Life is for the living. Death is for the dead. Let life be like music. And death a note unsaid.

Out of love, No regrets-- Though the goodness Be wasted forever. Out of love, No regrets-- Though the return Be never.

We younger Negro artists who create now intend to express our individual dark-skinned selves without fear or shame. If white people are pleased we are glad. If they aren?t it doesn?t matter.

I do not want no pretty woman. First thing you know, you fall in love with her-then you got to kill somebody about her. She'll make you so jealous, you'll bust!

Why should I want to be white? I am a Negro - and beautiful!

Let the rain sing you a lullaby.

Road's in front o' me, Nothin' to do but walk.