside of videos is that it will put my vision in front of other people, so they might not get the chance to create their own.”
— Carole King

🌟 On Authenticity and Individuality

“Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”
— Judy Garland

“No one can figure out your worth but you.”
— Pearl Bailey

“You can’t copy anybody and end with anything. If you copy, it means you’re working without any real feeling.”
— Billie Holiday

“Cherish forever what makes you unique, ‘cuz you’re really a yawn if it goes.”
— Bette Midler

🎶 On Music and Performance

“When music fails to agree to the ear, to soothe the ear and the heart and the senses, then it has missed its point.”
— Maria Callas

“When I sing, trouble can sit right on my shoulder and I don’t even notice.”
— Sarah Vaughan

“You’re gonna have to learn to get out there in front of those cameras and hold your head up. Take charge when you’re singing.”
— Patsy Cline

“If a song’s about something I’ve experienced or that could’ve happened to me it’s good… that’s what soul is all about.”
— Aretha Franklin

💬 Words to Live By

“It isn’t where you came from, it’s where you’re going that counts.”
— Ella Fitzgerald

“You don’t get to choose how you’re going to die, or when. You can only decide how you’re going to live now.”
— Joan Baez

“Put your faith in God and confidence in yourself.”
— Alberta Hunter

“You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don’t try.”
— Beverly Sills

“In the long run, you make your own luck — good, bad, or indifferent.”
— Loretta Lynn

💼 On Ambition and Success

“Success is important only to the extent that it puts one in a position to do more things one likes to do.”
— Sarah Caldwell

“You can do anything you want to do, if you know what to do.”
— Betty Carter

“Sometimes opportunities float right past your nose. Work hard, apply yourself, and be ready.”
— Julie Andrews

“You can’t just sit there and wait for people to give you that golden dream. You’ve got to get out there and make it happen for yourself.”
— Diana Ross

🤝 On Friendship and Support

“It’s the friends you can call up at 4 a.m. that matter.”
— Marlene Dietrich

“As long as you keep a person down, some part of you has to be down there to hold him down, so it means you cannot soar as you otherwise might.”
— Marian Anderson

“Always be smarter than the people who hire you.”
— Lena Horne

📣 We hope these quotes uplift and inspire you. Who’s your favorite female songwriter or performer? Let us know!