Elizabeth Barrett Browning Quotes

The first question at that time in poetry was simply the question of honesty, of sincerity.

I feel some kind of duty to be really, really honest as a writer. The same is true of my songwriting.

The first test any poem must pass is no longer, 'Is it true to nature?' but a criterion looking in a different direction: namely, 'Is it sincere? Is it genuine?'

The whole truth... sings only - and all lovers are the song.

Always make your work be personal. And, you never have to lie... There is something we know that's connected with beauty and truth. There is something ancient. We know that art is about beauty, and therefore it has to be about truth.

I read the text; and then I come to the Shirat ha-Yam, to the Song of the Sea [Exodus 15], to the poetry. Who could have written such a poem except someone who went through it? It is so full of life, so full of truth, of passion, of concern. And the thousands and thousands of commentaries in the Talmudic tradition that have been written on it. It had to have happened. But even if not, I would attribute the same beauty to the text as I do now.

When a man talks from his heart, in his moment of truth, he speaks poetry.

I am quite certain in my heart of hearts that modern music and modern art is not a conspiracy, but is a form of truth and integrity for those who practise it honestly, decently and with all their being.

What's the point of a song if you can't be honest?

I want a language that speaks the truth.

Nothing can be beautiful which is not true.

I learned a long time ago to be honest when I'm talking to other artists. Up-and-coming artists used to come and say something, they would have a demo reel, and I would try to tell them the truth. I don't go up and say something unless I really feel it.

It is the glory and good of Art, That Art remains the one way possible Of speaking truth, to mouths like mine at least.

The poet nothing affirmeth and therefore never lieth.

Every single lyric I've ever written I meant.

Art is about expressing the true nature of the human spirit in whatever way one wishes to express it. If it is honest, it is beautiful. If it is not honest, it is obvious.

The responsibility of an artist is to be honest with themselves.

A true poet does not bother to be poetical. Nor does a nursery gardener scent his roses.

The poet never asks for admiration; he wants to be believed.

My music definitely comes from a place of experience. Everything connects to a truth.

In general I think that in art you only have the responsibility to tell the truth.

An artist cannot be partially sincere any more than art can be an approximation of beauty.

I've made a contribution to my time and my generation through being myself, not through what I shared with the Rolling Stones. It's very bad for me and very dangerous to see myself as someone who had an influence on this song or that song. It immediately puts me in the position where my worth is dependent on how much of my soul I shared with Mick Jagger, and it's just not valid. You can use the gossip you've heard. You're not getting it from me.

Forge thy tongue on an anvil of truth and what flies up, though it be but a spark, will have light.

A poet's first contract is with truth.