The talents of an artist, small or great, are God-given. They've nothing to do with the private person; they're nothing to be proud of. They're just a sacred trust... Having been given, I must give. Man shall not live by bread alone, and what the farmer does I must do. I must feed the people - with my songs.

Artists are the radical voice of civilization.

We must join with the tens of millions all over the world who see in peace our most sacred responsibility.

We ask for nothing that is not ours by right, and herein lies the great moral power of our demand.

I shall take my voice wherever there are those who want to hear the melody of freedom or the words that might inspire hope and courage in the face of fear. My weapons are peaceful, for it is only by peace that peace can be attained. The song of freedom must prevail.

Freedom is a hard-bought thing.

As an artist I come to sing, but as a citizen, I will always speak for peace, and no one can silence me in this.