Patty Griffin Quotes

Fame is a can of worms I haven't really had to contend with.

Most everything means nothing, except some things that mean everything.

You must always know how long to stay; and when to go.

I think there are times when a song can be a spiritual experience - just making music, in general, is pretty much that.

Most people like the sad songs. Some of the oldest songs known to man are sad. Listening to a voice singing something sad is a really great way to help you to feel sad when you need to.

I grew up as a Catholic, and there was so much that was beautiful there, and also so much that was troubling. The whole patriarchal thing, the whole male-dominated approach, really bothered me.

Along the way, I've had different advice from different music producers. I've been told to tone it down, that the quiet parts of my voice are appealing and there's harshness to the loud part of my voice.

God as "he," as a patriarchal thing, is offensive to me. It's standard fare for America - "he, he, he." Every time I hear that, it's like another blow against females. It's very radical talk at this point for females to say this kind of stuff, but nationwide, I still hear females referring to God as "he."

It's occurred to me I need to laugh at myself more and that I don't need to be some sad folk singer all the time. I don't want to be the queen of pain.

I think listeners are hungry to hear quality.

I was brought up to express myself only when asked to express myself and then to do so in a way that's pleasing to hear. But I've always had a need to make my presence known. I was just sort of born that way, I guess. It's my natural tendency.

I don't necessarily buy any key to the future of happiness, but I need a little place in the sun sometimes or I think I will die.

I'm confused that there is a lack of faith in listening to and deciding what is a great song and instead going for these formulaic, bad songs over and over again. But that's what happened when people from beverage companies bought record labels and radio stations as opposed to people who love music owning record labels.

Often I have to move my body in a certain way, like exercising, to begin to get into the right rhythm for writing a song.

But darling, I wish you well On your way to the wishing well

Everyone is tortured. Do you know anyone who isn't?

I was asked to sing with Mavis Staples on a gospel compilation called 'Oh Happy Day.' And, you know, other than being totally intimidated at the prospect of singing with Mavis, I was honored. I don't really have much of a background in gospel music.

Studios are designed to pull out all of that beautiful ambience you get from singing in a room, and then the engineer puts it back in digitally or through whatever machinery you've got.