Cat Power Quotes

After my second-to-last record, 'The Greatest', I had gone on tour for a while, and I didn't play an instrument for about five years. And I got kind of - it's not self-esteem or whatever, or anger toward myself - but disappointed in myself that I hadn't been challenging myself to learn musically.

From folk to tribal to Cab Calloway, Cole Porter, Gershwin to the Rolling Stones, whose first record was all covers, to country-western, bebop, blues, and even the referencing in classic hip hop to cliched love ballads of the '80s or whatever - that is kinda gone, and that's just terrifying to me.

I got more guts than brains, and that's my problem.

Life is hard and it gets worse and worse and worse.

Usually, I'll just sit down at a piano or with a guitar, and I'll just be relaxed and playing music. Because that's what relaxes your subconscious. That's why everyone from animals to humans love music.

Oh I do believe
In all the things you see
What comes is better
Than what came before

Everybody tends to think I'm crazy, which is the biggest problem in my life.

I got told so many times I needed a manager. For a long time I resisted, and I finally got one so I can pay my mortgage, and it helped me from becoming a homeless person.

If your parents gave you fire to play with when you were two, you'd be standing in fire by the time you were an adult.

Never give up, no, never give up
If you're looking for something easy
You might as well give it up.

I've never had a clique. It's impossible when you're always traveling.

People tend to think I'm insane, and I'm really tired of it.

For me, the moment the mic is on and it's rolling, it's impossible to vocally relax for some reason. But one day, I'm going to be able to sing the way I sang when I was a little kid, completely open and free. That's, I think, the one thing that's changed: Growing older, I'm not ashamed to hear my voice.

I don't come from money or an educated family background or any sort of supportive family life, so all of my choices are made on my own.

Playing the guitar, you kind of lock into a rhythm and a groove, and then it relaxes me to make up lyrics and sing.

I've always done things myself. I've never bragged or screamed that I produced a record before. I never told anybody.

I've always dressed like a dude.

People and their religions don't affect me.

I am human and I make mistakes.

I used to want to be a war photographer, and I used to want to be a ballerina and a comedian. I used to want to be a writer. I invalidated myself; it's a mistake for me.

I still haven't been able to capture the joy of what it's like when I sing - you know, when I'm by myself, or like when I was a little kid.

I got told I needed a producer I don't know how many times - maybe 27 times, 30? Then I recently got told 'I'm so proud of you.' That was even more great to hear.

I need to be able to face things.