Patti Smith quotes

Patti Smith, a renowned American singer-songwriter, poet, and visual artist, is a true icon of rock and roll. With a career spanning over four decades, Smith has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Known for her distinctive blend of punk rock and poetry, she emerged as a trailblazer in the 1970s New York City scene. Patti Smith's influential debut album "Horses" is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time, fusing raw energy with profound and socially conscious lyrics. Beyond music, Smith's poetry collections and memoirs have garnered critical acclaim, showcasing her profound talent in wordsmithing. Recognized as a vocal advocate for human rights and equality, Patti Smith's artistry continues to inspire generations. Embrace the poetic allure of Patti Smith's music and words, as she proves that true artistry transcends genres and touches souls.

As far as I'm concerned, being any gender is a drag.

- Patti Smith

I had a really happy childhood - my siblings were great, my mother was very fanciful, and I loved to read. But there was always financial strife.

- Patti Smith

In art and dream may you proceed with abandon. In life may you proceed with balance and stealth.

- Patti Smith

I always enjoyed doing transgender songs.

- Patti Smith

Jesus died for somebody's sins but not mine.

- Patti Smith

I have a daughter who's 11 years old. Maybe she'll grow up independent and really really heavy and become a movie star and she'll play me in my life story.

- Patti Smith

Christianity made us think there's one heaven.

- Patti Smith

An artist may have burdens the ordinary citizen doesn't know, but the ordinary citizen has burdens that many artists never even touch.

- Patti Smith

If I have any regrets, I could say that I'm sorry I wasn't a better writer or a better singer.

- Patti Smith

Let's just say that I think any person who aspires, presumes, or feels the calling to be an artist has a built-in sense of duty.

- Patti Smith

In the period where I had to live the life of a citizen - a life where, like everybody else, I did tons of laundry and cleaned toilet bowls, changed hundreds of diapers and nursed children - I learned a lot.

- Patti Smith

No, my work does not reflect my sexual preferences, it reflects the fact that I feel total freedom as an artist.

- Patti Smith

In fact, I thought my calling was to be a painter.

- Patti Smith

The new artists coming through were very materialistic and Hollywood, not so engaged in communication.

- Patti Smith

Besides me wanting to be an artist, I wanted to be a movie star.

- Patti Smith

Artists are traditionally resistant to labels.

- Patti Smith

Mohammed personally mapped out seven heavens. If he got to seven, you know there's more.

- Patti Smith

When I was younger, I felt it was my duty to wake people up. I thought poetry was asleep. I thought rock 'n' roll was asleep.

- Patti Smith

I think I'm constantly in a state of adjustment.

- Patti Smith

Rock n' roll is dream soup, what's your brand?

- Patti Smith

I've always thrived on the encouragement of others.

- Patti Smith

My sunglasses are like my guitar.

- Patti Smith

First of all, anybody who has lasted 30 and went through the 60's is really a survivor.

- Patti Smith

Those who have suffered understand suffering and therefore extend their hand.

- Patti Smith

Never let go of that fiery sadness called desire.

- Patti Smith

I like gettin' old.

- Patti Smith

Somehow I started introducing writing into my drawings, and after a time, the language took over and I started getting very involved with the handwriting and then the look of the handwriting.

- Patti Smith

I never thought I was gonna live to 30.

- Patti Smith

Everyone thinks of God as a man - you can't help it - Santa Claus was a man, therefore God has to be a man.

- Patti Smith

Maybe I'll be 48 and die in the gutter in Paris.

- Patti Smith