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.

All dope can do for you is kill you... the long hard way. And it can kill the people you love right along with you.

You've got to have something to eat and a little love in your life before you can hold still for any damn body's sermon on how to behave.

The only reason they're out there is to see me fall into the damn orchestra pit.

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.

Dope never helped anybody sing better or play music better or do anything better. All dope can do for you is kill you - and kill you the long, slow, hard way.

One day a whole damn song fell into place in my head.