Jonathan Galassi Quotes

The first function of poetry is to tell the truth, to learn how to do that, to find out what you really feel and what you really think.

A poet's first contract is with truth.

Lyrics are kind of the whole thing; it's the message. Something might have a beautiful melody but if it's not the truth coming out of your mouth, it's not appealing.

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.

A good poem looks life straight in the face, unflinching, sincere, equal to revelation through loss or gain.

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

I'm a writer. My job is to speak what - that which I think is true. If that bridges the gap, that's good. If it doesn't, that's too bad.

When you eliminate vanity from an art form, and I would think that this would be any art form, what is left is an opportunity to be incredibly naked and truthful.

I want that every piece of art be honest, never mind what it is about.

For a creative writer possession of the 'truth' is less important than emotional sincerity.

Songwriters tell the truth.

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

Although rap is about boasting, it's also about honesty and expressing your emotions.

I think poetry's always a kind of faith. It is the kind that I have.

Only truthful hands write true poems. I cannot see any basic difference between a handshake and a poem.

Being honest is my job. That's what music is for me.

Whatever else has been said about me personally is unimportant. When I sing, I believe. I'm honest.

Learn your instrument. Be honest. Don't do anything phony. There is so much crap floating around. There is plenty of room for a bit of honest writing.

Whether I'm acting, writing, or directing, I want to tell the truth about human beings, especially my folk.

Yes, I do often write poems from the mind, but I hope I don't ignore feelings and emotions.

Lying and art are very allied. But after you lie, you get to the truth.

Please understand that I make music to express myself, and if you know anything about me, you know that I'm nothing but honest.

I am not a guy who can write speeches and when I speak I speak from the heart, I just say what I feel and what I believe in.

I have never been able to separate - nor have I wanted to - my personal love and desire for truth, passion, and understanding from my lyrics.

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.