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.

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.

At every step the vast majority have expressed horror at the idea of an aggressive war.

Freedom is a hard-bought thing and millions are in chains, but they strain toward the new day drawing near.

The faces and the tactics of the leaders may change every four years, or two, or one, but the people go on forever.

Through my singing and acting and speaking, I want to make freedom ring. Maybe I can touch people's hearts better than I can their minds, with the common struggle of the common man.

This United States Government should go down to Mississippi and protect my people. That is what should happen.