Text first, rhythm second, melody third.

The end of all good music is to affect the soul.

The goods of this world are most dear to me, but much dearer are peace of mind and my own honor.

The modern composer builds upon the foundation of truth.

The modern composer builds his works on the basis of truth.

The way he looked at her made her heart beat fast. "I like you, Natalie." She could not let that mean anything to her. "That's natural. I'm likable.

After I went to college, I realized that no matter how much I loved sports, I was ready to have fun, and that was right when I started to sing.

A short saying often contains much wisdom.

One is what one has the nerve to pretend to be.

Savages we call them because their manners differ from ours.

Give your face to God, and He will put his shine on it.

The way your life plays out depends on which dominoes you chose to push over and which ones you leave alone.

Well as much as I'm sure the people next door who are pretending they aren't looking at me would like to hear what I have to say, I'd rather say it to just you.

True love is that which ennobles the personality, fortifies the heart, and sanctifies the existence.

I am an educationist. I'm an economist. I am a politician. I am also now a good storyteller, you know?