I got started in Oklahoma. That's where I was born. Population down there is one-third Indians, one-third Negroes and one-third white people.

I hate a song that makes you think that you are not any good. I hate a song that makes you think that you are just born to lose. Bound to lose. No good to nobody. No good for nothing. Because you are too old or too young or too fat or too slim too ugly or too this or too that.

I have decided long ago that my songs and ballads would not get the hugs and kisses of the capitalistic experts.

Take it easy, but take it.

Uncle Sam took up the challenge in the year of '33 For the farmer and the factory and all of you and me. He said, "Roll along Columbia. You can ramble to the sea, But river while you're ramblin' you can do some work for me."

If you want to learn something, just steal it.

One day we'll all find out that all of our songs was just little notes in a great big song!